At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate excavators and support safe extraction of materials in a busy quarry team.
- Company: Join Breedon Group, a leading construction materials company committed to safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 33 days leave, pension scheme, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent support for your career growth.
- Why this job: Get hands-on experience with heavy machinery while working outdoors and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience with excavators and a strong focus on safety and teamwork is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About Breedon Group: Breedon Group plc is a leading vertically integrated construction materials group in Great Britain, Ireland, and the USA. We're dedicated to providing high-quality materials and services for the construction industry, with a commitment to safety, sustainability, and innovation. Joining Breedon means becoming part of a team that values excellence and is committed to making a positive impact.
Position Overview: We are looking for a reliable and hardworking Quarry Operative / Excavator Operator to join our quarrying team. In this hands‑on role, you’ll be responsible for operating excavators and other heavy plant machinery to support the safe extraction, processing, and handling of aggregates and materials in line with production targets. You’ll carry out daily machine checks, basic maintenance, and ensure all work is completed safely and efficiently while following strict health, safety, and environmental procedures at all times. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys practical outdoor work, operating heavy machinery, and working as part of a busy quarry team. Previous excavator operating experience within a quarry, construction, or similar environment is preferred, along with a strong awareness of site safety and teamwork.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate excavators safely and efficiently on quarry working faces and throughout the site
- Carry out remedial quarry development works including benching, grading, drainage, and material movement
- Support extraction, stockpiling, and loading operations in line with production targets
- Feed crushers, screeners, and hoppers with raw materials using the excavator
- Undertake earthworks and site preparation works as directed by quarry management
- Perform routine pre‑start inspections, cleaning, and basic maintenance on excavators and associated plant
- Follow site plans, daily schedules, and operational instructions from supervisors
- Conduct regular safety checks and report hazards, defects, or incidents immediately
- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental procedures at all times
- Maintain safe and tidy working areas around machinery, haul roads, and operational zones
- Assist with general quarry operations and work flexibly to support site requirements and production demands.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Essential
- Experience operating 50T excavators in quarrying, construction, or heavy industry
- Good understanding of quarry safety and working practices
- Basic mechanical knowledge and ability to carry out routine machine checks
- Reliable, safety‑conscious, and able to work as part of a team
- Flexible approach and willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions
Desirable
- Experience working on quarry faces and remedial quarry development works
- Geotechnical experience advantageous, although training will be provided
- CPCS, MPQC, or other relevant plant operator certification
- Quarrying or extractives experience preferred.
Benefits
- A tailored, competitive salary
- Company Pension Scheme
- 33 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
- Share Saver Scheme participation
- Company Life Assurance Scheme
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for health and wellbeing support
- Discounts on a wide range of products through our employee benefits platform
- Broad learning opportunities and career progression pathways.
Diversity Statement
At Breedon Group, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued. We believe in equality of opportunity for all and encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates.
Join Us
If you're looking for a role that challenges you, offers progression, and contributes to building better futures, we'd love to hear from you. This position is an opportunity to grow your career within a supportive and dynamic environment at Breedon Group.
Quarry Operative (Excavator) in Newbridge employer: Breedon Group plc
Breedon Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at Bonnington Quarry in Edinburgh, where safety, sustainability, and innovation are at the forefront of our operations. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and robust career progression opportunities, all while being part of a supportive team that values excellence and diversity. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the construction materials industry and enjoy practical outdoor work with state-of-the-art machinery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quarry Operative (Excavator) in Newbridge
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Breedon Group plc, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Quarry Operative (Excavator) at Breedon Group plc.
We think you need these skills to ace Quarry Operative (Excavator) in Newbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Breedon Group plc
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
