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KAEFER UK and Ireland
Count on us.

Job title: General Operative

Location: Devonport Dockyard, Plymouth

Working pattern: Full time, permanent (Monday-Friday)

Salary: Basic: £13.74 // OT1: £17.86 // OT2: £21.98

At KAEFER, our success is built on our values and culture, which create a supportive and inclusive environment where employees can thrive. We prioritise growth and development, with abundant opportunities for advancement and a commitment to promoting from within. Our wide range of job openings, including entry-level positions, allows for the first steps on the ladder to success. We provide ongoing training and development opportunities to support our employees throughout their careers.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Semi-Skilled Industrial Services (Marine) Operative to join our team working on major defence and shipyard projects.
This role involves assisting skilled trades in the preparation and maintenance of complex marine surfaces and structures. You will support a range of industrial services activities carried out within secure dockyard environments.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone seeking to build a long-term career in the marine industrial services sector — with full training, development, and progression opportunities provided.

How you will make an impact

• Support skilled personnel in a range of marine industrial services activities.
• Assist with the safe use of hand tools, power tools, and industrial equipment.
• Prepare materials, equipment, and work areas for production and maintenance tasks.
• Follow detailed work instructions, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards.
• Work within a secure and controlled site environment, adhering to all access and permit-to-work procedures.
• Participate in training programs aimed at developing specialist skills for future progression within the team.

What you will bring

• Experience in an industrial, construction, or marine environment preferred.
• Good practical skills with hand and power tools.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow precise instructions.
• Team-focused attitude and willingness to learn new technical skills.
• Physically fit and comfortable working in a controlled industrial environment.
• Must be eligible to obtain security clearance (SC level) due to the nature of the work.

Why KAEFER?

Our mission is clear: to be the most reliable and efficient provider of technical industrial services.

KAEFER UK & Ireland provides a large and growing range of industries with asset integrity services including access solutions, insulation, surface protection, HVAC fabrication, E, C&I and more. We focus on improving energy efficiency and extending asset life cycles.

The company has twelve operating centres across the UK and Ireland, employing approximately 3,500 highly skilled and experienced people. Our people are our lifeforce and every day they deliver excellence to our customers.

KAEFER UK & Ireland is part of the KAEFER Group, a global €2.4 billion business with its headquarters in Bremen, Germany. KAEFER works on more than 5,500 contracts internationally, with around 33,000 employees. With unrivalled experience and expertise, our teams provide trusted partnerships and tailored support to execute even the most challenging and complex projects for clients.

We take pride in being part of a global company with common values and many diverse and individual voices. We make positive contributions in the communities where we live and work - after all when it counts, count on us!

Our Values unite us as a team, they serve as the foundation of everything we do. They define who we are, guide our actions, and inspire us to be our best every day – they are Ambition, Team Spirit, Respect and Reliability.

Salary and benefits

The salary for this role is competitive and comes with the following benefits:

Financial benefits  

• Competitive salary reviewed annually
• Pension based on minimum of 5% from employee, 4% from KAEFER
• Life cover

Work life balance

• 29 days annual leave per year (inclusive of bank holidays) based on full time contract

Health, Happiness and Family

• 24/7 Employee Assistance Line with access to external counsellor
• Company funded eye tests (VDU and safety glasses)
• Enhanced family friendly policies

Learning & Development

• Support to build your professional development plan to grow and evolve with us
• Payment towards annual professional fees and CPD relevant to roles

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and a team that reflects a broad range of perspectives and experiences, where all individuals are valued and have the opportunity to thrive. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

If you’d like to discuss our recruitment process further, or need support during the application stage, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Unsolicited CVs sent by recruitment agencies will be considered the property of KAEFER UK and Ireland and no fee will be payable.

Pay: £10.00-£100,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person