Ink Technician

Saica Group; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

22 days' holiday (plus Bank Holidays)

Overtime opportunities at 1.5x

Refer a Friend £500

Cycle to work scheme

Home & Tech scheme

Employee discount platform

Flu and eye test vouchers

Full training and ongoing development

Job summary

Saica Group in Wigan, part of the Saica Flex division, seeks an Ink Technician to join our flexographic printing team. You will prepare and match inks, maintain quality, and support press operators to achieve high-standard prints.

We offer full training, a collaborative environment and opportunities to grow within a global packaging leader.

Qualifications

• Excellent attention to detail.
• Good colour perception to distinguish subtle variations.
• Strong organisational skills and reliability.
• Follow written procedures and Health & Safety rules for inks and chemicals.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.
• A proactive approach to problem solving.
• Basic computer literacy for data entry and records.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and mixing inks to production specifications and colour standards.
• Matching colours accurately using approved formulations and quality standards.
• Monitoring ink performance and making adjustments as required.
• Maintaining ink inventory and ensuring stock levels are controlled.
• Recording ink formulations and keeping production records up to date.
• Supporting press operators with ink-related issues and colour consistency.
• Conducting routine quality checks to ensure print standards are met.
• Cleaning and maintaining ink mixing equipment and work areas per procedures.
• Following written procedures and Health & Safety requirements for inks and chemicals.
• Collaborating with production, quality, and planning teams to meet deadlines.

Skills

Attention to detail

Colour perception

Organisational skills

Health & Safety procedures

Communication

Problem solving

Basic computer literacy

Job description

Company Description

Saica Group offers sustainable paper solutions for the manufacture of corrugated board and flexible packaging, promoting circularity in waste management. With more than 12,000 employees and a presence in 11 countries (Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Turkey, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and the United States), Saica Group has four business lines: the production of recycled paper for corrugated cardboard (Saica Paper), waste management and environmental services (Saica Natur), the production of corrugated board packaging (Saica Pack), and flexible packaging (Saica Flex).

Job Description

At Saica Group, we are more than an organisation; we are a community committed to delivering sustainable paper and packaging solutions while championing circularity and innovation in waste management. With over 10,000 colleagues across 11 countries and more than 80 years of history, we are proud to create sustainable solutions that make a lasting impact.

This opportunity is within our Saica Flex division, which manufactures a range of flexible plastic films for leading food manufacturers and retailers. Based at our Wigan site, we produce high-quality printed packaging using advanced flexographic printing technology.

About The Role

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our flexographic printing team as an Ink Technician. You will play a key role in preparing, matching and managing inks to ensure the high-quality print standards our customers expect.

Previous experience in a flexographic printing environment or a similar print-related role would be advantageous. However, full training will be provided for the right individual who demonstrates a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and excellent attention to detail.

Why Join Saica Flex?

Joining Saica Flex means becoming part of a global business that values innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement. We offer long-term career opportunities, ongoing development and the chance to work alongside experienced colleagues within a supportive team environment.

Ink Technician – Responsibilities

• Preparing and mixing inks to production specifications and colour standards.
• Matching colours accurately using approved formulations and quality standards.
• Monitoring ink performance throughout production and making adjustments as required.
• Maintaining ink inventory, ensuring stock levels are controlled and materials are stored correctly.
• Recording ink formulations and maintaining accurate production records.
• Supporting press operators with ink-related technical issues and colour consistency.
• Conducting routine quality checks to ensure print standards are met.
• Cleaning and maintaining ink mixing equipment and work areas in accordance with company procedures.
• Ability to follow written procedures and Health & Safety requirements, including the safe handling and disposal of inks and chemicals.
• Working collaboratively with production, quality, and planning teams to meet customer deadlines.

Essential

Skills & Experience

• Excellent attention to detail.
• Good colour perception, with the ability to accurately distinguish subtle colour variations, as this is an essential requirement of the role.
• Strong organiser skills.
• Following written procedures and complying with Health & Safety requirements, including the safe handling and disposal of inks and chemicals.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• A proactive approach to problem solving.
• Basic computer literacy.

Desirable

• Previous experience as an Ink Technician or in a flexographic printing environment.
• Experience with colour matching and ink formulation.
• Knowledge of solvent-, water-, or UV-based ink systems.
• Understanding of quality management systems within print manufacturing.
• Forklift truck licence or previous experience.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary.
• Friendly and supportive working environment.
• Full training and ongoing development.
• Opportunities for progression and further technical training.
• 22 days' holiday, inclusive of Bank Holidays, based on 11.5-hour shifts, plus an annual Christmas shutdown.
• Overtime opportunities at 1.5x your hourly rate.
• Refer a Friend Scheme of £500.
• Cycle to work and Home & Technology scheme.
• Employee Discount Platform.
• Flu and eye test vouchers

The Role Operates Across The Following Shift Patterns

12 hour rotating shift pattern, spread over a rotating 4 week cycle. This will typically be:

• Week 1 – 4 nights, 3 off
• Week 2 – 3 days, 1 off, 3 nights
• Week 3 – 3 off, 4 days
• Week 4 – 7 off

Saica Group is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Reasonable adjustments will be made throughout the recruitment process where required.

Job Requirements

You will enjoy working at Saica if you: Care: Are a team-player, support your colleagues and share your ideas It’s important that you want an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity Value: Have high standards, want to achieve good quality and great service Challenge: You are self-motivated to improve and achieve. You are open and transparent, tell it as it is. Specific skills or experience requirements will be shown in the job description.