Heidelberg Materials logo

General Operative

Heidelberg Materials
Full-time
On-site
Grays, United Kingdom
General Labour
Heidelberg Materials UK (formerly Hanson UK) is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of construction materials, employing over 3,500 people and operating around 280 manufacturing sites in the UK.

We are committed to building a more sustainable future and recognise that a diverse workforce is key to our growth and development. We aim to foster a culture that values openness, transparency and individual achievement.

General Operative – Mobile Plant (Front End Loading Shovel Driver)

Location: Purfleet
Salary: £44,429 (including shift allowance)
Full-time, 4‑shift rota including nights and weekends

Join Us at Heidelberg Materials

Become a vital part of our quarry operations team at Heidelberg Materials. We are looking for a skilled, safety‑focused General Operative with experience operating mobile plant—in particular, a Front End Loading Shovel, which will be the main component of this role.

If you’re practical, reliable, and looking for a role where every day brings variety and responsibility, this could be the perfect fit.

Role Overview:

As a General Operative you’ll be responsible for operating a range of mobile and static plant machinery in a safe, efficient, and professional manner. You’ll work closely with Site Management to carry out maintenance tasks and support the main processing plant. 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Operate mobile and static plant equipment as certified and directed by Site Management
  • Perform general maintenance tasks including refuelling, greasing, and cleaning
  • Ensure all equipment is operated economically and in line with manufacturer and company guidelines
  • Complete daily inspection sheets and report any defects or issues to the General Foreperson
  • Submit near-miss reports and contribute to a culture of safety and continuous improvement
  • Support other site duties as required by Site Management

 What You’ll Need:

  • Valid certifications for operating mobile and static plant machinery
  • Strong awareness of Health & Safety practices
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • A proactive and responsible approach to site operations

Why Heidelberg Materials?

At Heidelberg Materials, we don’t just offer jobs—we build careers. As a global leader in construction materials, we’re committed to innovation, sustainability, and, above all, our people.

Rewards & Benefits

We’re proud to be recognised as an Employer of Choice, with accreditations including:

Armed Forces Covenant (Gold) | Disability Confident | 5% Club (Platinum) | Mates in Mind | Clear Assured | STEM Ambassador | MPQC Member

  • Competitive Package: Salary, bonus incentives, generous pension, and life assurance
  • Family-Friendly Policies: Enhanced support for maternity, paternity, adoption, IVF, neonatal care, and menopause
  • Inclusive Culture: Paid volunteering day and active employee communities (LGBTQ+, Women in STEM, Armed Forces, and more)
  • Wellbeing & Development: Employee Assistance Programme, retail discounts, and continuous learning opportunities 

 Apply today and help us build the future — one load at a time.