At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate and maintain plant equipment, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
- Company: Join Viridor, a leader in waste management and resource recovery in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, and a range of employee benefits.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for training and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while developing your skills in a hands-on role.
- Qualifications: Experience in process or manufacturing environments; safety-conscious and practical mindset.
The predicted salary is between 32498 - 39720 £ per year.
Our Vision is to be the UK’s leading innovator of resource recovery and recycling, transforming waste for a climate-positive future.
Are you someone who lives and breathes high performance, leads with ambition, and would like to be part of an organisation that looks after tomorrow?
Viridor has a redefined purpose, a bold Vision, and an ambitious, market-leading strategy.
We are investing in the future, and we need a talented team with exceptional people, who believe in each other, to help us achieve this.
Join us, as we rise to the challenge and build a world where nothing goes to waste.
Viridor is at the forefront of waste management and resource recovery in the UK, operating the largest network of Energy Recovery Facilities (ERFs).
We play a crucial role in supporting the UK's climate goals by diverting waste from landfills and transforming it into valuable energy resources.
- We have an opportunity in our
- Beddington ERF for a
Auxiliary Plant Operator to join our team working 40 hours per week (12 week rolling rota - Days & Nights - (06:00 - 06:00) )
The salary for this role will be circa £45,000 per year, inclusive of shift allowance and participation in an annual bonus scheme, in addition to our great range of benefits.
The closing date for applications is
25/10/2026 . We encourage all applicants to apply as soon as possible as we may close vacancies early if we receive a high number of applications.
Working as part of a shift team, you’ll play an important role in ensuring the plant operates safely, efficiently and reliably , supporting day-to-day operations across the boiler house, turbine hall and wider facility.
Reporting to the
Shift Team Leader , you’ll monitor plant performance, operate equipment and mobile plant, carry out frontline maintenance and support shutdown activities, helping to maximise plant availability and minimise downtime.
Safety is at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll also help ensure all activities are completed in accordance with safe systems of work, company procedures and relevant health, safety and environmental requirements.
What you’ll be doing
Your responsibilities will include
- Carrying out regular plant checks and monitoring machinery to ensure equipment is operating safely and efficiently.
- Supporting the safe operation of the boiler house, turbine hall and wider plant .
- Recording plant and process changes within the shift log and providing thorough handovers to the incoming shift.
- Carrying out work in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and established
Safe Systems of Work .
- Reporting accidents, incidents and near misses in line with company procedures.
- Supporting planned shutdown activities to help minimise plant downtime.
- Carrying out frontline maintenance to support plant reliability and availability.
- Operating mobile plant and machinery.
- Assisting with loading and unloading activities.
- Operating weighbridges, weighing vehicles and completing the required documentation.
- Supervising and coordinating the safe unloading of plant consumables including lime, carbon, ammonia and gas oil .
- Safely operating an overhead travelling crane.
- Providing on-call cover on designated days when required.
- Attending relevant training and development courses.
- Supporting other operational activities within your training and capabilities.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone who is practical, safety-conscious and comfortable working within a busy operational environment.
You’ll ideally have
- Previous experience within a process, production or manufacturing environment .
- Experience operating mobile plant .
- A good understanding of process or factory machinery.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a shift team.
- Good IT skills, including experience using
Microsoft Office applications .
- A resilient, proactive and self-motivated approach to work.
- GCSEs or equivalent in
English and Maths .
- A full UK driving licence .
It would be great if you also have
- Previous experience within the waste management, energy or similar process industry .
- Knowledge of plant isolations, safety systems and Safe Systems of Work.
- Experience using Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
- Experience training new, temporary or existing colleagues.
- A forklift licence.
- Working at Height training.
- MEWP certification.
- Relevant plant maintenance or operational qualifications.
Why join us?
This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys a practical, hands-on role and wants to develop their skills within a highly operational environment.
You’ll be joining a collaborative shift team where you’ll have the opportunity to build your technical knowledge, take on a varied range of responsibilities and make a direct contribution to the safe and reliable operation of the facility .
How to apply
Click apply at the bottom of the page and you will be asked to create a profile. Make sure you have an up-to-date CV ready!
We are a Great Place to Work
There has never been a more exciting time to join Viridor.
Following the acquisition of the business by the global private equity firm, KKR, the core business has been reshaped to focus on our leading UK Energy from Waste portfolio.
What we can offer you
We invest in our people to reward them for their hard work, and we have a host of company benefits available to you when you join - take a look at our Rewards and Benefits
As an equal opportunities' employer, Viridor is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply.
Auxiliary Plant Operator in London employer: Viridor
Viridor is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Ardley Energy Recovery Facility where safety and innovation are at the forefront of operations. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to growth opportunities and a supportive culture that values teamwork and excellence. Join us to make a meaningful impact in sustainable energy while enjoying a competitive benefits package and a collaborative workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Auxiliary Plant Operator in London
✨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 Viridor, 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 Auxiliary Plant Operator in London
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 Viridor 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 Viridor
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Viridor, 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 Viridor 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.
