Machine Operative

The Best Connection; Oxford; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

The Best Connection is currently recruiting for Machine Operators / Mechanical Operatives to join our client’s site in Oxford.

This role offers a day shift (08:00-16:30) with 2+ positions available and a starting pay of £14.00 per hour. You will work with production machinery and support engineers to ensure safe, efficient operation on site.

Qualifications

• Valid forklift truck licence.
• Experience operating industrial machinery or production equipment.
• Good practical and mechanical understanding.
• Ability to recognise abnormal machine operation and basic faults.
• Reliable, proactive and safety-focused.
• Willingness to learn and work with engineers.

Responsibilities

• Operate production machinery safely and efficiently.
• Learn machine settings and operating procedures.
• Assist engineers during installation, testing and commissioning.
• Monitor machine performance and identify faults.
• Carry out daily and weekly equipment checks.
• Perform basic lubrication and adjustments.
• Report breakdowns and maintenance needs promptly.
• Follow health and safety procedures.
• Maintain a clean and organised working area.
• Collaborate with colleagues to meet production targets.

Skills

Forklift licence

Machinery operation

Mechanical understanding

Fault recognition

Health and safety

Independent working

Job description

Machine Operator / Mechanical Operative - Day Shift

The Best Connection | Oxford

Pay: Competitive, depending on experience

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00-16:30

Vacancies: 2+ positions available

Pay: Starting at £14.00ph

The Role

The Best Connection is currently recruiting for Machine Operators / Mechanical Operatives to join our client's site in Oxford.

This is an excellent opportunity for practical, mechanically minded individuals who enjoy working with machinery and want to develop their technical skills in a hands-on production environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate production machinery and plant safely and efficiently.
• Learn machine settings, controls and operating procedures.
• Assist engineers during machinery installation, testing and commissioning.
• Monitor machinery performance and identify unusual noise, vibration or other potential faults.
• Carry out daily and weekly equipment checks.
• Perform routine cleaning, greasing, lubrication and basic adjustments.
• Identify and troubleshoot minor mechanical or operational issues.
• Carry out basic repairs where trained, authorised and competent.
• Report breakdowns, defects and maintenance requirements promptly.
• Escalate major faults and electrical issues to the relevant engineer or manager.
• Follow health and safety procedures, including machinery isolation requirements.
• Maintain a clean, tidy and organised working environment.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to support production targets.

Essential Requirements

• Valid forklift truck licence.
• Previous experience operating industrial machinery, production equipment or similar plant.
• Good practical and mechanical understanding.
• Ability to recognise abnormal machine operation and basic mechanical faults.
• A responsible, proactive and reliable approach to work.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to health and safety.
• Ability to work independently following appropriate training.
• Willingness to learn and work alongside engineers.

Desirable Experience

• A background in mechanical engineering, maintenance, manufacturing or production.
• Relevant mechanical or engineering qualifications, apprenticeship or practical experience.
• Experience of basic machinery maintenance or minor mechanical repairs.
• Experience working with recycling, processing or manufacturing machinery.
• Previous involvement in machinery installation or commissioning.

The Ideal Candidate

We are particularly interested in candidates who are mechanically minded, practical and keen to develop their understanding of industrial machinery.

You should be able to operate equipment confidently, identify when something is not working correctly, investigate straightforward problems and understand when specialist engineering support is required.

All maintenance and repair work must be carried out only where the appropriate training, authorisation and competence are in place.