Machine Operator (No3 Operator)

Reach plc; Oldham; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

7 weeks holiday + extra days

Volunteer days

Bonus scheme

Company pension

Healthcare plan

Discounts via Reach/Yimbly

Job summary

Reach plc is seeking reliable, hands-on individuals for a 4 on/4 off night shift role in our print production team. You will work closely with the No.2 Printer to learn high‑speed presses, gain hands-on skills, and contribute to quality across all products.

The role emphasizes practical work, teamwork, and a path to greater responsibility as you gain experience in press operations and lean production practices. We offer strong benefits and a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Team-oriented with ability to lead a small team.
• Good awareness of health, safety and environment (HSE) standards.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Willingness to work shifts and cover for the No.2 Printer as experience grows.
• Desirable: experience in press operations; FLT/truck qualifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on training: set rollers and operate Wifag Reel stands independently.
• Maintain quality by spotting deviations and communicating issues promptly.
• Troubleshoot mechanical or material issues with the team to keep presses running.
• Carry out pre- and post-run checks and keep the production area clean and organized.
• Coordinate with No.2 Printer and Shift Managers on output and performance.
• Support safety and environmental policies in day-to-day work.

Job description

Hello, we’re Reach. Every day, our trusted news, stories and content connect with millions of people where they live - whether that’s on their social feed or at their neighbourhood newsstand; through their local community or their take on the hot topic of the day.

We're home to more than 120 brands - from household names like the Mirror, Express, Daily Star and Daily Record, to local titles like MyLondon, BelfastLive, and the Manchester Evening News, and brands making a splash in the US like the Irish Star.

It's our ability to understand people and the things that matter to them that makes us Britain and Ireland's largest commercial news publisher. We reach around 70% of the UK's online population, 10% of the US online population, and over 100 million social followers around the world, connecting with them on who they are, where they live and what they love.

Your story, with Reach

As a modern media organisation, we're much more than just news. And it takes a wide range of people and skills to serve diverse audiences, customers and communities like we do.

We know everyone has their own story to tell, so we’ve built an environment where every background is respected and every day is a day to explore.

We’ll help you build a career that works with your life, while giving you the space to create and grow!

What the role involves

We believe in developing our people and because several of our team members recently earned well-deserved promotions, we’re hiring 3 new team members. We’re looking for reliable, hands‑on individuals who love a fast‑paced setting and are hungry to learn.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys practical work, working alongside our experienced No.2 Printers, you will receive training and development to master high-speed production machinery.

You will be at the heart of the action, ensuring print quality remains top-tier while learning the mechanics of the trade. Please note this role is a 4 on 4 off night shift only and includes weekends.

Key responsibilities include:

• Hands-On Training: Learning to set rollers and operating Wifag Reel stands and strip stations independently.
• Quality Excellence: Maintaining a sharp eye on production to ensure every product meets high standards identifying and communicating when something isn't quite right.
• Problem Solving: Working with the team to troubleshoot mechanical or material issues to keep the presses rolling.
• Workflow Support: Carrying out pre- and post-run checks, managing general housekeeping, and ensuring the production schedule is met with zero delays.
• Team Collaboration: Liaising with the No.2 Printer and Shift Managers to keep everyone updated on production output and performance.
• Safety & Environment: Maintaining a clean, safe, and environmentally conscious workspace in line with site policies.

What you'll need to succeed

• Eager to Learn: You have a genuine interest in how things work and a desire to progress within the print industry.
• Practical Mindset: You enjoy "stuck-in" work, handling equipment, and taking on technical tasks in a production setting.
• Reliable Team Player: You understand the importance of hitting deadlines and supporting your colleagues.
• Ambitious: You are ready to develop the skills needed to step up and cover for the No.2 Printer as your experience grows.

Qualifications & Experience

• Team player with the ability to lead a team
• A good awareness of HSE standards and regulations.
• Be attentive to detail and focussed on quality
• Drive and commitment with an ability to work shifts
• Experience in Press Operations - Desirable
• FLT Trained with Grab truck qualification - Desirable
• An understanding of manufacturing best practice and lean principles and tools – Desirable

How we'll look after you

We take good care of our people - and that means more than just a pay packet. Whatever your role, you'll get a range of benefits, including:

• 7 Weeks holiday as well as an extra day after you've been with us for three, five and 10 years. We also have a scheme to help you buy extra holiday if you want to.
• An extra day's paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community or your heart.
• Big moment day - an extra day’s paid leave for a moment that matters to you - like getting married, moving house or welcoming a new addition to the family (human or furry!)
• Bonus scheme - you'll get a stake in our success and a chance to add to your annual earnings.
• Help saving for your retirement - we'll match your company pension contributions up to 6% and you can contribute through salary sacrifice.
• Supportive and progressive people policies - we’re proud to have a range of policies to support people in their lives in and outside work, including enhanced family leave and policies to promote flexibility, inclusion and progression. We believe you shouldn’t have to wait to join us to know what to expect from us, which is why we share this overview of the policies we have in place to support families and carers. If there's something you want to understand more about, just ask - it won’t make a difference to your application.
• A healthcare cash plan - giving you money back for a range of medical expenses and fast access to doctor's appointments.
• Car lease scheme - you can buy a brand new electric or hybrid car through our leasing partner, and pay for it through salary sacrifice.
• Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.
• Access to lots of discounts - including 15% off with Reach's very own online marketplace, Yimbly, where you can buy everything from homewares to beauty products.
• Interest-free loans - including for season tickets and technology.

If you’re excited about this role but don’t tick every single box, please don’t let that stop you from applying.

We know that everyone has their own story to tell, and we value potential, passion and the perspectives that different backgrounds bring to our work.

Diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us better serve our audiences, which is why we’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and supported. As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

We are committed to a recruitment process that is fair and welcoming to all, without discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.