Lab Production Operative

Avantor; England; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global laboratory supply company is seeking reliable individuals for an entry-level production role in Theale, UK. The position involves manufacturing high-quality chromatography products with responsibilities that include preparing materials, maintaining safety standards, and effective communication with team members. Training will be provided. Ideal candidates are motivated, detail-oriented, and may have some experience in production environments. This role offers a hands-on experience with flexible shifts.

Qualifications

• No formal qualifications required – full training provided.
• Previous experience in production, industrial, or hospitality environments is a plus.
• Own transport is ideal due to shift patterns.

Responsibilities

• Carry out production tasks according to established procedures and instructions.
• Prepare materials and workstations to meet daily production targets.
• Keep your work area clean, organised, and safe.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members.
• Report any delays or equipment issues promptly.

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure

Job description

The Opportunity:

Hichrom, part of VWR/Avantor has been firmly established in the field of chromatography for over 30 years, specialising in the development, manufacture and supply of high quality chromatography products, servicing both the UK and overseas markets. During this time we have built up a strong reputation amongst chromatographers for technical expertise, speed of delivery and competitive pricing.

This is an entry‑level operative role manufacturing High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) columns.

📍Location: 1 The Markham Centre, Station Road, Theale, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 4PE

🕒Working Hours: 6:00 - 14:00

💼 Entry‑level opportunity

We’re looking for reliable and motivated individuals to join our production team in Theale, where we manufacture key components used in laboratory workflows. If you enjoy working in a fast‑paced, hands‑on environment and take pride in maintaining high standards, this could be the role for you!

🛠️ Key Responsibilities:

• Carry out production tasks according to established procedures and instructions.
• Prepare materials and workstations to meet daily production targets.
• Keep your work area clean, organised, and safe at all times.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members, including shift handovers and break coverage.
• Report any delays or equipment issues promptly.
• Take ownership of tools and stations, ensuring they’re well‑maintained.
• Support production teams with updates to procedures and processes.

✅ What We’re Looking For:

• No formal qualifications required – full training provided.
• Previous experience in production, industrial, or hospitality environments is a plus.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to work under pressure.
• Own transport is ideal due to shift patterns.

📦 Working Environment:

• Practical, hands‑on role in a production setting.
• Physical activity, including walking, lifting (up to 5kg), and handling equipment.
• Fast‑paced environment with varied daily tasks.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life‑changing science.

The work we do changes people’s lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom’s voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.

We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world.

Apply today!

EEO Statement:

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

Privacy Policy:

We will use the personal information that you have submitted to us in order to consider your application for the relevant role. Your privacy is important to us. For our Privacy Policy which explains the purposes for which we will use your personal information and the ways in which we will handle and retain your information, and how to contact us with any queries or requests, please review the policy.

3rd Party Non‑Solicitation Policy:

By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.