Lead Plant Operator

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

Job summary

A recruitment agency specialising in operational roles seeks a skilled Lead Plant Operator to oversee operations within a quarry in Walsall. The role involves leading a small team, ensuring safe and efficient workflows, and operating mobile plant equipment. Candidates should have a solid background in quarrying or heavy industry and demonstrate strong leadership skills. This permanent, full-time position offers a salary of £38,500 and a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Stable employment

Supportive management

Qualifications

• Experienced plant or site operator with background in quarrying or aggregates.
• Confident in leading teams and operating heavy machinery.
• Strong awareness of health & safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily quarry operations ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Oversee material movements and machine utilisation.
• Maintain accurate logs and reports.

Skills

Operating loading shovels

Operating excavators

Leadership

Health & safety awareness

Practical outdoor work

Job description

Job Title: Lead Plant Operator

Location: Walsall

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 Walsall. 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.

Working as part of a small, experienced team, you will play a key role in driving productivity, maintaining high housekeeping standards, and supporting site compliance. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced quarry or aggregates operator with strong mobile plant skills who is ready to step into a role with greater responsibility.

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

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.

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.