Yard Operative

Yard Operative (Heavy Cranes)

Location: Leyland

Are you looking for a hands-on role with a market-leading company where no two days are the same?

Ainscough Crane Hire, the UK's leading crane company and a Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025 employer, is looking for a Yard Operative to join our Heavy Cranes team in Leyland.

This is a varied and rewarding role that plays a vital part in supporting the safe and efficient operation of our Heavy Cranes business. You'll be responsible for maintaining equipment, supporting depot operations, delivering exceptional service to customers and helping ensure our industry-leading standards are upheld at all times.

What We Offer

• 24 days annual leave, plus an additional day's leave after 2 years' service, 5 years' service and every 5 years thereafter
• Group Life Assurance (2 x basic salary)
• Pension scheme (4% employer contribution, 5% employee contribution)
• Access to the Ainscough Advantage benefits platform
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• The opportunity to work with one of the most respected names in the lifting industry

About Ainscough Crane Hire

With a nationwide network of depots and the UK's largest fleet of cranes, Ainscough Crane Hire is trusted to deliver lifting solutions across some of the country's most significant construction, infrastructure and industrial projects.

Safety is at the heart of everything we do. Our "Always Make the Safe Choice" ethos underpins every decision, ensuring we deliver exceptional service while maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism.

Our people are our greatest asset, and we take pride in creating a culture where teamwork, respect and continuous improvement are encouraged every day.

The Role

As a Yard Operative, you will support the day-to-day operation of our Leyland depot, ensuring equipment, vehicles and lifting accessories are maintained, organised and ready to meet customer requirements.

Key responsibilities include:

• Carrying out general yard duties
• Loading and unloading vehicles safely and efficiently
• Operating a forklift truck (where qualified)
• Delivering equipment to customer sites, including construction sites, power stations and industrial facilities
• Completing customer site inductions where required
• Managing lifting tackle inventory, including booking equipment in and out
• Ensuring lifting equipment certification is accurately maintained
• Working closely with the Hire Office to anticipate and support customer demand
• Maintaining high housekeeping standards in line with our 5S principles
• Assisting with workshop activities, including vehicle cleaning and basic checks
• Completing daily vehicle inspections and depot audits
• Supporting depot safety initiatives, including Safe Visit audits
• Following all company policies, procedures and health & safety requirements
• Undertaking additional duties as reasonably requested by management

About You

We're looking for someone who enjoys practical work, takes pride in maintaining high standards and is committed to working safely at all times.

You will have:

Essential

• Full UK Driving Licence
• Good level of literacy and communication skills
• Ability to carry out manual handling activities
• A positive, reliable and proactive approach to work
• Flexibility to work additional hours when required
• Strong teamwork skills and a customer-focused mindset

Desirable

• Forklift Truck qualification
• Experience working within a yard, logistics, engineering or construction environment

A medical assessment will be required and arranged as part of the recruitment process.

If you're looking to build a career with an industry leader and be part of a team that takes pride in delivering excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications are expected to be highly competitive, so early application is encouraged.