General Operative

Heidelberg Materials; Reading; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Heidelberg Materials UK is hiring a General Operative to support production and distribution teams in a fast-paced environment. The role focuses on safe, efficient manufacture and delivery of products with full training provided.

You will operate bagging lines, assist with stock movements, loading vehicles for dispatch, and contribute to site operations while upholding high quality standards and adherence to health and safety rules.

Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing/production environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and quality.
• Strong attention to detail with accurate work.
• Ability to work well in a team and follow instructions.
• Willingness to learn new skills and adapt to changing tasks.

Responsibilities

• Operate production equipment in line with daily production plans.
• Assist with loading and dispatch, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Maintain clean and safe working environment and basic equipment upkeep.
• Follow health and safety procedures and risk assessments at all times.
• Move stock and materials around the site as required.
• Support forklift/truck roles after training.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Safety awareness

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Manual handling

Communication skills

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’re 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.

Apply Today

If you take pride in delivering quality work, enjoy working as part of a team, and are looking for a rewarding role with opportunities to develop new skills, we’d like to hear from you.