Machine Operator

Key Selection Recruitment Limited; Grays; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable recruitment agency seeks a Machine Operator to set up and maintain manufacturing machinery in Grays. The role involves monitoring production processes, ensuring high quality, and performing basic maintenance tasks. Successful candidates will have experience in manufacturing, strong attention to detail, and mechanical aptitude. This position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional training and development in a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience

Opportunities for training

22 days' annual leave plus UK bank holidays

Qualifications

• Previous experience in manufacturing or machine operation preferred.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with deadlines.
• Basic maintenance or engineering skills.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor machinery for winding and finishing.
• Adjust machine parameters to meet production requirements.
• Conduct routine start-up and shutdown procedures.

Skills

Attention to detail

Mechanical aptitude

Good communication skills

Ability to follow technical instructions

Tools

Calipers

Rulers

Gauges

Job description

Position: Machine Operator

Location: Essex

Salary: £14.90 per hour

Hours: 38 hours per week

Company/ Sector: Packaging

The Role

• This role is responsible for setting up, running, and maintaining tube winding, labelling, and finishing machinery to ensure their packaging is produced to the highest quality standards.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
• Wear required PPE and participate in safety training.
• Report hazards, near misses, and incidents immediately.
• Work closely with the team to meet targets.
• Support lean manufacturing and efficiency improvements.
• Contribute to problem-solving activities to reduce waste and increase throughput.

Requirements

• Previous experience in manufacturing or machine operation (packaging, print, converting, labels, tissue, cardboard, or similar industries preferred).
• 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.
• Experience operating tubular winding machines, label applicators, or cutting/finishing equipment.
• Basic maintenance or engineering skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Opportunities for training
• Growing, sustainability-focused UK manufacturing business
• Supportive team environment
• Number of days holiday: 22 days' annual leave plus UK bank holidays