General Operative

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

Benefits offered by this job

Full training

Career development

Safety-focused environment

Long-term career

Job summary

Heidelberg Materials UK is seeking a General Operative to support production and distribution teams in a fast-paced site. You will help ensure safe, efficient manufacture and timely delivery of products, with full training provided and opportunities for career development.

This role suits reliable, detail-oriented individuals who value quality and teamwork, can work across production and warehouse tasks, and are prepared to perform manual handling and occasional forklift duties after training.

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing, production, warehouse settings.
• Commitment to quality and safety.
• Ability to work accurately in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to learn and take on new tasks.

Responsibilities

• Operate production equipment in line with daily production plans.
• Support high-speed bagging lines to maximise productivity and quality.
• Load heavy goods vehicles safely for customer deliveries.
• Move stock and materials around the site as required.
• Follow health and safety procedures at all times.

Skills

Production environment

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Manual handling

Communication

Tools

Forklift certification

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

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.

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

• 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.

At Heidelberg Materials UK (previously known as Hanson UK) we strive to create an inclusive and respectful workplace where every individual can bring their unique skills and background to contribute to the success of our business.

We understand that a diverse workforce is key to our growth and development, and we aim to foster a culture that values openness, transparency, and individual achievement.

As part of our commitment to promoting diversity, we are actively working to encourage more individuals to consider careers within the construction industry. We believe in building a workplace that is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and diversity.

We also offer a range of benefits, such as access to our Employee Assistance Program, trained mental health first aiders, discounted private medical benefits and much more, to ensure your wellbeing is prioritized.

Our family-friendly policies, such as enhanced maternity and parental leave, neonatal care, and adoption support, will provide you with the flexibility and support you need to balance your personal and professional commitments.

We are also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.

Please contact [e-mail] for additional information or to request accommodations.

You may still be the right fit for this or other roles within our company.