At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate mobile plant equipment and ensure efficient production of asphalt.
- Company: Heidelberg Materials, a leading supplier of construction materials in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, generous holiday, flexible working, and family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Join a diverse team and contribute to sustainable infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Experience with mobile plant equipment and a strong commitment to safety.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal development and community involvement.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 15 £ per hour.
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.
Join our team at Heidelberg Materials and play a vital role in the safe, efficient, and high‑quality production of asphalt at our Haywards Heath site. We are looking for a skilled Mobile Plant Operative who can take ownership of daily operations, maintain equipment to excellent standards, and support the smooth running of our production plant.
The Role
As a Mobile Plant Operative, you will be responsible for the safe operation, inspection, and maintenance of both static and mobile plant equipment. Your day‑to‑day duties will include:
- Operational Responsibilities
- Operating mobile plant equipment such as Front‑End Loaders (FEL) and dumpers
- Planning daily production based on customer requirements and plant capacity
- Managing plant start‑up and shut‑down procedures to maximise efficiency
- Operating mobile and static machinery in an energy‑efficient manner
- Inspection & Maintenance
- Conducting thorough daily inspections and completing inspection sheets
- Carrying out scheduled maintenance, greasing, refuelling and cleaning
- Performing repairs within your competence level
- Monitoring plant performance and following site inspection routines
- Maintaining accurate operational and maintenance records
- Safety & Compliance
- Ensuring all machinery is operated safely and in line with regulations
- Reporting defects, issues or near misses to Site Management
- Following health and safety rules, Quarry Regulations and site procedures
- Supporting operations across nearby sites when required (travel support available)
What We’re Looking For
- Experience operating mobile plant equipment (FEL, dumpers or similar)
- Strong commitment to safety, quality and operational standards
- Good general education and understanding of health & safety regulations
- EPIC certification for mobile plant operation
- Good timekeeping, reliability and a proactive approach are essential for success in this role.
What’s On Offer
Pay: £13.08 per hour
Location: Haywards Heath asphalt plant
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
Work‑Life Balance: 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays), agile/flexible working, holiday purchase, and sabbatical options
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
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a leading materials manufacturer and play a key part in supporting local and regional infrastructure.
General Operative in Haywards Heath employer: Heidelberg Materials UK
Contact Detail:
Heidelberg Materials UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Operative in Haywards Heath
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local job fairs, and connect with current employees at Heidelberg Materials. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Heidelberg Materials, their values, and recent projects. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their mission of sustainability.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! If you’ve got experience operating mobile plant equipment, be ready to discuss specific examples. Highlight how you’ve maintained safety and efficiency in past roles – it’s what they want to hear!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace General Operative in Haywards Heath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the General Operative role. Highlight your experience with mobile plant equipment and any relevant certifications, like your EPIC certification. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Show Your Commitment to Safety: Since safety is a big deal for us at Heidelberg Materials, emphasise your understanding of health and safety regulations in your application. Share examples of how you've maintained safety standards in previous roles to show you're the right fit.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heidelberg Materials UK
✨Know Your Equipment
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of mobile plant equipment, especially Front-End Loaders and dumpers. Be ready to discuss your experience operating these machines and any maintenance tasks you've performed. This shows you're not just familiar with the equipment but also take pride in its upkeep.
✨Safety First!
Heidelberg Materials places a strong emphasis on safety, so be prepared to talk about your understanding of health and safety regulations. Share specific examples of how you've ensured safe operations in previous roles, and demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
✨Show Your Proactive Side
Highlight your proactive approach to work during the interview. Discuss instances where you've taken the initiative to solve problems or improve processes. This will resonate well with their focus on operational efficiency and reliability.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team culture, opportunities for training, or how they measure success in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.