Machine Operator - DAYS

Future Recruitment Ltd; Essex; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency in Essex is seeking an experienced Machine Operator to join a cardboard tube production team. The role entails setting up and operating machinery while adhering to quality standards. Responsibilities include inspecting products, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring a clean work environment. Ideal candidates have previous experience in manufacturing and strong attention to detail. This position offers a salary of £14.90 per hour along with overtime and benefits including life insurance.

Benefits

Overtime available

22 Days Holiday plus Bank Holidays

Life Insurance 2x Salary

Qualifications

• Experience in packaging, print, converting, labels, cardboard, or similar industries preferred.
• Desirable experience with tubular winding machines and cutting/finishing equipment.
• Basic maintenance or engineering skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and maintain winding, labelling, and finishing machinery.
• Inspect tubes for print alignment and overall finish quality.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and report issues promptly.

Skills

Previous manufacturing or machine operation experience

Strong attention to detail

Good communication skills

Comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment

Job description

NEW VACANCY! (PK9088)

MACHINE OPERATOR - DAYS

ESSEX

SALARY £14.90 PER HOUR + Overtime Available + 22 Days Holiday plus Bank Holidays + Life Insurance 2x Salary

MONDAY TO THURSDAY : 7.30AM TILL 4PM / FRIDAY : 6AM TILL 12PM

Our client is an independent manufacturer of bespoke cardboard tubes and cores producing millions of tubes annually, ranging from small diameters to large custom sizes, serving a wide range of sectors from industrial packaging, postal tubes, display / film props and carpet cores.

They are looking for an experienced Machine Operator to join their printed and labelled cardboard tube production team. You will be responsible for setting up, operating and maintaining winding, labelling and finishing machinery, ensuring all packaging meets their high-quality standards.

Key Responsibilities :

• Responsible for setting up, operating and monitoring machinery for winding, cutting, labelling and finishing cardboard tubes
• Adjust machine settings (speed, tension, alignment, adhesives) to meet targets
• Perform start-up, shutdown and changeover procedures efficiently
• Load materials (cores, labels, adhesives, wraps) and maintain continuous machine operation
• Inspect tubes for print alignment, label placement, cuts, seams and overall finish
• Measure product dimensions to ensure compliance with specifications
• Identify and reject out-of-spec products, escalating issues as needed
• Accurately record production and quality data
• Routine machine maintenance (lubrication, cleaning, blade changes, alignment checks)
• Report mechanical issues promptly to the maintenance team
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised work area in line with 5S standards
• Adhere to all company safety policies and procedures
• Wear required PPE and participate in safety training
• Report hazards, near misses and incidents immediately
• Collaborate with colleagues to achieve production targets
• Support lean manufacturing initiatives and efficiency improvements
• Contribute ideas to reduce waste and increase throughput

Requirements :

• Previous manufacturing or machine operation experience (packaging, print, converting, labels, tissue, cardboard or similar industries preferred)
• Experience with tubular winding machines, label applicators, or cutting/finishing equipment (Desirable)
• Basic maintenance or engineering skills (Desirable)
• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn new machinery
• Strong attention to detail with high-quality awareness
• Ability to follow technical instructions and production specifications
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment
• Good communication skills and ability to work in a small, collaborative team