Plant Operator
Colas Ltd are a UK subsidiary of the global Colas Group, which operates in over 50 countries worldwide and employs over 55,000 people including over 1500 in the UK across multiple sites. We are specialists in highways construction and have been involved in large-scale UK and international construction projects within the highways, airfields, and marine sectors as well as offering highways maintenance services and manufacturing our own innovative surfacing products. We hold a 'Gold Investor in People' award for continuously developing and rewarding our employees, offering excellent career potential.
Purpose of the role
We’re looking for a Plant Operator to support our night-time maintenance team based out at our Longbridge depot. Working within the Area 9 Technology team, you’ll be part of a specialist delivery team undertaking repairs and maintenance to Highways Technology assets throughout the Area 9 National Highways Network. The Plant Operator role will be required to drive/operating specialist vehicles, including Maintenance Access Vehicle (MAV) and Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP) to enable the safe and successful delivery of these repair and maintenance activities.
Main Responsibilities
As a Plant Operator, you’ll be responsible for carrying out a wide range of maintenance and repair activities on Highways Technology assets across the Area 9 network. You'll operate and drive specialist vehicles and equipment, including Maintenance Access Vehicles (MAVs), Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs), and HIAB cranes, ensuring all plant and vehicles are used safely and in line with company policy. Working closely with Technology Engineers, you’ll support fault response and routine maintenance tasks, playing a key part in delivering high-quality, safe, and efficient service. You’ll also complete daily vehicle checks, maintain accurate records of labour, plant, and material use, and contribute to a strong health and safety culture by adhering to defined procedures and risk assessments. This is a hands-on, team-based role where professionalism, flexibility, and a proactive attitude are essential.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be a skilled and safety-conscious individual who holds a Class C HGV licence with CPC and has experience operating a Lorry Loader (HIAB), both of which are essential for this role. Ideally, you’ll also have an IPAF 1b MEWP qualification and previous experience in highways maintenance, although this isn’t essential. A positive, can-do attitude is crucial, along with the ability to work flexibly as part of a team, often under pressure and in varying weather conditions. Strong communication skills and a willingness to adapt to changing priorities are key, as is a commitment to maintaining high standards of health and safety at all times.
Package Description
Here at Colas, we offer a great total compensation package, including:
- A salary between £32,000-£35,000 (dependent on experience)
- The role will be on a 4 on 4 off shift pattern, working nights to enable the delivery of the maintenance.
- Our Colas Pension Scheme has combined contributions of up to 10%
- Life Assurance Scheme which is x4 basic salary
- 20.5 days annual leave per year inclusive of bank holidays
- Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme
- Hybrid Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
- Opportunities to study towards a fully funded Professional Qualification
- Ongoing personal / professional development
- Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and much more through our online employee benefits portal
At Colas, our culture is guided by four core values: Respect, Commitment, Pioneering, and Sharing. These values shape how we work, collaborate, and grow together. We believe that respect is the foundation of every relationship. By treating others as we wish to be treated, we foster fairness, transparency, and inclusion within our teams and with our clients, communities, and partners. Commitment means dedicating ourselves fully to everything we do. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to make a meaningful impact. With a pioneering spirit, we prioritise bold innovation over blind ambition. We welcome new ideas, invest in our people, and work to deliver sustainable infrastructure solutions that shape the future. Through sharing, we build trust and solidarity, encouraging collaboration and growth at all levels of the business.
Colas Ltd is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that mirrors the communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you want a workplace where your voice is valued and your potential is developed, Colas is the right choice.
Note to Recruitment Agencies
In line with our Company Policy, Colas Ltd has a preference for direct hiring and we will reach out to our PSL (Preferred Suppliers List) agencies if the role is eligible for release. We do not accept speculative CVs from agencies. If a speculative CV is sent, no fee will be applicable.
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