Factory Operative - Kilns

Steelite International; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Healthcare Cash Plan

Cycle to work scheme

On-site parking

Employee referral scheme

Job summary

Steelite International is seeking a Kiln Operative for our Kilns Department in Stoke-on-Trent. You will load glazed ware onto kiln batts, ensure correct firing preparation, and unload finished ware for the next production stage. The role emphasizes safety, high quality, and teamwork.

You’ll work Days, Noons and Nights with pay including shift allowances, and receive full on‑the‑job training and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Good standard of English and Maths.
• At least 1 year’s experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Reliable with good attendance and timekeeping.
• Willing to work overtime when required.
• Flexible and supportive to other departments as needed.
• Works well as part of a team and takes instruction from managers.

Responsibilities

• Load glazed and decorated ware onto kiln batts using correct methods.
• Stack ware correctly at appropriate height and ensure no contact.
• Unload fired ware and place on boards for next process.
• Remove pitchers and refractory waste as required.
• Monitor product quality and report issues.
• Maintain a clean, tidy and safe working environment.
• Comply with Health & Safety regulations and company procedures.
• Collaborate with colleagues to achieve production targets.
• Carry out other reasonable duties as required.

Skills

English

Maths

Job description

We're looking for a Kiln Operative to join our Kilns Department. This is a hands-on role where you'll be responsible for loading glazed and decorated ware onto the Sacmi kiln and unloading fired ware, helping to ensure production targets are achieved safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards.

If you enjoy practical work, take pride in maintaining high standards and want to play a key role in keeping production moving efficiently, we'd love to hear from you.

Hours of Work

Days, Noons, and Nights:

• Days: Monday to Thursday: 6:00am - 2:00pm, Friday: 6:00am - 1:00pm
• Noons: Monday to Thursday: 2:00pm - 10:00pm, Friday: 1:00pm - 8:00pm
• Nights: Monday to Thursday: 10:00pm - 6:00am, Friday: 8:00pm - 3:00am

£13.11 per hour + Shift Allowances (Days: £1.00 per hour, Noons: £1.74 per hour, Nights: £2.45 per hour)

About the Role

As a Kiln Operative, you'll be responsible for loading glazed and decorated ware onto kiln batts, ensuring products are positioned correctly for firing and unloading finished ware ready for the next stage of production. You'll play an important role in maintaining kiln output, product quality and operational efficiency.

Working as part of the Kilns Department, you'll help ensure production plans are achieved while maintaining the highest standards of safety, housekeeping and teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

• Load glazed and decorated ware onto kiln batts using the correct methods.
• Ensure ware is stacked correctly, at the appropriate height and without touching.
• Unload fired ware from the kiln and place it onto boards ready for the next process.
• Remove pitchers and refractory waste as required.
• Monitor product quality and report any issues.
• Maintain a clean, tidy and safe working environment.
• Comply with all Health & Safety regulations and Company procedures.
• Work effectively with colleagues to achieve production targets.
• Support the department by carrying out other reasonable duties as required.

About You

• Have a good standard of English and Maths.
• Ideally have at least one year's experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Be reliable, with good attendance and timekeeping.
• Be willing to work reasonable overtime when required.
• Demonstrate flexibility and support other departments when needed.
• Work effectively as part of a team.
• Be comfortable receiving instruction and guidance from managers and team leaders.
• Have the confidence to identify problems and communicate ideas and suggestions.
• Be able to make basic decisions and elevate issues where appropriate.
• Take ownership of your workload and maintain high standards of housekeeping.
• Communicate openly and honestly with colleagues and managers.
• Be motivated to contribute to the success of both the department and the wider business.

Training

You'll receive full on-the-job training, including Manual Handling training and any refresher training required for the role.

• We offer a competitive benefits package, including:
• Company pension, free pension advice and life insurance.
• Healthcare Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, Occupational Health Screening and a Health & Wellbeing Programme.
• Enhanced annual leave, enhanced maternity and paternity pay, bereavement leave and company sick pay.
• Cycle to Work Scheme, discounted products and free on-site parking.
• Employee referral scheme, Long Service Awards, Reward & Recognition Programme, company events and a pre-retirement scheme.

Why Join Us?

Joining our Kilns Department means becoming part of a skilled and supportive team responsible for a critical stage of our manufacturing process. Safety, quality and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do, and you'll have the opportunity to make a real contribution to achieving production targets and maintaining operational excellence.

If you're looking for a rewarding role where your reliability, attention to detail and commitment to high standards will make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Steelite International is the leading designer, marketer, manufacturer, and supplier of award-winning tableware, lighting, and buffet solutions for the global hospitality industry. Steelite core brands include Steelite Distinction & Performance, William Edwards, D.W. Haber, Hollowick, Creations, Folio, Varick, Homer Laughlin, Hall China, and Aspen Drinkware. In addition to their core brands, Steelite distributes such prominent brands as Mogogo, Rona 5-Star Glass, Bormioli Rocco, Rene Ozorio, Robert Welch, Royal Porcelain, Robert Gordon Pottery, WNK, Anfora, Delfin, and Strahl. Dual headquarters in New Castle, PA, and Stoke-On-Trent, UK, and a 500,000 square foot manufacturing facility and twelve showrooms worldwide enable Steelite to service over 140 countries for more than 50 years. Steelite is committed to providing the best in functionality and design while minimizing the effect on our environment.

Hours

39

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Referral programmeSick pay
• Discounted product
• Enhanced annual leave
• Company events
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Free Pension Advice
• Occupational Health Screening
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced Maternity Pay
• Enhanced Paternity Pay
• Bereavement Leave
• Reward and Recognition Programme
• Long Service Awards
• Pre-Retirement Scheme

06-12-2026