Lead Plant Operator

McCarthy Recruitment; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a skilled Lead Plant Operator to oversee day-to-day operations in a quarry environment. This permanent, full-time role in St Helens involves managing aggregate processing, material movements, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. The ideal candidate will have experience in quarrying, strong leadership skills, and the ability to operate loading shovels or excavators. This opportunity offers a competitive salary of £38,500 and a stable work environment within a supportive team.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Supportive management

Stable work environment

Qualifications

• Experienced plant or site operator with background in quarrying or heavy industrial environments.
• Proven ability to lead by example and coordinate small teams.
• Confident working outdoors in a practical, hands-on role.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support daily quarry operations, ensuring safe and efficient workflows.
• Oversee material movements and machine utilization.
• Operate mobile plant including loading shovels or excavators.

Skills

Operating loading shovels

Operating excavators

Leadership

Health & safety awareness

Job description

Job Title: Lead Plant Operator | Location: St Helens | Salary: £38,500 + Benefits | Role: Permanent - Full time

Overview

We are recruiting for a Lead Plant Operator to support and coordinate day-to-day operations within a busy quarry environment in St Helens. This is a hands-on, leadership-focused role where you will oversee aggregate processing, material movements, and general quarry operations, ensuring work is carried out safely, compliantly, and efficiently at all times.

Ideal Candidate

• Experienced plant or site operator with background in quarrying, aggregates or heavy industrial environments
• Skilled in operating loading shovels and/or excavators (essential)
• Proven ability to lead by example and coordinate small teams
• Confident working outdoors in a practical, hands‑on role
• Strong awareness of health & safety, compliance, and safe systems of work

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support daily quarry operations, ensuring safe and efficient workflows
• Oversee material movements, machine utilisation and site productivity
• Operate mobile plant including loading shovels or excavators
• Maintain accurate records including logs, checks, reports and documentation
• Support site management with planning, toolbox talks, contractor supervision and general operational duties

What's On Offer

• Salary of £38,500 per annum
• Permanent, full‑time position
• Stable role within an established quarry operation
• Hands‑on leadership position with responsibility and autonomy
• Supportive site management and team environment

Locations

St Helens, Haydock, Rainford, Prescot, Warrington, Widnes, Wigan, Skelmersdale and surrounding areas.

If you're a skilled Lead Plant Operator with strong quarry experience and mobile plant capability, we'd love to hear from you. APPLY NOW for immediate consideration for this Lead Plant Operator opportunity.

The Legal Bit: We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. By applying, you consent for McCarthy Recruitment to process your data in compliance with GDPR.