General Operative

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

Benefits offered by this job

33 days holiday

Company pension

Life assurance

Gym discount

Fuel card

Training opportunities

Job summary

Progress Rail is seeking a General Operative to support production operations in a hands-on role. You will work under a Team Leader/Production Supervisor, operate multiple machines after training, and use measuring tools to ensure quality.

The ideal candidate has basic engineering qualifications or relevant experience, reads engineering drawings, and can handle hand and power tools. A safety-conscious mindset and ability to meet deadlines are essential.

Qualifications

• Basic engineering qualification or experience.
• Able to read and work from engineering drawings.
• Experience with hand/power tools.
• Able to work under pressure to deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Operate machines after training, including bandsaws, presses, forge, welding.
• Use measuring tools such as tape, verniers, calipers and gauges.
• Safely move rails with overhead cranes as required.
• Maintain a tidy workspace in compliance with safety and quality processes.
• Safe use of forklift and sideloader.

Skills

Safety awareness

Self-motivation

Reading drawings

Tool use

Adaptability

Education

Basic engineering qualification

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Overhead cranes

Job description

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:

The ideal General Operative:

• 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.