Machine Driver / Plant Operator

Greenstar; Wirral; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Panda is seeking a Machine Driver / Plant Operator to support our dedicated Site Response & Maintenance Team across our Wirral sites. You will operate diggers or small plant, move materials safely and assist with groundworks and general site tasks to keep facilities safe and functioning.

This role requires flexible, hands-on work across yards, welfare areas, workshops, and infrastructure, plus the ability to drive RO-RO vehicle or trailer carrying plant when needed; additional tickets are a plus.

Qualifications

• Experience operating a digger or similar small plant.
• Ability to move materials safely around site.
• Experience supporting groundworks, yard repairs or small construction jobs.
• Ability to drive a small RO-RO vehicle or trailer carrying plant.
• Strong understanding of safety around operational yards.
• Additional tickets such as telehandler, loading shovel, excavator, dumper or forklift beneficial.
• Flexible and willing to support general site works when not operating plant.

Responsibilities

• Operate digger or small plant to support maintenance tasks.
• Move materials safely around sites and yards.
• Assist with groundworks, repairs and small construction jobs.
• Drive RO-RO vehicle or trailer carrying plant as required.
• Support general site works to keep operations running safely.
• Promote safe working practices and site safety standards.

Skills

Digger/plant operation

Material handling

Groundworks/yard repairs

RO-RO vehicle driving

Site safety awareness

Additional tickets (telehandler/fork/叉

Flexible team player

Tools

Small plant equipment

Job description

About The Role

We are looking to create a dedicated Site Response & Maintenance Team to support our operational sites across the business.

This team will act as a practical response group, carrying out repairs, maintenance, small construction works and general site improvement activity across our buildings, yards, depots and operational facilities.

The purpose of the team is simple: to keep our sites safe, compliant, well maintained and able to operate as normal.

This will include responding to actions raised following EA visits, audits, inspections and internal site reviews, as well as supporting general repairs, yard improvements and handyman activity across the business.

The team will play an important role in protecting business continuity, reducing reliance on external contractors and making sure that issues are dealt with quickly, safely and to a good standard.

Machine Driver / Plant Operator

The Role

This role will support the team with plant operation, movement of materials and small site works.

Key Requirements Will Include

• Experience operating a digger or similar small plant
• Ability to move materials safely around site
• Experience supporting groundworks, yard repairs or small construction jobs
• Ability to drive a small roll-on roll-off vehicle or trailer carrying plant, where required
• A strong understanding of working safely around operational yards
• Additional tickets such as telehandler, loading shovel, excavator, dumper or forklift would be beneficial
• This person would need to be flexible and willing to support general site works when not operating plant

Why This Team Is Needed

Our sites need to remain safe, compliant and operational.

When EA visits, audits or inspections identify issues, the business needs a team that can respond quickly and get the work done properly.

At the same time, every operational site has ongoing repair, maintenance and improvement needs. Buildings, yards, welfare areas, workshops, gates, concrete, fencing and infrastructure all need to be kept in good condition to support BAU.

This team gives the business a practical internal solution.

It reduces delay.

It reduces reliance on external contractors.

It improves ownership of site standards.

It supports compliance.

Most importantly, it helps keep our people, sites and operations moving safely every day.

About You

About Us

We are Panda. We value waste.

We’re in the business of waste management but that doesn’t just mean collecting bins. Behind every collection is a passionate team of people finding smarter, safer, and more sustainable ways to recycle and repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste.

Over the past 30 years, Panda has grown into a leading resource recovery business, bringing together almost 3,000 people across multiple brands, united by a shared vision and strong values. While our operations are diverse, our purpose is clear: to protect our people, support our customers, and create positive impact for the communities and environments we serve.

At Panda, people are at the heart of everything we do. We work as one team, combining different skills, experiences, and perspectives to achieve shared goals. We care for each other’s wellbeing, encourage development, and support growth because we know we’re stronger together.

We expect excellence in how we operate. High standards, bold thinking, and continuous improvement drive our passion for innovation. We challenge the ordinary, put safety first, and embrace new ideas while delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that move our business forward.

We own what we do. From day-to-day tasks to major projects, we take pride in our work and responsibility for the outcome. We don’t walk past problems we address them together. Our expertise, reliability, and care reflect who we are and the difference we make.

And above all, we act with trust and integrity. Trust is built through open communication, honesty, and accountability. It allows us to move quickly, make confident decisions, and deliver results — knowing our people are empowered to do the right thing.

Our journey depends on talented, committed people who want to make an impact.

Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve.

(DE& I Policy Statement)