Yard Foreman

Aspion; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid overtime opportunities

Full-time, permanent position

Long-term opportunity

Potential progression to Yard Manager

Job summary

Aspion is recruiting a Yard Foreman to oversee the safe and efficient day-to-day operation of a busy metal recycling yard in East London. You will coordinate inbound/outbound loads, vehicle movements and yard staff, keeping loads on schedule and directing the team to high standards of safety and productivity.

The role is hands-on, with responsibility for safety, decision-making and coordination with directors. Salary £40,000-£45,000 DOE; full-time, permanent, 7:00am–5:00pm, occasional Saturdays.

Qualifications

• Experience in scrap metal, recycling, heavy industry or a comparable yard environment is essential.
• Experience coordinating employees, drivers, workloads or daily operational priorities.
• Strong understanding of how vehicles, materials and pedestrians should safely move through a busy yard.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate scheduled inbound and outbound loads, vehicles, drivers, loading areas and yard personnel.
• Keep collections, deliveries and container-loading operations running to schedule.
• Communicate delays, conflicts and changing priorities promptly.
• Control vehicle and pedestrian movements across the site.
• Manage the customer and trader drop-off area safely and professionally.
• Direct reversing and manoeuvring vehicles where authorised and safe to do so.
• Ensure drivers understand and follow the site traffic plan.
• Maintain an active overview of all sections of the yard.
• Identify and address untidy, congested or potentially unsafe areas.
• Allocate housekeeping and operational tasks to yard employees.
• Provide clear instructions and follow up to ensure work is completed to the required standard.
• Support yard operations directly where additional assistance is required.
• Coordinate priorities between the weighbridge, yard operatives, machine operators, drivers and management.
• Ensure materials are placed in the correct areas and prepared for processing or dispatch.
• Enforce site rules consistently, including PPE and high-visibility clothing requirements.
• Challenge unsafe behaviour calmly and confidently.
• Stop vehicle movements or other work where there is an immediate safety concern.
• Maintain safe separation between vehicles, employees, customers and members of the public.
• Deal with drivers, traders and members of the public in a firm but professional manner.
• Record and report incidents, near misses, delays and repeated breaches of site rules.
• Lead by example in safety, housekeeping, punctuality and professional conduct.

Skills

Yard operations

Team coordination

Health & safety

Public-facing

Heavy machinery

Forklift operations

Tools

Forklift

HGV movements

Job description

Yard Foreman

Location: East London

Salary: £40,000-£45,000 per annum DOE

Industry: Metal Recycling

Reference: ASPLIV

Our client is a family-run metal recycling business seeking an experienced, calm and confident Yard Foreman to oversee the safe and efficient day to day operation of a busy metal recycling yard.

This is a hands on, varied position covering all operational areas of the business. The successful candidate will maintain an overview of the yard, coordinate the movement of vehicles, materials and employees, keep inbound and outbound loads on schedule and provide clear direction to the wider yard team.

The role will suit someone who is confident taking responsibility, able to manage changing priorities and comfortable making decisions around safety, productivity and operational efficiency. You will work closely with the company directors and play an important role in maintaining high standards across the yard.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate scheduled inbound and outbound loads, vehicles, drivers, loading areas and yard personnel.
• Keep collections, deliveries and container-loading operations running to schedule.
• Communicate delays, conflicts and changing priorities promptly.
• Control vehicle and pedestrian movements across the site.
• Manage the customer and trader drop-off area safely and professionally.
• Direct reversing and manoeuvring vehicles where authorised and safe to do so.
• Ensure drivers understand and follow the site traffic plan.
• Maintain an active overview of all sections of the yard.
• Identify and address untidy, congested or potentially unsafe areas.
• Allocate housekeeping and operational tasks to yard employees.
• Provide clear instructions and follow up to ensure work is completed to the required standard.
• Support yard operations directly where additional assistance is required.
• Coordinate priorities between the weighbridge, yard operatives, machine operators, drivers and management.
• Ensure materials are placed in the correct areas and prepared for processing or dispatch.
• Enforce site rules consistently, including PPE and high-visibility clothing requirements.
• Challenge unsafe behaviour calmly and confidently.
• Stop vehicle movements or other work where there is an immediate safety concern.
• Maintain safe separation between vehicles, employees, customers and members of the public.
• Deal with drivers, traders and members of the public in a firm but professional manner.
• Record and report incidents, near misses, delays and repeated breaches of site rules.
• Lead by example in safety, housekeeping, punctuality and professional conduct.

Key Skills & Experience

• Previous experience within scrap metal, recycling, heavy industry or a comparable yard environment is essential.
• Experience coordinating employees, drivers, workloads or daily operational priorities.
• Strong understanding of how vehicles, materials and pedestrians should safely move through a busy yard.
• Good knowledge of workplace transport and yard health & safety.
• Experience supervising container loading and HGV movements is advantageous.
• Previous experience in a public-facing scrap-metal or recycling operation is desirable.
• Recognised banksman or traffic-marshal training is highly desirable.
• Forklift or relevant mobile-plant qualifications are advantageous.
• First-aid training is beneficial.
• Confident giving clear, constructive instructions and maintaining standards.
• Comfortable dealing with difficult conversations and resolving disagreements professionally.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to adapt plans throughout a changing working day.
• Professional and reliable approach when reporting directly to company directors.
• Able to work independently and take responsibility for operational decisions.
• Reliable attendance, punctuality and flexibility.
• Willingness to work additional hours when agreed and operationally required.

Package & Benefits

• £40,000-£45,000 per annum
• Paid overtime opportunities
• Full-time, permanent position
• Long-term opportunity within an established family-run business
• Potential progression to Yard Manager / Senior Foreman
• Monday to Friday: 7:00am - 5:00pm / Occasional Saturdays: 7:00am - 1:00pm
• Flexibility required during busy periods, container loading and operational overruns