General Operative

Progress Rail; Sandiacre; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Holiday entitlement

Life assurance

Employee assistance

Gym discounts

Fuel card

Qualification training

Job summary

Progress Rail in Sandiacre is seeking a General Operative to support production operations and meet the manufacturing plan. You will use measuring tools, safely operate machines after training and assist with cranes, forklifts, and quality processes.

Ideal candidates are hands-on, with basic engineering exposure, able to read engineering drawings and work under pressure to deadlines. Benefits include shift allowance and pension contributions.

Qualifications

• Awareness of Safety, Health, Environmental and Quality issues.
• Self-motivated with a proactive attitude and the ability to quickly adapt to changing production priorities.
• Basic engineering qualification or experience.
• Able to read and work to engineering drawings.
• Ability to work under pressure to deadlines and targets.
• Experience in the use of hand/ power tools (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Safely operate multiple machines after training.
• Use measuring tools (tape, verniers, calipers, gauges).
• Maintain tidy workspace per procedures.
• Operate overhead cranes to move rails as trained.
• Ensure compliance with quality, safety and environmental systems.
• Minimise machine downtime and ensure workflow continuity.
• Safely use forklift and sideloaders.

Skills

Safety awareness

Self-motivation

Adaptability

Reading drawings

Pressure handling

Hand tools experience

Education

Basic engineering qualification

Tools

Measuring tools

Bandsaws

Grinders

Overhead cranes

Forklift / Sideloader

Job description

GENERAL OPERATIVE

SANDIACRE, NG10 5AN

UP TO £33,075 DOE (INCLUDING SHIFT ALLOWANCE)

2 Shift Pattern:

Days: Monday to Thursday, 06:00 – 13:40 & Friday 06:00 – 13:00

Afters: Monday to Thursday, 13:35 – 21:15 & Friday 12:55 – 19:55

Are you a hands‑on General Operative with experience operating machinery, hand tools and plant equipment? Do you take pride in working safely, efficiently and as part of a production team? If so, Progress Rail would love to hear from you. We're looking for a motivated individual to support our production operations and help deliver against our manufacturing plan.

THE ROLE

As a General Operative you will be required to:

• Work under the direction of Team Leader/ Production Supervisor as required.
• Use correct measuring tools for the task in hand (including tape, verniers, calipers, gauges, and templates).
• Safely operate multiple machines once training has been provided, such as bandsaws, portable saws, presses, forge, flash butt welding, Electro slag welding).
• Use hand grinding tools, such as angle grinders and die grinders.
• Operates overhead cranes to move rails and products onto machines or as required within training methods provided.
• Ensure compliance with Company procedures as required, including quality, safety, and environmental management processes.
• Maintain a tidy working environment in accordance with Company and legislative requirements. Assess and prioritise work tasks to facilitate minimum machine down time and ensure workflow continuity.
• Safe use of Forklift and Sideloader vehicles

THE CANDIDATE

• Awareness of Safety, Health, Environmental and Quality issues
• Self-motivated with a proactive attitude and the ability to quickly adapt to changing production priorities
• Basic engineering qualification or experience
• Able to read and work to engineering drawings
• Ability to work under pressure to deadlines and targets
• Experience in the use of hand/ power tools (desirable)

BENEFITS

• Up to £33,075 DOE (including shift allowance)
• Company funded external qualifications, where relevant for the role
• Tailored training to help you learn and develop
• Annual professional membership funded by the Company, where relevant for the role
• 33 days holiday per annum, pro rata (inclusive of bank/public holidays)
• Company pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution
• Life assurance cover 3.5 x salary
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounted gym membership – up to 25% off across 4,000 UK gyms
• Fuel Card – save 2-3p per litre on across 3,500 UK fuel stations including BP, Esso and Shell
• Various employee recognition schemes

ABOUT PROGRESS RAIL

Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, is one of the largest integrated and diversified providers of rolling stock and infrastructure solutions and technologies for the global rail industry. The company provides advanced EMD® locomotives, engines, and technologies, railcars, trackwork, fasteners, signalling, rail welding and Kershaw Maintenance-of-Way equipment, along with dedicated locomotive and freight car repair services, aftermarket parts support and recycling operations.

Progress Rail’s deep industry expertise ensures a commitment to quality through innovative solutions. With a global network across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Australia, China, Germany, India, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, we are committed to serving our customers.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Progress Rail is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. We value and embrace diversity of thought, background and unique experiences and we pride ourselves on being an inclusive workforce and culture.