Rail Operative

Hanson Quarry Products Europe Limited; Frome; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program

Discounted private medical benefits

Job summary

Heidelberg Materials UK is seeking a Rail Operative to keep a busy rail operation running safely and efficiently. You will operate and supervise mobile and fixed plant, assist with rail loading, and ensure materials are handled to required quality standards.

The role emphasises safety, accurate record-keeping, and proactive problem solving in a hands-on environment, with opportunities for training and career development.

Qualifications

• Health and safety focus essential.
• EPIC and/or NVQ in mobile/static plant operation preferred.
• Safety Track Passport desired or willing to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Safely operating and supervising mobile and static plant, including rail load-out equipment and rail weighbridges.
• Receiving, storing and loading trains and wagons in line with site procedures.
• Visually inspecting wagons as they enter and leave the site.
• Monitoring rail infrastructure, freight, plant and associated equipment to identify potential issues.
• Carrying out routine inspections and minor maintenance activities.
• Maintaining accurate operational, inspection and maintenance records.
• Ensuring plant and rail assets are kept clean, safe and in good working order.
• Completing general cleaning, housekeeping and the safe clearance of plant spillages.
• Reporting accidents, near misses, hazards and equipment issues promptly.
• Supervising employees and contractors during rail activities when required.
• Using site resources safely, efficiently and effectively.

Skills

Health and safety focus

Reliability

Proactivity

Timekeeping

Independent work

Teamwork

Communication

Organisational skills

Hands-on operational

Procedure adherence

Education

EPIC and/or NVQ in plant operation

Safety Track Passport

Experience in rail/quarry/construction

Job description

Heidelberg Materials UK (formerly Hanson UK) is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of construction materials, employing over 4,000 people and operating around 300 manufacturing sites in the UK. We are committed to building a more sustainable future and recognise that a diverse workforce is vital to our growth and advancement. We aim to promote a culture that values openness, transparency and individual achievement. At the centre of our actions lies the responsibility for the environment. As the front runner on the path to carbon neutrality and circular economy in the building materials industry, we are working on sustainable building materials and solutions for the future. We enable new opportunities for our customers through digitalisation.

Rail Operative

Are you safety-focused, hands‑on and looking for a role where you can take real responsibility for keeping a busy rail operation running safely and efficiently? We’re looking for a proactive and reliable Rail Operative to join our team. This is a varied operational role where you’ll work with both mobile and fixed plant, support rail loading activities and help ensure materials are handled safely, efficiently and to the required quality standards. You’ll play an important part in the day‑to‑day running of the site, working closely with colleagues, contractors and suppliers while maintaining high standards of health, safety and housekeeping.

What you’ll be doing

• Safely operating and supervising mobile and static plant, including rail load‑out equipment and rail weighbridges
• Receiving, storing and loading trains and wagons in line with site procedures
• Visually inspecting wagons as they enter and leave the site
• Monitoring rail infrastructure, freight, plant and associated equipment to identify potential issues
• Carrying out routine inspections and minor maintenance activities
• Maintaining accurate operational, inspection and maintenance records
• Ensuring plant and rail assets are kept clean, safe and in good working order
• Completing general cleaning, housekeeping and the safe clearance of plant spillages
• Reporting accidents, near misses, hazards and equipment issues promptly
• Supporting the completion of risk assessments and method statements
• Supervising employees and contractors during rail activities when required
• Using site resources safely, efficiently and effectively

Safety comes first

You’ll be responsible for working in line with our Health & Safety, Quality and Environmental procedures, while helping to maintain a safe working environment for everyone operating within the rail area. We’re looking for someone who is confident speaking up about safety, can identify potential hazards and takes a proactive approach to resolving issues.

What we’re looking for

You’ll be a great fit if you:

• Have a strong health and safety focus
• Are reliable, proactive and have excellent timekeeping
• Can work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Have good communication and organisational skills
• Are comfortable working in a hands‑on operational environment
• Can follow procedures and maintain accurate records
• Are willing to undertake training and assessments to maintain and develop your operational competencies
• Previous experience operating mobile or static plant within a rail, quarry, aggregates, construction or heavy industrial environment would be beneficial

Qualifications

Ideally, you will hold:

• EPIC and/or an NVQ in mobile/static plant operation
• Safety Track Passport
• Relevant experience and transferable competencies may also be considered depending on the requirements of the role

Why join us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a safety‑focused operational team where no two days are exactly the same. You’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills across rail operations, plant and site activities while playing an important role in delivering a safe, reliable and efficient service to our customers. If you’re safety‑conscious, dependable and ready for your next challenge in rail operations, we’d love to hear from you.

At Heidelberg Materials UK (previously known as Hanson UK) we strive to create an inclusive and respectful workplace where every individual can bring their unique skills and background to contribute to the success of our business. As part of our commitment to promoting diversity, we are actively working to encourage more individuals to consider careers within the construction industry. We believe in building a workplace that is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and diversity.

We understand that women may face unique challenges in their careers, and we are committed to providing a supportive environment to help you thrive. Our family‑friendly policies, such as enhanced maternity and parental leave, neonatal care, and adoption support, will provide you with the flexibility and support you need to balance your personal and professional commitments.

We also offer a range of benefits, such as access to our Employee Assistance Program, trained mental health first aiders, discounted private medical benefits and much more, to ensure your wellbeing is prioritized.

Heidelberg Materials is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.

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