Plant Operative (Nightshift)

Panda Ireland; Grantham; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

Panda Ireland is seeking a Plant Operative at our Caythorpe site in Lincolnshire. This practical, hands-on role supports safe and efficient recycling site operations, including loading, unloading, and material sorting.

You will work with colleagues to keep the yard organised, operate the baler and cross wrap machines (training provided), and undertake training for site vehicles while prioritising safety and housekeeping.

Qualifications

• Experience working with plant machinery is preferred.
• Willingness to undertake training for site vehicles and equipment.
• Commitment to safety and tidy work area.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload vehicles and sort recyclable materials.
• Operate the Baler and Cross Wrap (training provided).
• Be willing to train on site vehicles and machinery.
• Maintain clean and safe workspace and carry out site hygiene.
• Follow risk assessments and safe working procedures.

Skills

Practical approach

Safety focus

Good communication

Tools

Baler operation

Cross Wrap machines

Job description

About The Role

Pant Operative

Location: Caythorpe, Lincolnshire

Hours: 47.5 per week, with an overtime rate available for additional hours worked

Panda is looking for a plant Operative to join our team at the Caythorpe site. This is a practical, hands‑on role helping to keep our recycling site running safely and efficiently. You’ll load and unload vehicles, sort recyclable materials and work closely with colleagues to keep the yard organised and materials moving.

What You’ll Do

• Sort recyclable materials to support effective material recovery
• Operate the Baler and Cross Wrap machines (training will be provided)
• Be willing and able to receive training for operating plant vehicles
• Carry out site hygiene as directed to ensure as clean and tidy a workspace as possible
• Follow risk assessments, work procedures and safe systems of work
• Maintain good housekeeping across the yard and wash down machinery at the end of each shift
• Communicate with colleagues and support other site duties as required

What You’ll Bring

• A practical approach to routine machine checks and care
• A willingness to learn and undertake training for site vehicles and machinery
• A strong focus on safety and keeping your work area tidy
• Good communication skills and a willingness to support the wider site team

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.

Take the first step and join us on the journey.

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)