Yard Operative

Yard OperativeSalary/Rate:£14.80 - 14.80 per hourWorking Options:On-siteJob type:PermanentTown/City:East LondonCounty:Greater LondonSpecialism:Metals & EngineeringJob ref:YARDOP-DBPost Date:October 1, 2026Apply NowCreate Job AlertScroll

Meet Our Recruiter

Daniel Barnett

Senior Executive Recruitment Consultant[phone removed][email removed]

About the Role

Yard Operative

Location: East London

Salary: £14.80 per hour

Industry: Metal Recycling

Reference: ASPLIV

Our client is a family-run metal recycling business seeking a dependable and hardworking Yard Operative to join their team. This is a great opportunity for someone with previous experience in scrap metal, recycling, manufacturing or a similar hands-on environment, but applications are also welcomed from candidates looking to start or develop their career within the metal recycling industry.

The role will suit someone who is practical, reliable and keen to learn, with a proactive approach to their work. Whether you already have experience grading metals or are looking to learn the trade, the key is having the right attitude, taking pride in your work and being willing to develop your knowledge within the yard.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspect, sort and segregate ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
• Identify higher value grades within mixed parcels and general yard material.
• Carry out material recovery and upgrading work to maximise value.
• Identify different non-ferrous grades, including brass, gunmetal, phosphor bronze and other valuable materials.
• Operate a forklift safely when moving materials between different areas of the yard.
• Move, organise and prepare material for processing, storage or dispatch.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe working environment.
• Report unusual, contaminated or potentially hazardous material immediately.
• Identify opportunities to improve material recovery and reduce lost value.
• Assist other areas of the yard when operational priorities change.
• Follow all site traffic, PPE, environmental and health & safety procedures.
• Work additional hours when required and agreed, particularly during busy periods or operational overruns.

Key Skills & Experience

• Previous experience within scrap metal, recycling or another hands-on environment is beneficial but not essential.
• An interest in developing knowledge of ferrous and non-ferrous metal grades.
• Willingness to learn how to identify and separate different grades of metal and higher-value materials.
• Previous experience with material grading, sorting or recovery is advantageous but full training can be provided.
• FLT Counterbalance licence essential.
• Reliable attendance and good timekeeping.
• Proactive approach with the ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Comfortable working outdoors in a physical yard environment.
• Strong awareness of health & safety and safe working practices.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of the importance of handling valuable materials carefully.
• Flexible approach with a willingness to support the wider yard operation when required.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn and develop within the role.

Package & Benefits

• £14.80 per hour
• Overtime available and paid at x1.5
• 20 days annual leave + Bank Holiday
• Company pension
• Full-time, permanent position
• Opportunity to develop specialist knowledge within the metal recycling industry
• Long-term opportunity within an established family-run business
• Monday to Friday: 7:00am – 5:00pm/ Saturday: 7:00am – 1:00pm

To Contact Direct

Daniel Barnett

Managing Consultant

[phone removed]

[email removed]

At Aspion, our core values have been built around the importance of transparency, innovation, passion and collaboration. As such, we are committed to open communication and the protection of your privacy. We have updated our policies in line with new General Data Protection Regulation laws to make it easier for you to understand how we collect, store and handle your data – these can be viewed on our website.

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