Machine Operative/Conversion Operative

Saica Group; Wigan; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Supportive team

Training and development

Career progression

22 days holiday

Overtime 1.5x

Refer a Friend £500

Cycle to work

Home & tech scheme

Employee discounts

Flu and eye vouchers

Job summary

Saica Group’s Saica Flex division operates at the Wigan site, manufacturing flexible plastic films for leading food manufacturers and retailers. The role involves setting and maintaining conversion machinery to slit, punch holes, and perforate film while following customer specifications and safety standards.

You’ll work within a supportive team on a 12-hour rotating shift pattern, with opportunities for training, progression, and a holistic benefits package.

Qualifications

• Background in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Set up slitting machine to perform slitting, punching holes and perforation as required.
• Record daily production outputs including weights and counts, and ensure traceability.

Responsibilities

• Set and maintain conversion machinery to slit, macro punch, and micro perforate film.
• Follow customer specifications to ensure products meet standards throughout the production run.
• Maintain quality during production with regular checks of samples.
• Complete daily production reports detailing shift output and meterage.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Slitting machine setup

Quality checks

Lean manufacturing

Health & safety

Documentation

Job description

Join Saica Flex, a division of the Saica Group specializing in flexible packaging and labeling. At Saica Flex, we have a challenge: to drive and develop sustainable solutions based on the principles of the circular economy.

At Saica Group, we have integrated the circular economy into our business model, embracing sustainability as the key to achieving a more responsible production system. At Saica Flex, you’ll be part of the circle!

We believe in talent, professional growth, and making a positive impact on the world. If you’re looking for a dynamic environment where every day is an opportunity to innovate and create a better world, Saica Group is the place for you!

Job:

Machine Operative/Conversion Operative

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 offering an exciting opportunity to work with state-of-the‑art equipment alongside our expert team.

You will be responsible for setting and maintaining conversion machinery to slit, macro punch and micro perf a range of plastic film. Working in a safe and controlled manner in line with the required standards and operating procedures.

You will be responsible for understanding the customer requirements for the product and ensuring that they are followed to the highest possible standard throughout the production run.

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.

Conversion Operative – Skills, experience and attributes

• Background in a manufacturing environment preferred
• Ability to read and follow customer specification to set up the slitting machine to perform slitting, punch holes and hot needle perforation holes
• Bagging, labelling and palletisation of slit reels in line with customer requirements
• Maintaining quality during the production run including regular quality checks of samples
• Operating processes in line with lean manufacturing techniques to maintain machine efficiency at all times
• Working to the site clean as you go policy at all times
• Completion of daily production report detailing shift/order output including weights and meterage calculations
• Operating in line with site health and safety, environmental and quality standards

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.

Work Experience:

Production

Education:

Adult Education Qualifications: N/A

Worker Type:

Regular

Why choose Us

By joining the Saica Group, you’re choosing more than a job – you’re choosing a purpose-driven career that aligns with your values. You’ll collaborate with like‑minded individuals to shape a sustainable future, making a meaningful contribution to our world.

Saica Group is committed to Occupational Risk Prevention for its employees and partner companies, Environmental Protection, the Quality of its products and services, and Equal Opportunities between men and women. In our work, we strive to maintain a balance between professional and personal life.

All CVs received will be handled in accordance with Personal Data Protection legislation and will be archived unless the candidate expressly requests their cancellation or rectification in writing.