General Operative

Heidelberg Materials UK; Reading; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full training

Career development

Safe environment

Long-term career

Job summary

Heidelberg Materials UK is seeking a General Operative to support production and distribution. Join a fast-paced site where training is provided and safety is the top priority.

You will operate bagging lines, handle stock movements, load vehicles, maintain quality and hygiene, and contribute to a reliable delivery service across our sites. This role suits dependable individuals who can follow procedures and learn new skills, with forklift training may be provided.

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing, production, warehouse or distribution environments.
• Commitment to quality, safety and teamwork.
• Ability to work accurately in a fast-paced setting.
• Attention to detail and proactive work approach.
• Reliable, flexible and eager to learn new skills.
• Good communication and positive attitude.
• Able to perform manual handling as required.

Responsibilities

• Operate production equipment per daily plans.
• Support high-speed bagging lines to maximise productivity and quality.
• Complete and maintain required production documentation accurately.
• Ensure products meet quality standards and customer expectations.
• Work to picking tickets and dispatch schedules with accuracy.
• Load heavy goods vehicles safely for deliveries.
• Move stock and materials around the site as needed.
• Maintain a clean, safe working environment and basic line maintenance.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
• Provide cover for Forklift Truck roles after training.

Skills

Manufacturing environment

Quality standards

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Manual handling

Forklift operation

Tools

Forklift driving

Job description

Heidelberg Materials UK (formerly Hanson UK) is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of construction materials, employing over 4,000 people and operating around 300 manufacturing sites in the UK.

We are committed to building a more sustainable future and recognise that a diverse workforce is vital to our growth and advancement. We aim to promote a culture that values openness, transparency and individual achievement.

At the centre of our actions lies the responsibility for the environment. As the front runner on the path to carbon neutrality and circular economy in the building materials industry, we are working on sustainable building materials and solutions for the future. We enable new opportunities for our customers through digitalisation.

General Operative

Join a Leading Manufacturing and Distribution Operation

Are you a reliable, hardworking individual looking for a hands‑on role within a fast‑paced production environment? We are seeking a General Operative to support our production and distribution teams, helping to ensure the safe, efficient, and high‑quality manufacture and delivery of our products.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a supportive team where full training is provided, career development is encouraged, and safety is always the top priority.

The Role

As a General Operative, you will play a key role across both production and distribution operations. Your responsibilities may include operating high‑speed bagging lines, supporting stock movements, loading vehicles for dispatch, and assisting with site operations to ensure products are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate production equipment in line with daily production plans.
• Support the operation of high‑speed bagging lines to maximise productivity and quality.
• Complete and maintain all required production documentation accurately.
• Ensure products consistently meet company quality standards and customer expectations.
• Work to picking tickets and dispatch schedules with a high level of accuracy.
• Load heavy goods vehicles safely and efficiently for customer deliveries.
• Move stock and materials throughout the site as required.
• Carry out routine housekeeping and maintain a clean, safe working environment.
• Assist with the upkeep and basic maintenance of bagging lines and associated equipment.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and productivity.
• Provide cover for Forklift Truck and Shovel Driver roles following successful training.
• Follow all company Health & Safety procedures, safe systems of work, and risk assessments at all times.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for individuals who:

• Have previous experience within a manufacturing, production, warehouse, distribution, or industrial environment.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to quality, safety, and teamwork.
• Can work accurately and efficiently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Have excellent attention to detail and a proactive approach to work.
• Are reliable, flexible, and willing to learn new skills.
• Possess good communication skills and a positive attitude.
• Are capable of undertaking manual handling duties as part of the role.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience operating production or bagging machinery.
• Forklift Truck experience or certification.
• Experience loading heavy goods vehicles.
• Experience working with production targets and performance measures.

What We Offer

• Full training and ongoing development.
• A supportive and safety‑focused working environment.
• Opportunities to gain additional qualifications and operating skills.
• Varied and engaging work across production and distribution functions.
• The opportunity to build a long‑term career within a successful and growing business.