HGV Plant Operator

MSF Ltd; Newton Aycliffe; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

MSF Ltd is seeking an HGV Plant Operator to support civil engineering projects, mainly highways. Based at the Newton Aycliffe depot, you will operate HGVs and heavy plant on-site, prioritising safety and delivery standards.

You will work as part of a team delivering excavation, lifting, and transport tasks, assist with feeder pillar and cabling works, and ensure compliance with HSEQ policies. Night shifts and occasional stays away from home may be required.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating HGVs and plant machinery on construction/highways projects.
• Valid HGV/plant operator's license and relevant CPCS/NPORS/CSCS card (or equivalent certifications).
• Willing and able to undertake manual duties, and comfortable with night shifts and working away from home when required.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to safety and high-quality workmanship.
• Effective communicator and a reliable team player.
• Full UK Driving Licence is essential.

Responsibilities

• Operate HGV vehicles, heavy plant, and machinery (e.g., grab wagons, HIABs) for excavation, lifting, and materials transport.
• Support site activities such as duct laying, cabling, highway lighting and sign erection, and general reinstatement works.
• Carry out mechanical excavation as well as some manual trenching if required.
• Assist in construction and installation of feeder pillar/cabinet sites and highway utility chambers.
• Identify and address onsite risks proactively, ensuring all plant and vehicle operations are conducted safely and efficiently.
• Follow company and industry standards for health, safety, environment, and quality (HSEQ), reporting any concerns via company procedures.

Skills

HGV operation

Heavy plant operation

Safety awareness

Team player

Communication

Manual dexterity

Training readiness

Education

CPCS/NPORS/CSCS card

Full UK Driving Licence

Tools

HGV/Plant machinery operation

Job description

As an HGV Plant Operator, you'll play a crucial role in delivering civil engineering projects, primarily focused on highways infrastructure. This hands‑on position balances day‑to‑day site operations with a strong commitment to safety and delivery standards. Your base will be the Newton Aycliffe depot, but you'll be mainly based on‑site depending on project needs. A typical week might involve

• Operate HGV vehicles, heavy plant, and machinery (e.g., grab wagons, HIABs) for excavation, lifting, and materials transport.
• Support site activities such as duct laying, cabling, highway lighting and sign erection, and general reinstatement works.
• Carry out mechanical excavation as well as some manual trenching if required.
• Assist in construction and installation of feeder pillar/cabinet sites and highway utility chambers.
• Identify and address onsite risks proactively, ensuring all plant and vehicle operations are conducted safely and efficiently.
• Follow company and industry standards for health, safety, environment, and quality (HSEQ), reporting any concerns via company procedures.

As a rapidly growing business, no two days are ever the same so what you do will vary. The nature of our business and the pace we move at also means that priorities do change, and you will need to be comfortable with this., Our operations staff are to work on the strategic roads network and above all must be able to always work safely. Working as part of a team our road workers present good communication skills and follow instructions and comply with site rules and MSF SHEQ policies. Everyone at MSF is expected to create a positive customer experience in all interactions they have. Throughout the work we carry out any of us may meet road users of all kinds. Please always be considerate of the work we are doing and the impact this may have. We expect our reputation to be upheld as friendly, polite, professional, and helpful and encourage you to interact with customers and share stories of these interactions. Why us? We are a growing business, and we are doing big and exciting things. We are looking for likeminded people who want to grow with us and be part of our journey and in return we offer a collaborative working environment where we encourage and support continuous improvement and career development. Our values underpin how we work and act and are crucial to our ongoing success. We want applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life. We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and want to create a diverse workforce and inclusive environment free of discrimination and harassment.

• Proven experience operating HGVs and plant machinery on construction/highways projects.
• Valid HGV/plant operator's license and relevant CPCS/NPORS/CSCS card (or equivalent certifications).
• Willing and able to undertake manual duties, and comfortable with night shifts and working away from home when required.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to safety and high-quality workmanship.
• Effective communicator and a reliable team player.
• Proactive in attending all necessary training and adhering to company policies and procedures.
• Full UK Driving Licence is essential.