Drill Press Operator

Pickles Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a skilled Drill Press Operator with woodworking experience. In this role, you will precisely operate drill press machinery to produce high-quality furniture components. The position requires attention to detail, safety consciousness, and the ability to read technical drawings. Competitive pay is offered along with opportunities for training and progression in woodworking.

Benefits

Competitive hourly wage

Paid holidays

Pension scheme or retirement plan

Overtime opportunities

On-site parking

Training and progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience operating drill press equipment in woodworking or carpentry.
• Basic understanding of joinery and furniture construction preferred.
• Health and safety training desirable.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate drill press machines for wooden components.
• Read shop drawings to determine drilling locations and depths.
• Perform regular machine maintenance and bit sharpening.

Skills

Attention to detail

Hand-eye coordination

Knowledge of woodworking safety standards

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Woodworking, carpentry, or joinery training/certification

Forklift or material handling certification

Job description

Job Summary: We are seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Drill Press Operator with experience in woodworking to join our team. This role involves the precise operation of drill press machinery to perform hole drilling, countersinking, and boring on various types of wood materials for furniture components, cabinetry, or custom wood products.
Key Responsibilities:

• Set up and operate drill press machines to perform drilling operations on wooden components.
• Read and interpret shop drawings, templates, or work orders to determine drilling locations, depths, and bit sizes.
• Select appropriate drill bits and jigs based on material type and job requirements.
• Secure workpieces using clamps, vises, or jigs to ensure safety and accuracy.
• Inspect completed pieces to ensure consistent quality and accurate dimensions.
• Perform regular machine maintenance and bit sharpening to ensure optimal performance.
• Follow all workshop health and safety policies, including use of PPE and dust control measures.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Collaborate with carpenters, finishers, and other woodworkers on project requirements.

Skills & Experience:

• Experience operating drill press equipment in a woodworking or carpentry environment.
• Knowledge of different types of wood and how they respond to drilling and boring.
• Ability to read technical woodworking drawings and follow verbal instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and hand-eye coordination.
• Basic understanding of joinery and furniture construction (preferred).
• Familiarity with woodworking safety standards, including dust extraction systems.
• Ability to work efficiently while maintaining a high level of precision.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Woodworking, carpentry, or joinery training/certification preferred.
• Forklift or material handling certification is an advantage.
• Health and safety training (manual handling, PPE use, etc.) desirable.

Working Hours & Pay:

• 10am - 6pm Monday - Friday
• NMW - GBP12.21 to start

Benefits:

• Competitive hourly wage
• Paid holidays
• Pension scheme or retirement plan
• Overtime opportunities
• On-site parking
• Training and progression opportunities within woodworking