At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate heavy machinery and provide excellent customer service in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Holcim, a leader in sustainable building solutions since 1858.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, 25 days holiday, enhanced family benefits, and career progression.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working with a supportive team and cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Positive attitude, communication skills, and a willingness to learn; experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 22950 - 28050 £ per year.
About Holcim
We are leaders in supplying innovative, sustainable building solutions to the UK construction industry; building progress for people and the planet. Since 1858, we’ve helped shape the UK; powering the construction of homes and hospitals, roads and railways, schools and cities alike. Our mission is to make sustainable construction a reality, through purposeful action that tackles real carbon and climate challenges. We are dedicated to helping Britain grow and thrive - by doing the right thing, doing it together, and making a difference.
Holcim UK Company Benefits
- Competitive Salary, plus bonus, 25 days holiday + your local bank holidays (with options to increase) and other benefits - all recognising the contribution you bring.
- Be valued and supported, working as part of a highly respected team in a business that has a huge focus on Health & Safety.
- We care about you and your family. That’s why we offer enhanced family benefits, including maternity, paternity, and adoption leave. We understand that your personal life and family well-being are just as important as your career, so we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way.
- Be part of something bigger with our "Women Empowered - Stronger Together Mentor Program," designed to support, inspire, and uplift women across the business.
- Free 24/7 remote GP service for you and your household, offering medical advice, prescriptions, referrals, and same-day appointments.
- Opportunities for career progression both at home and abroad.
- Join our affinity groups selected by and populated by our employees which bring together employees with similar backgrounds and interests to have powerful influence on the workplace.
- Staff discounts including special rates for garden landscaping products.
The Opportunity
Are you ready to take on a role that’s all about People, Purpose and Performance? We’re looking for a Plant Operative to join our team in Exeter and help keep everything moving, on the ground and over the phone. If you enjoy working with customers just as much as operating big machines, this hybrid role gives you the best of both worlds, working on mobile plant, mixing material and working on the weighbridge. You'll work Monday to Friday 06:00 - 15:30 and Saturday 06:00 - 09:00.
You’ll be part of a tight-knit, fast-paced team that plays a vital role in delivering quality service and materials to our customers, whether that’s through taking orders, solving problems, or operating heavy machinery to get product out the door. It’s a job with variety, purpose, and plenty of room to grow.
What Makes This Role Stand Out?
- Hands-on machine time – Operate heavy plant like loading shovels (we’ll train you!).
- End-to-end impact – From placing an order to loading it up for delivery, you’re involved every step of the way.
- Room to grow – With training, support, and development opportunities, you’re in control of your career.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Answering customer queries by phone, email, or in person, always delivering great service.
- Handling and processing customer orders accurately and efficiently.
- Identifying service improvements and sharing feedback from customers.
- Escalating any unresolved issues to team leaders or service managers.
- Operating heavy machinery safely and efficiently on site (excavators, loaders, etc.).
- Conducting daily safety checks and supporting plant operations and logistics.
- Keeping your work area, and the whole site clean, safe, and well-organised.
What You’ll Bring
- A positive, proactive attitude, you enjoy helping people and solving problems.
- Excellent communication and organisation skills.
- A passion for teamwork, whether it’s in the office or out in the yard.
- Some experience in customer service or operating plant is a plus—but we’ll train the right person.
- A good grasp of safety practices and a strong sense of responsibility.
- A flexible approach, you’re comfortable switching gears between phones and plant machinery.
We are committed to building a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. You will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age.
Plant Operative in Exeter employer: Holcim
Holcim UK is an excellent employer that prioritises safety and teamwork in a dynamic work environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have opportunities to enhance your skills while contributing to sustainable operations. Located in a thriving area, our culture fosters collaboration and innovation, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Plant Operative in Exeter
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Holcim, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Plant Operative in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Holcim specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Holcim
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Holcim, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Holcim value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
