Yard Operative

AMA Admin; Greater London; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime pay (1.5x)

20 days annual leave + Bank Holiday

Company pension

Full-time, permanent position

Long-term opportunity

Job summary

Aspion is recruiting for a Yard Operative in East London to join a family-run metal recycling business. The role requires handling ferrous and non-ferrous metals, sorting by grade, and maintaining a safe yard environment. Training is provided for material recovery and value maximisation.

Candidates should be willing to work outdoors, have good timekeeping, and be proactive in learning metal grades and processes. Full-time, permanent position with generous benefits offered.

Qualifications

• FLT Counterbalance licence is essential.
• Experience in scrap metal or recycling is beneficial but not required.
• Comfortable working outdoors in a physical yard environment.
• Reliable attendance and good timekeeping.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, grade and sort metals by ferrous/non-ferrous.
• Identify higher value grades within parcels.
• Move and prepare materials for processing and dispatch.
• Operate forklift safely between yard areas.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised yard.
• Follow health, safety and site procedures.

Skills

FLT Counterbalance licence

Manual and outdoor work

Proactive attitude

Time management

Teamwork / independent

Tools

Forklift operation

Job description

Yard Operative

Location: East London

Salary: £14.80 per hour

Industry: Metal Recycling

Reference: ASPLIV

Our client is a family-run metal recycling business seeking a dependable and hardworking Yard Operative to join their team. This is a great opportunity for someone with previous experience in scrap metal, recycling, manufacturing or a similar hands-on environment, but applications are also welcomed from candidates looking to start or develop their career within the metal recycling industry.

The role will suit someone who is practical, reliable and keen to learn, with a proactive approach to their work. Whether you already have experience grading metals or are looking to learn the trade, the key is having the right attitude, taking pride in your work and being willing to develop your knowledge within the yard.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspect, sort and segregate ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
• Identify higher value grades within mixed parcels and general yard material.
• Carry out material recovery and upgrading work to maximise value.
• Identify different non-ferrous grades, including brass, gunmetal, phosphor bronze and other valuable materials.
• Operate a forklift safely when moving materials between different areas of the yard.
• Move, organise and prepare material for processing, storage or dispatch.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe working environment.
• Report unusual, contaminated or potentially hazardous material immediately.
• Identify opportunities to improve material recovery and reduce lost value.
• Assist other areas of the yard when operational priorities change.
• Follow all site traffic, PPE, environmental and health & safety procedures.
• Work additional hours when required and agreed, particularly during busy periods or operational overruns.

Key Skills & Experience

• Previous experience within scrap metal, recycling or another hands-on environment is beneficial but not essential.
• An interest in developing knowledge of ferrous and non-ferrous metal grades.
• Willingness to learn how to identify and separate different grades of metal and higher-value materials.
• Previous experience with material grading, sorting or recovery is advantageous but full training can be provided.
• FLT Counterbalance licence essential.
• Reliable attendance and good timekeeping.
• Proactive approach with the ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Comfortable working outdoors in a physical yard environment.
• Strong awareness of health & safety and safe working practices.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of the importance of handling valuable materials carefully.
• Flexible approach with a willingness to support the wider yard operation when required.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn and develop within the role.

Package & Benefits

• £14.80 per hour
• Overtime available and paid at x1.5
• 20 days annual leave + Bank Holiday
• Company pension
• Full-time, permanent position
• Opportunity to develop specialist knowledge within the metal recycling industry
• Long-term opportunity within an established family-run business
• Monday to Friday: 7:00am - 5:00pm/ Saturday: 7:00am - 1:00pm

At Aspion, our core values have been built around the importance of transparency, innovation, passion and collabo