Senior Grab Crane Operative

Job Title – Senior Grab Crane Operative
Location – Wandsworth, London
Salary – £32,760 + Overtime (1.5x Saturday / 2x Sunday & Bank Holidays)
Shift – Monday to Friday (2:00pm – 10:00pm)

Job Role of the Senior Grab Crane Operative

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Senior Grab Crane Operative to join a well-established and essential environmental services business operating within the waste and recycling sector. This role offers the chance to work in a fast-paced, operationally critical environment where you will play a key part in keeping site operations running efficiently and safely.

As a Senior Operative, you will take ownership of managing bunker levels and coordinating incoming material, ensuring waste is processed effectively and operations run smoothly. You will also act as a key point of contact on shift, supporting and guiding junior and agency operatives while maintaining high standards across the site.

This is a hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who thrives in a busy environment and enjoys responsibility, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Responsibilities of the Senior Grab Crane Operative

• Operating grab crane equipment safely and efficiently
• Managing bunker levels and coordinating incoming waste material
• Supervising and supporting junior and agency operatives on shift
• Ensuring all work is carried out in line with health & safety procedures
• Liaising with control teams, supervisors, and sampling teams
• Supporting smooth material flow and maintaining quality standards
• Completing daily paperwork, check sheets, and shift handovers
• Assisting with site maintenance, cleaning, and general operational tasks
• Supporting wider operational planning and coordination where required

Sector – Recycling

Non-Negotiable Requirements

• Experience operating grab cranes or similar heavy plant equipment

Desirable Requirements

• Previous supervisory or senior operative experience
• Experience within material recovery or waste transfer operations
• Flexible approach to working hours and responsibilities

The Senior Grab Crane Operative will benefit from:

• Working for a well-established and essential services provider
• Opportunities for progression across multiple sites and roles
• Stable Monday–Friday shift pattern
• Overtime opportunities at enhanced rates
• Pension scheme (up to 5%)
• Holiday allowance increasing with service (20 + 8 bank holidays + additional per year of service)
• Easily accessible site with parking and strong public transport links