The Company

Imerys is the world’s leading supplier of mineral-based specialty solutions for the industry with €3.4 billion in revenue and 12,300 employees in 40 countries in 2025. The Group offers high value-added and functional solutions to a wide range of industries and fast-growing markets such as solutions for the energy transition and sustainable construction, as well as natural solutions for consumer goods. Imerys draws on its understanding of applications, technological knowledge, and expertise in material science to deliver solutions which contribute essential properties to customers’ products and their performance. As part of its commitment to responsible development, Imerys promotes environmentally friendly products and processes in addition to supporting its customers in their decarbonization efforts.

Imerys is listed on Euronext Paris (France) with the ticker symbol NK.PA.

The Position

Operative

Job Summary

Operative - Refining

Location: Trebal Refinery, Trethurgy, St Austell, Cornwall, PL26 8YQ
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full-time, 38.5 hours per week (74 shift pattern, 12-hour days and nights)
Salary: £25,445.42 per annum plus £6,461.65 shift allowance

Join Our Trebal Refinery Team

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Operative to join our team at Trebal Refinery.

As part of a small team responsible for running the china clay refining process, you will play a key role in producing high-quality products for our customers. This varied role combines both computer-based process control and practical operational activities, providing an excellent opportunity to develop technical skills and build a long-term career within Imerys.

Working in a 24/7 operation, you will monitor and control refining processes using our SCADA system, operate site equipment, support basic maintenance tasks, and contribute to the safe and efficient running of the refinery. You will work closely with engineers, Day Captains, and the wider management team to ensure production targets are achieved while maintaining the highest safety standards.

What You'll Be Doing

• Monitoring and controlling refining processes using SCADA process control systems.
• Operating plant and equipment across the refinery site.
• Ensuring production runs safely, efficiently, and in line with quality standards.
• Carrying out routine plant inspections and process checks.
• Supporting basic maintenance activities and equipment upkeep.
• Maintaining excellent housekeeping standards across the site.
• Working closely with engineers and operational managers to resolve issues and improve performance.
• Reporting hazards, incidents, near misses, and process deviations.
• Following all Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) policies, procedures, and management instructions.
• Contributing to continuous improvement initiatives across the refinery.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for individuals who are:

• Reliable and safety-focused.
• Comfortable working in both practical and computer-based environments.
• Strong communicators who enjoy working as part of a team.
• Organised and methodical with good attention to detail.
• Physically fit and comfortable working in an industrial setting.
• Keen to learn new skills and develop within a manufacturing environment.
• Confident using technology and willing to learn process control systems.

Desirable experience includes:

• Experience in manufacturing, production, quarrying, processing, engineering, or other industrial environments.
• Previous experience operating machinery or process equipment.
• Experience working safely within industrial or production settings.
• Valid licence to drive in the UK.

Training and Development

No previous refining experience is required. Full training will be provided, including:

• Refining process operations
• SCADA process control systems
• Fixed plant operations
• Mobile plant operations
• Basic maintenance activities
• Health, Safety and Environmental procedures
• Site equipment and operational processes

This role offers an excellent pathway into a long-term career within the minerals industry, with opportunities to develop your technical and operational skills. 

What's In It For You?

• 19 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Generous pension plan
• Life assurance
• Income protection
• Private healthcare
• Company sick pay
• Imerys Advantage employee discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme via Halfords
• Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme via Tusker
• Buy Holiday Scheme

Supporting Your Wellbeing

We offer a comprehensive wellbeing package, including:

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Virtual GP service
• Flu and eye care vouchers
• Menopause support
• Check4Cancer health screening, including prostate screening
• Opportunities to volunteer as a Mental Health First Aider, First Aider at Work, or Fire Marshal

Why Join Imerys?

At Imerys, every member of our team matters. Health, safety, and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.

If you're looking for a hands-on role with excellent training, career development opportunities, and a shift pattern that supports work-life balance, we'd love to hear from you.

Position Type

Full time

and

Permanent

Only technical issues will be monitored through the below inbox:

recruiting.support@ imerys.com

PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT RESUMES OR APPLICATIONS TO THIS EMAIL, AS THEY WILL NOT BE REVIEWED. 

To ensure fairness and legal compliance in our recruitment processes, only applications received through the online application process will be considered. 

IMERYS is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and it is our policy to not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.