About this role
Heidelberg Materials UK (formerly Hanson UK) is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of construction materials, employing over 4,000 people and operating around 300 manufacturing sites in the UK.
We are committed to building a more sustainable future and recognise that a diverse workforce is vital to our growth and advancement. We aim to promote a culture that values openness, transparency and individual achievement.
At the centre of our actions lies the responsibility for the environment. As the front runner on the path to carbon neutrality and circular economy in the building materials industry, we are working on sustainable building materials and solutions for the future. We enable new opportunities for our customers through digitalisation.
To lead, direct and manage all operational activities across the defined sites of accountability (unit)and in so doing achieve agreed safety, environmental, financial, and operational performance levels. To constantly seek to improve existing performance levels, and to identify and then pursue opportunities for further business operational efficiencies and growth.
Unit Manager Wigan Competitive Salary + Bonus + Company Car
Lead Operations. Inspire People. Drive Performance.
At Heidelberg Materials UK, we're looking for an ambitious and experienced Unit Manager to take ownership of quarry operations, leading high-performing teams while delivering exceptional standards in safety, operational excellence and business performance. This is more than an operational leadership role. It's an opportunity to make a real impact on a vital part of our business, shaping the future of our sites, developing talented people, and driving continuous improvement across safety, productivity and profitability.
About the Role As a Unit Manager, you'll be at the heart of the operation, providing visible leadership across your sites and creating a culture where safety, performance and people development come first. You'll have full accountability for operational performance, overseeing everything from production, asset utilisation and cost control through to customer service and team development. Working closely with commercial, technical, logistics and SHE colleagues, you'll identify opportunities to improve efficiency, maximise performance and deliver outstanding results. We're looking for a leader who thrives on responsibility, enjoys empowering teams to succeed, and can balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational management. If you're passionate about leading people, improving performance and creating a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace, we'd love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities Safety & Compliance
• Lead a strong safety-first culture and deliver continuous improvements in health and safety performance. • Ensure compliance with all statutory legislation, company policies and operational procedures. • Drive environmental performance in line with Heidelberg Materials' sustainability objectives.
Operational Performance
• Deliver operational KPIs, productivity targets and profitability objectives. • Optimise the utilisation of plant, equipment and resources. • Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives across operations. • Support major contracts and strategic customer requirements.
Leadership & People Management
• Lead, coach and develop site management teams. • Build a high-performing, inclusive and accountable culture. • Drive performance management, succession planning and talent development. • Ensure teams are appropriately trained and resourced.
Financial Management
• Hold P&L responsibility for designated sites. • Manage operational costs, budgets and forecasts. • Ensure effective control of capital expenditure and revenue spend.
What We're Looking For
• Proven operational leadership experience within a heavy industrial, manufacturing, quarrying, construction materials or related environment. • Strong people management and leadership skills. • Experience managing operational KPIs, budgets and business performance. • Demonstrable commitment to health, safety and environmental excellence. • Higher level vocational or educational qualification. • NVQ/QCF Level 5 or 7 in SHE or Quarry Operations. • Experience in quarrying, aggregates, concrete or related industries.
Why Join us? At Heidelberg Materials, we don’t just offer jobs—we build careers. As a global leader in construction materials, we’re committed to innovation, sustainability, and, above all, our people. Rewards & Benefits We’re proud to be recognised as an Employer of Choice, with accreditations including:
• Armed Forces Covenant (Gold) | Disability Confident | 5% Club (Platinum) | Mates in Mind | Clear Assured | STEM Ambassador | MPQC Member • Competitive Package: Salary, bonus incentives, generous pension, and life assurance • Work-Life Balance: 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays), agile/flexible working, holiday purchase, and sabbatical options, Season and travel ticket loans • Family-Friendly Policies: Enhanced support for maternity, paternity, adoption, IVF, neonatal care, and menopause • Inclusive Culture: Paid volunteering day and active employee communities (LGBTQ+, Women in STEM, Armed Forces, and more) • Wellbeing & Development: Employee Assistance Programme, retail discounts, and continuous learning opportunities