Cold End Operator

Ardagh Group; Irvine; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary sacrifice pension up to 10%

Private Healthcare (AXA)

Health & wellbeing initiatives

Cycle to work scheme

Family-friendly policies

Sick pay after qualifying period

Job summary

Ardagh Group is seeking a packaging operator to run glass container equipment, ensuring correct labeling and materials meet customer specs. You will report faults, perform basic repairs, and support post-change adjustments to keep lines productive.

The role emphasizes safety, hygiene, and quality, with a commitment to continuous improvement and Lean Six Sigma principles across shift operations. An inclusive, team-focused environment is offered.

Qualifications

• Educated to National 5 Level (Maths, Science, English).
• Enthusiasm, commitment, personal drive, and customer focus.
• Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) tools and continuous improvement.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Awareness of Health & Safety and Hygiene Regulations.
• Commitment to Total Quality Standards.

Responsibilities

• Check containers are packed using correct materials and labelled to meet customer requirements.
• Report malfunctions or defects to maintain efficiency and quality.
• Repair basic faults and jams on packaging equipment.
• Assist after job changes to ensure smooth operation of equipment.
• Carry out housekeeping per Company Hygiene Rules.
• Follow Health & Safety procedures to maintain a safe workplace.

Skills

National 5 Maths

National 5 Science

National 5 English

Lean Six Sigma

Communication skills

Health & Safety awareness

Total Quality

Education

National 5 Level in Maths, Science and English

Job description

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The purpose of the role is to operate glass container packaging equipment and report any malfunctions or defects to maintain efficiency and quality.

Responsibilities:

• Check containers are packed using correct materials and labelled correctly to meet customer requirements and comply with packaging specifications.
• Report any malfunctions or defects to maintain efficiency and quality.
• Repair any basic faults and jam-ups with the packaging equipment.
• Assist after job changes to establish and maintain effective operation of packaging equipment.
• Carry out housekeeping as required in accordance with Company Hygiene Rules.
• Comply with Company Health & Safety Procedures to maintain a safe working environment.

Required skills / qualifications:

• Educated to National 5 Level – Grade C or above in Maths, Science and English.
• Enthusiasm, commitment, personal drive, and customer focus.
• A good understanding of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Tools and continuous improvement.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Awareness of relevant Health & Safety and Hygiene Regulations.
• Committed to Total Quality Standards.

What we offer:

• Salary sacrifice pension scheme with up to 10% matched contributions
• An environment where we support the development and progression of our employees, tailored to the individual’s aspirations and business opportunities
• 21 shifts holiday when working the 5 crew 12-hour shift rota holidays are built into the shift 5 crew rota
• Private Healthcare provided by AXA
• Health and wellbeing initiatives, such as Occupational Health and cycle to work scheme
• Family friendly policies and Company Sick Pay, after qualifying period

Role Profile available on request.

This role is open to internal and external applicants.

Internal candidates must apply via myArdagh.

Closing Date: 25th November 2026

About Ardagh Group

Ardagh Groupis a global leader in metal and glass packaging solutions, producing packaging for the world’s leading brands. We trace our roots all the way back to the Irish Glass Bottle Company, founded in 1932. Since then we have grown rapidly to a team of more than 20,000 people with revenues of almost $10 billion. Today we have a presence across Europe, Africa and the Americas.

• Did you know that Ardagh produce many of the beverage cans and bottles you drink your favourite beverages from?
• Did you know we produce metal and glass packaging which are permanent materials, meaning they can be infinitely recycled without any loss of quality?
• Did you know we produce more than 160 million containers per day?

Ardagh is passionate about sustainability and have a reputation for innovation. We push the boundaries of what’s possible, pioneering new production methods, new design techniques and new ways to recycle and save energy. Our aim is to reduce any negative environmental impact whilst remaining economically sustainable and socially responsible.

We believe that the success of our business depends on the success of our people. We strive to create working environments where our employees feel valued, can work to their full potential, and where their achievements are celebrated.

Here at Ardagh, we offer exciting and rewarding opportunities for talented and creative people. If you have ambition and want to make an impact with your career, come and join our team, you’ll enjoy the journey!