Asphalt Plant Operative

Heidelberg Materials UK; Bradford (IA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Heidelberg Materials UK is seeking an Asphalt Plant Operative to operate and monitor the asphalt plant, ensuring high-quality production and adherence to safety standards. You’ll plan daily production, carry out start-up/shut-down procedures, and maintain records while supporting maintenance activities.

The role emphasises teamwork, reliability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving, with opportunities to work across multiple Heidelberg Materials sites as required.

Qualifications

• Safety-focused with high standards.
• Hands-on and mechanically minded.
• Reliable with strong time-management.
• Able to operate plant and machinery in production.
• Proactive issue identification and reporting.
• Strong teamwork and flexible attitude.
• Willing to pursue continuous learning.
• Desirable: experience in asphalt/quarrying or heavy industry.
• Desirable: certifications in plant operation.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor the asphalt plant to meet production targets.
• Plan the next day’s production for efficiency.
• Start-up and shut-down procedures to maximise output.
• Conduct routine inspections and monitor site procedures.
• Perform maintenance and repairs within competence.
• Maintain accurate operation, maintenance, and safety records.
• Operate FELs and dumpers; refuel equipment.
• Assist with plant feed materials and mineral movement.
• Complete daily inspections and report defects.
• Promote health, safety and environmental culture.
• Support housekeeping to keep site safe and clean.
• Travel to nearby Heidelberg Materials sites when required.

Skills

Safety-conscious

Hands-on

Mechanically minded

Team player

Time management

Continuous learning

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.

Asphalt Plant Operative

Heidelberg Materials is looking for a motivated and safety-focused Asphalt Plant Operative to join our team. This is a hands‑on role at the heart of our operations, where you'll play a key part in producing high‑quality asphalt materials while ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of our plant.

If you enjoy working with machinery, solving problems, and being part of a team that delivers essential infrastructure materials, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

What You'll Be Doing

As an Asphalt Plant Operative, you will be responsible for the day‑to‑day operation, inspection, maintenance, and optimisation of the asphalt plant, ensuring materials are produced safely and to the highest quality standards.

Key responsibilities include:

• Operating and monitoring the asphalt plant to meet production targets and customer requirements.
• Planning the next day’s production to ensure efficient delivery and plant performance.
• Managing plant start‑up and shut‑down procedures to maximise output within plant capacity.
• Carrying out routine inspections and monitoring activities in line with site procedures.
• Performing maintenance and repair activities within your level of competence.
• Maintaining accurate operational, maintenance, and safety records.
• Operating mobile plant equipment, including Front‑End Loaders (FELs) and dumpers.
• Refuelling static and mobile plant equipment safely and efficiently.
• Loading plant feed materials and assisting with mineral movement around the site.
• Completing daily inspections and reporting any defects or maintenance requirements.
• Promoting a strong health, safety, and environmental culture at all times.
• Supporting housekeeping standards to ensure the site remains safe, clean, and operational.
• Working at nearby Heidelberg Materials sites when required, with travel support provided where applicable.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking someone who is:

• Safety-conscious and committed to maintaining high standards.
• Practical, hands‑on, and mechanically minded.
• Reliable with strong time‑management skills.
• Comfortable operating plant and machinery in a busy production environment.
• Able to identify, report, and resolve issues proactively.
• A strong team player with a positive and flexible approach.
• Committed to continuous learning and development.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience working in asphalt, quarrying, construction materials, manufacturing, or heavy industry.
• Experience operating mobile plant equipment such as loading shovels, dumpers, or similar machinery.
• Knowledge of plant maintenance and inspection routines.
• Relevant plant operation qualifications or certifications.

Why Join Heidelberg Materials?

At Heidelberg Materials, we are building a more sustainable future for the construction industry. We invest in our people, provide opportunities for development, and create an environment where safety, teamwork, and innovation are at the heart of everything we do.

In return, we offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Opportunities to gain further plant and operational qualifications.
• The chance to work for a leading international building materials business.

If you're looking for a rewarding operational role where every day is different and your contribution truly matters, we'd love to hear from you.