Conventional Turner

Workforce Recruitment and Training; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global manufacturer in the UK is seeking a Conventional Turner to set up and operate multi-spindle lathes. The role involves optimizing tooling, collaborating with teams, and contributing to Lean initiatives. The ideal candidate has proven experience with similar machines, strong mechanical aptitude, and effective communication skills. Benefits include a company bonus scheme, private health care, and flexible working hours.

Benefits

Company bonus scheme – 12.5%

25 days holiday + bank

Private health care – Bupa

Flexible working hours

Pension

Qualifications

• Proven experience with multi-spindle conventional lathes.
• Practical knowledge of SMED, 5S, Kaizen, and TPM.
• Ability to identify inefficiencies and participate in improvement activities.

Responsibilities

• Set up and optimize tooling on Wickman multi-spindle lathes.
• Perform rapid changeovers to maximize machine uptime.
• Collaborate with teams to maintain reliability and quality.

Skills

Setting and operating multi-spindle conventional lathes

Strong mechanical aptitude

Knowledge of Lean principles

Effective communication skills

Job description

Job Title: Conventional Turner

Job Type: Shifts, Perm

Location: Barnstaple

Hours: Monday to Friday 6am - 2pm rotating to Monday to Wednesday 2pm - midnight and Thursday 2pm - 11:30pm (37.5 hours per week)

Pay: £33,000-£39,000

Company Overview

A leading global manufacturer of high-performance instrumentation and flow‑control components serving critical industries including oil & gas, chemical processing, power generation, clean‑energy sectors such as hydrogen and carbon capture, as well as semiconductor and life‑science applications. The site specialises in precision‑engineered valves, manifolds, fittings and regulators used in demanding, high‑pressure and high‑purity environments.

Job Duties

• Set up, adjust, and optimize tooling and machine parameters on Wickman multi‑spindle lathes to produce precision turned components.
• Perform rapid changeovers using SMED techniques to maximize machine uptime.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and production teams to maintain machine reliability and product quality.
• Contribute actively to LEAN initiatives, including 5S, Kaizen, and TPM, to improve process efficiency and reduce waste.
• Maintain accurate setup records and assist in training other operators.
• Adhere to safety and housekeeping standards consistent with lean manufacturing practices.

The right candidate

• Proven experience setting and operating multi‑spindle conventional lathes, e.g. Wickman, Davenport, Index, Acme Gridley, or similar machines.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Practical knowledge of Lean principles such as SMED, 5S, Kaizen, and TPM.
• Ability to identify inefficiencies and participate in process improvement activities.
• Effective communicator who can collaborate with cross‑functional teams.
• Willingness to mentor and support less experienced team members.

Benefits

• Company bonus scheme – 12.5% (based on company performance)
• 25 days holiday + bank – Options to buy or sell 5 days
• Private health care – Bupa
• Flexible working hours
• Pension

What next?

• Do you have the experience? The company welcomes a site visit to ensure you are happy with the role, the environment and the people you will work with!
• If you would like to speak to someone regarding being booked on a site visit then please contact Tom Edney on 07823 402 034 for more information or send an email to [e-mail].
• Immediate starts are available!