General Yard Operative
EMREMR, a global force in recycling and circular materials, is hiring a General Yard Operative for its Burnopfield site in England. The company’s mission is clear: turning today’s end-of-life metals, plastics and other materials into tomorrow’s resources, keeping valuable materials in circulation and pushing circularity across global industry. With around 4,000 colleagues worldwide, EMR has earned recognition as a Great Place to Work for four years running and is named among the UK’s Best Workplaces in Manufacturing, Production and Transportation. They’re working toward providing net zero carbon sustainable materials by 2040, and you could be at the heart of that change.
The role is on-site, with a 4 days on, 4 days off shift pattern from 6am to 6pm. As a General Yard Operative you’ll be involved in loading, unloading, processing and transporting materials on site, while delivering solid customer service to those on the yard and assisting depot management with day-to-day tasks. EMR emphasises training and progression, so the right attitude can open doors to upskilling and operating the plant in time.
When you apply, you’ll receive a link by email to a virtual assessment, designed to give you a feel for the work and help determine fit for the role. It focuses on practical, real-site situations, so you can see what the job will feel like before you commit.
A day in the yard
On a typical day you’ll move and handle different materials across the yard, combining loading, unloading and processing tasks with safe, efficient transport around the site. You’ll carry out regular checks on machinery and keep the work areas tidy and safe, while also helping customers and clients with information and service on the yard. You’ll lend a hand to depot management with the routine running of the site to ensure things keep moving smoothly.
What it takes to join the team
Must-haves
- Demonstrates a can-do attitude
- Works well as part of a team
- Prefers hands-on tasks and practical work
- Has solid customer service skills
- Is comfortable working outdoors in all weather within an industrial environment
Nice-to-haves
- Willingness to participate in training to operate the company’s plant
Pay, benefits and practical details
EMR offers competitive pay with a bonus scheme, and the role comes with a generous benefits package that includes 25 days of annual leave with the option to buy or sell, enhanced maternity and paternity leave, life assurance and critical illness cover, and a wellbeing scheme with unlimited GP access and counselling plus 24/7 anonymous health and wellbeing advice. There is financial support on offer as well, including affordable loans, savings plans and access to advanced earned pay and education, plus discounts on shopping, utilities and entertainment. A cycle-to-work scheme and ongoing training and development plans aimed at helping you progress are on the roster as well. The job is based on site in Burnopfield, and the shift pattern is 4 days on, 4 days off, with a 6am to 6pm day. EMR’s broader story includes a commitment to keeping resources in use and reducing carbon, a journey they invite you to join as part of the team.
Tips for applicants
Lead with the hands-on, outdoor work aspect on your resume. Put the ability to work outdoors in an industrial setting and your readiness to contribute to a 4-on, 4-off schedule front and center, plus examples of customer-facing work you’ve done on yards or similar environments.
Show how you prove the must-have skills. Cite a specific instance of a project or shift where you demonstrated a can-do attitude, worked as part of a team, or helped customers on site, especially in outdoor conditions.
What to prepare for in interviews. Be ready to discuss how you’d handle loading and unloading tasks, how you approach regular machinery checks, and your approach to staying safe and efficient while supporting depot management on day-to-day needs.
A smart question to ask. Inquire about the training path to operate the plant and what progression looks like for someone who starts as a General Yard Operative, as the role emphasises ongoing training and development.