General Operative

Civil and Marine Limited

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Chelmsford Until 10/7/2026 First posted August 8, 2026 Last posted August 8, 2026
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.

General Operative - Asphalt Plant Operations

Join a Team That Builds the Future

Are you a hands-on individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced industrial environment? Do you take pride in working safely, efficiently, and as part of a supportive team? If so, we want to hear from you.

We are looking for a General Operative to support the operation, inspection, maintenance, and production activities at our asphalt plant. This is an excellent opportunity to join a leading organisation where safety, quality, and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do.

About the Role

As a General Operative, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the asphalt plant. You'll be responsible for operating both static and mobile plant equipment, carrying out inspections and maintenance activities, and helping deliver high-quality products that meet customer requirements.

This role offers a varied working environment with opportunities to develop your skills across plant operations, maintenance, and mobile equipment handling.

Key Responsibilities

  • Safely operate static and mobile plant machinery.

  • Assist with asphalt production and support daily operational activities.

  • Carry out routine inspections and monitoring of plant equipment.

  • Complete daily condition and safety inspection records.

  • Report defects, faults, and maintenance requirements to site management.

  • Perform basic maintenance, repairs, cleaning, greasing, and refuelling of equipment.

  • Operate mobile plant equipment, including Front-End Loaders (FEL) and dumpers.

  • Support production planning and efficient plant start-up and shutdown procedures.

  • Follow all health, safety, environmental, and company procedures.

  • Complete near-miss and safety reporting as required.

  • Operate machinery in an energy-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.

  • Maintain high standards of housekeeping across the site.

What We're Looking For

Essential

  • Good general standard of education.

  • Strong understanding of health and safety requirements.

  • Reliable with excellent timekeeping and attendance.

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

  • Practical approach to maintenance and operational tasks.

  • EPIC certification for mobile plant operation.

  • NVQ Level 2 in Mobile Plant Operations (or willingness to obtain where applicable).

Desirable

  • Previous experience working within quarrying, aggregates, asphalt, construction, manufacturing, or heavy industrial environments.

  • Experience operating loading shovels, dumpers, or other mobile plant equipment.

  • Mechanical maintenance experience.

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and benefits package.

  • Ongoing training and development opportunities.

  • A strong focus on health, safety, and employee wellbeing.

  • Career progression opportunities within a leading industry organisation.

  • Supportive team environment with varied and rewarding work.

Why Join Us?

You'll be joining a business that values safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Every day you'll contribute to producing essential materials that help build roads, infrastructure, and communities across the region.

Ready to build your future with us? Apply today and become part of a team where your skills and commitment make a real difference.

About this role

Summary

Support asphalt plant operations, inspections, maintenance, and equipment handling.

Job title

General Operative

Experience level

none

Industry

construction materials

Location requirements

Chelmsford, on-site work only

Salary

Not specified

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

health and safetymobile plant operationinspection

Preferred skills

quarryingheavy industrialmechanical maintenance

Specializations

plant operationmaintenancemobile equipmentsafety
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Chelmsford, UK

On-site City