Quarry Operative

Breedon Group plc; Oban; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Pension Scheme

33 days annual leave

Share Saver Scheme

Company Life Assurance Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts via employee benefits

Career progression pathways

Job summary

Breedon Group plc is seeking a Quarry Operative to join the West Coast Scotland team at Bonawe Quarry, Oban. The role focuses on safe loading, movement and handling of aggregates, with routine checks and maintenance across sites.

Shifts include day and night rotations; candidates should be comfortable operating heavy plant machinery and following strict health, safety procedures. The role offers a practical outdoor working environment and opportunities within a busy quarrying operation.

Qualifications

• Experience operating loading shovels or similar plant.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather.
• Commitment to health and safety procedures.
• Good communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Operate mobile and fixed plant (e.g. loading shovels, dump trucks, crushers) safely.
• Assist in extraction, crushing, and processing of raw materials.
• Carry out routine checks, cleaning, and basic maintenance on machinery.
• Load and unload materials for transport or processing.
• Follow daily work schedules and production instructions from supervisors.
• Conduct safety checks and report hazards, defects, or incidents.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Keep the quarry site clean, safe, and organised.
• Assist with site inspections and audits as required.
• Work flexibly across different roles and tasks per site needs.

Skills

Machinery operation

Health & safety

Teamwork

Reliability

Flexibility

Outdoor work

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Extractives Operations

MPQC certification

Job description

Quarry Operative

Application Deadline: 28 August 2026

Department: Operations and Maintenance

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Bonawe Quarry, Oban

Description

About Breedon Group

Breedon Group plc is a leading vertically integrated construction materials group in Great Britain, Ireland, and the USA. We're dedicated to providing high-quality materials and services for the construction industry, with a commitment to safety, sustainability, and innovation. Joining Breedon means becoming part of a team that values excellence and is committed to making a positive impact.

Position Overview

We are looking for a reliable and hardworking Quarry Operative to join our team working across the West Coast of Scotland.

In this role, you will be based in a quarry environment, with the majority of your duties focused on operating a loading shovel. You’ll be responsible for the safe and efficient loading, movement, and handling of aggregates and materials to support production targets. You will also carry out general quarry operative duties as required.

The role involves working day and night shifts, often across multiple sites, so flexibility and a strong work ethic are essential. You will be expected to operate heavy plant machinery safely, complete routine checks and basic maintenance, and always follow strict health, safety, and environmental procedures.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys practical outdoor work, operating heavy machinery, and being part of a busy, safety-focused team within the quarrying industry across the West Coast of Scotland.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate mobile and fixed plant (e.g. dump trucks, loading shovels, crushers, screeners) in a safe and efficient manner
• Assist in the extraction, crushing, and processing of raw materials
• Carry out routine checks, cleaning, and basic maintenance on machinery and equipment
• Load and unload materials safely for transport or further processing
• Follow daily work schedules and production instructions from supervisors
• Conduct regular safety checks and report any hazards, defects, or incidents
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations at all times
• Keep the quarry site clean, safe, and organised
• Assist with site inspections and support operational audits as required
• Work flexibly across different roles and tasks depending on site needs.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential

• Competence in operating plant or machinery (e.g. loading shovel, excavator, dumper truck) – CPCS or MPQC card advantageous
• Basic mechanical knowledge and ability to perform simple maintenance tasks
• Understanding of health and safety practices and willingness to follow procedures
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Safety-focused with a responsible attitude
• Willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Reliable, punctual, and self-motivated
• Flexible and able to adapt to different tasks and shift patterns

Desirable

• Previous experience in quarrying, construction, mining, or similar heavy industry
• MPQC or NVQ Level 2 in Extractives Operations
• First Aid or health & safety training (e.g. IOSH Working Safely)

Benefits

• A tailored, competitive salary
• Company Pension Scheme
• 33 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
• Share Saver Scheme participation
• Company Life Assurance Scheme
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for health and wellbeing support
• Discounts on a wide range of products through our employee benefits platform
• Broad learning opportunities and career progression pathways.

Diversity Statement

At Breedon Group, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued. We believe in equality of opportunity for all and encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates.