Machine Operator

Ardagh Group; Irvine; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension (salary sacrifice)

Private Healthcare

Wellbeing initiatives

Cycle to work

Family policies & sick pay

Job summary

Ardagh Group is seeking a Machine Operator for our Irvine Plant. You will operate IS machines to achieve high efficiency and quality, record data, follow procedures, and engage in continuous improvement.

The role requires National 5 in Maths/Science/English and production/engineering experience in a continuous process industry, with a focus on safety and lean practices. The shift pattern is 5-crew, with a competitive package including pension and healthcare.

Qualifications

• Must have National 5 Level (Maths, Science, English).
• Experience in production/engineering in a continuous process industry.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm, commitment, personal drive and customer focus.
• Good understanding of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) tools and continuous improvement.
• Computer literate with good oral and written communication.
• Awareness of Health & Safety and Hygiene Regulations.

Responsibilities

• Operate Independent Section (IS) Machines to maximise efficiency and quality.
• Identify defects and machine issues; repair per SOP or report to supervisor.
• Carry out swabbing as per cycles and record data in APS.
• Follow SOPs and best practices; maintain hygiene and house-keeping.
• Conform to Health & Safety Regulations; support continuous improvement.

Skills

National 5 Level in Maths, Science &英語

Production/engineering experience

Enthusiasm & customer focus

Lean Six Sigma tools

Computer literacy & communication

Health & Safety awareness

Education

National 5 Level – Maths, Science & English (Grade C+)

Job description

Machine Operator (5-Crew)

Irvine Plant

Role description

Responsible for the operation of Independent Section (IS) Machines to achieve maximum efficiency and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Identify defects and problems with container quality and machine performance, repair according to standard operating procedures or report immediately to the supervisor to avoid production delays
• Carry out swabbing in accordance with pre-determined cycles
• Record data in in-house system (APS)
• Follow standard operating procedures & best practice
• Carry out house- keeping in accordance with hygiene rules
• Conform to Health and Safety Regulations
• Commitment to continuous improvement

Required Skills / Qualifications

• Educated to National 5 Level – Grade C or above in Maths, Science and English.
• Production and/or engineering experience in a continuous process industry.
• Enthusiasm, commitment, personal drive, and customer focus.
• A good understanding of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Tools and continuous improvement.
• Computer literate with good oral and written communication skills.
• Awareness of relevant Health & Safety and Hygiene Regulations.

What We Offer

• Salary Minimum £40,419 - £47,264 Maximum per annum
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme with up to 10% matched contributions
• Normal shift pattern is determined by the 5-crew shift rota, however, typically consists of a two 12-hour day shifts followed by two 12-hour night shifts and then a six-day rest period which includes 21 shifts when working the 5 crew 12-hour shift rota / Holidays are built into the shift 5 crew rota
• An environment where we support the development and progression of our employees, tailored to the individual’s aspirations and business opportunities
• Private Healthcare provided by AXA.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives, such as Occupational Health and cycle to work scheme
• Family friendly policies and Company Sick Pay, after qualifying period

Role Profile available on request.

This role is open to internal and external applicants.

Closing Date: 25th November 2026

About Ardagh Group

Ardagh Group is a global leader in metal and glass packaging solutions, producing packaging for the world’s leading brands. We trace our roots all the way back to the Irish Glass Bottle Company, founded in 1932. Since then we have grown rapidly to a team of more than 20,000 people with revenues of almost $10 billion. Today we have a presence across Europe, Africa and the Americas.

• Did you know that Ardagh produce many of the beverage cans and bottles you drink your favourite beverages from?
• Did you know we produce metal and glass packaging which are permanent materials, meaning they can be infinitely recycled without any loss of quality?
• Did you know we produce more than 160 million containers per day?

Ardagh is passionate about sustainability and have a reputation for innovation. We push the boundaries of what’s possible, pioneering new production methods, new design techniques and new ways to recycle and save energy. Our aim to reduce any negative environmental impact whilst remaining economically sustainable and socially responsible.

We believe that the success of our business depends on the success of our people. We strive to create working environments where our employees feel valued, can work to their full potential, and where their achievements are celebrated.

Here at Ardagh, we offer exciting and rewarding opportunities for talented and creative people. If you have ambition and want to make an impact with your career, come and join our team, you’ll enjoy the journey!