Lead Operative

Job Purpose

The Lead Operative is responsible for leading and coordinating shift activities to ensure the safe, efficient, and effective operation of the manufacturing process. The role provides day-to-day support of operational teams, ensuring production targets, quality standards, housekeeping requirements, and health, safety and environmental (SHE) standards are consistently achieved. The Lead Operative acts as deputy to the Site Supervisor when required and plays a key role in developing the capability of the operational team.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership and Coordination

• Lead, motivate and support operational teams during the shift.
• Allocate daily tasks and resources to ensure production requirements are achieved.
• Monitor shift performance and adjust priorities as required to maintain operational efficiency.
• Provide clear communication to team members regarding production priorities, safety expectations and operational issues.
• Promote a positive team culture and foster employee engagement.

Production Operations

• Operate block plant and associated manufacturing equipment safely and efficiently.
• Ensure overall operational performance by covering breaks, annual leave and training.
• Monitor plant performance and identify opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency and quality.
• Ensure production plans are delivered in line with agreed schedules and customer requirements.
• Support troubleshooting and resolution of operational issues to minimise downtime.

Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance

• Demonstrate visible SHE leadership and promote a strong safety culture.
• Ensure full compliance with company Health, Safety and Environmental policies and procedures.
• Ensure adherence to all Life Saving Rules and critical risk controls.
• Conduct workplace inspections and behavioural safety observations.
• Report hazards, incidents and near misses promptly and support investigations where required.
• Stop any activity that presents an unsafe condition or behaviour.

Pre-Start Inspections and Asset Care

• Complete and verify all required pre-start inspections on plant and equipment.
• Ensure defects are reported, recorded and addressed through the appropriate maintenance process.
• Maintain equipment in a clean and serviceable condition.
• Support preventative maintenance activities and planned shutdowns.

Housekeeping and Workplace Standards

• Maintain high standards of housekeeping across all operational areas.
• Ensure work areas remain organised, clean and free from hazards.
• Promote ownership of workplace standards across the team.
• Drive continuous improvement in workplace organisation and efficiency.

Training and Development

• Train, coach and mentor operatives to develop competence and capability.
• Support induction and onboarding of new employees.
• Assist in maintaining training records and competency matrices.
• Promote cross-training to improve operational flexibility and succession planning.

Stock Control and Production Reporting

• Monitor raw material, work-in-progress and finished goods stock levels.
• Ensure accurate reporting of production performance and operational data.
• Maintain records relating to production output, downtime, waste and quality.
• Escalate stock shortages, production risks and performance issues appropriately.

Deputy Site Supervisor Responsibilities

• Act as deputy for Site Supervisor during periods of absence.
• Support labour planning and resource allocation.
• Assist with operational meetings, performance reviews and improvement initiatives.
• Support implementation of site objectives, business plans and continuous improvement projects.
• Provide operational leadership and decision-making within delegated authority.

Key Accountabilities

The Lead Operative is accountable for:

• Maintaining a safe working environment.
• Delivering production plans and performance targets.
• Ensuring product quality and compliance standards are achieved.
• Leading and developing operational teams.
• Maintaining high housekeeping and workplace standards.
• Ensuring accurate reporting and operational records.
• Supporting continuous improvement across the site.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Experience within a manufacturing, production or industrial environment.
• Proven ability to lead and coordinate teams.
• Strong understanding of health and safety requirements.
• Experience operating manufacturing plant and equipment.
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritise workload and manage competing demands.
• Competent IT skills and experience of production reporting systems.

Desirable

• Experience within the construction products, aggregates or building materials industry.
• Supervisory or team leader experience.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience of SAP or other production management systems.

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths and English.
• Relevant plant operation competencies and licences where required.

Desirable

• IOSH Working Safely or Managing Safely.
• Leadership or Supervisory qualification.
• First Aid qualification.
• Internal trainer or assessor qualification.

Key Behaviours

• Leads by example.
• Puts safety first.
• Demonstrates accountability and ownership.
• Builds strong working relationships.
• Communicates clearly and effectively.
• Supports and develops others.
• Drives continuous improvement.
• Delivers results through teamwork and collaboration.

Performance Measures

• Safety performance and SHE compliance.
• Production output against plan.
• Quality and customer service performance.
• Housekeeping audit results.
• Team competency and training completion.
• Equipment availability and reliability.
• Stock accuracy and reporting quality.
• Continuous improvement and cost-saving contributions.

Why Tarmac

We don't just offer a job, we offer a career.

Alongside this role, you'll have access to industry-leading rewards, development opportunities, and a culture that puts people first, including:

• Bonus scheme
• Enhanced holiday entitlement
• Contributory pension scheme
• Access to the Tarmac Reward website with discounts on retailers, holidays, etc.
• Access to our Employee Assistance helpline for free and confidential advice
• Access to join our Employee Communities (employee networks) we currently have nine communities inc. (REACH) Religious, Ethnic, Cultural Heritage, LGBTQ+, Parents & carers, Ability, Wellbeing, Female voice and menopause
• Training and development opportunities

Tarmac is committed to being a Forces‑friendly employer. If you’re coming from a military background, we’ll support your transition and help you build a successful career with us.

We’re proud to be part of CRH, and even prouder to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know, we’re here to support you.

Ready to build your future?

Click ‘Apply’ to get started. Please note: we sometimes close roles early due to high interest, so don’t wait too long!

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Tarmac Trading Limited