Machine Operator

Harrison Scott Associates; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a reliable Machine Operator for a growing UK manufacturing business. The role involves operating machinery, ensuring production quality, and performing routine maintenance. Candidates should have experience in print or packaging operations and strong attention to detail. This position offers a competitive salary based on experience, training opportunities, and a supportive team environment without shift work, providing a conducive atmosphere for personal and professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Opportunities for training

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Previous experience in print or packaging machine operation is essential.
• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn new machinery are important.
• Good attention to detail and strong quality awareness are required.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor machinery for production.
• Inspect products for quality assurance and compliance with specifications.
• Perform basic machine maintenance and report issues.

Skills

Previous experience in print or packaging machine operation

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Ability to follow technical instructions

Good communication skills

Job description

About the Role

We are looking for a reliable and detail-oriented Machine Operator to join our client’s print and packaging production team. This role is responsible for setting up, running, and maintaining machinery to ensure products are produced to the highest quality standards.

This role offers attractive hours and no shifts. 7am start Mon - Thurs. 6am start & half day Friday

Key Responsibilities

Machine Operation & Production

• Set up, operate, and monitor machinery used for winding, cutting, labelling, and finishing cardboard tubes.
• Adjust machine parameters (speed, tension, alignment, adhesive levels) to meet production requirements.
• Conduct routine start-up, shutdown, and changeover procedures.
• Load raw materials (cores, labels, adhesives, outer wraps) and ensure continuous machine operation.

Quality Assurance

• Inspect tubes for print alignment, label positioning, cuts, seams, and overall finish.
• Measure dimensions using calipers, rulers, and gauges to ensure products meet specifications.
• Identify and reject out-of-spec materials, escalating issues where necessary.
• Record production and quality data accurately.

Maintenance & Housekeeping

• Perform basic machine maintenance (lubrication, cleaning, blade changes, alignment checks).
• Report mechanical issues promptly to the maintenance team.
• Keep work areas clean, safe, and organised in line with 5S standards.

Health & Safety

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
• Wear required PPE and participate in safety training.
• Report hazards, near misses, and incidents immediately.

Teamwork & Continuous Improvement

• Work closely with the production supervisor and other operators to meet targets.
• Support lean manufacturing and efficiency improvements.
• Contribute to problem-solving activities to reduce waste and increase throughput.

Skills & Experience Required

• Previous experience in print or packaging machine operation.
• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn new machinery.
• Good attention to detail with strong quality awareness.
• Ability to follow technical instructions and production specifications.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with deadlines.
• Good communication skills and ability to work in a small, collaborative team.

Desirable

• Experience operating tubular winding machines, label applicators, or cutting/finishing equipment.
• Basic maintenance or engineering skills.
• Forklift licence (counterbalance or reach).

What Our Client Offers

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Opportunities for training and upskilling on specialised machinery
• Growing, sustainability-focused UK manufacturing business
• Supportive team environment