Manual Machine Tool Operator

SER Limited; Ashton-under-Lyne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company in Ashton-under-Lyne is seeking a Manual Machine Tool Operator to set and operate manual lathes and mills. The ideal candidate will have proven manual machining experience and be confident with technical drawings. This role offers approximately £17.50 per hour with overtime pay, benefits including holidays and career progression opportunities in a growing team.

Benefits

Overtime pay after 37 hours

Bank holidays plus additional Christmas days

First-aid training

Qualifications

• Proven experience with manual machining (lathe and/or milling).
• Right to work in the UK.
• Safety-first approach.

Responsibilities

• Operate manual lathes and mills to engineering drawings.
• Perform inspections and maintain tolerances.
• Collaborate with production to meet targets.

Skills

Manual machining experience

Reading technical drawings

Using measurement equipment

Understanding of tooling and workholding

Tools

Manual lathes

Mills

Job description

Manual Machine Tool Operator

Location: Ashton-under-Lyne
Pay: ~£17.50 per hour (DOE)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Overtime: Paid after 37 hours at time + 1/3 (x1.33)
Holidays: UK bank holidays plus 5 additional days over the Christmas period
Equipment: Conventional manual lathes and mills
Training & Progression: First-aid certification and on-the-job training; progression available in a growing company
Start: ASAP

Role overview

Operate manual machine tools to produce quality components to drawing. You will set your own jobs, carry out first-off and in-process checks, maintain tolerances, and keep accurate job records.

Key responsibilities

• Set and operate manual lathes and mills to engineering drawings
• Select tooling, set workholding, and calculate feeds/speeds
• Produce first-off and in-process inspections; record results
• Maintain tight tolerances and surface finish requirements
• Perform basic machine care and housekeeping
• Collaborate with production/quality to meet output and lead-time targets
• Complete clear job documentation and handovers

Requirements

• Proven manual machining experience (lathe and/or milling)
• Confident reading technical drawings and using measurement equipment (micrometers, verniers, gauges)
• Strong understanding of tooling, workholding, and machining best practice
• Reliable, safety-first approach; right to work in the UK

Nice to have

• Surface grinding or fitting/assembly experience
• Basic CNC exposure for future progression

What's on offer

• ~£17.50/hour DOE with premium overtime (x1.33 after 37 hrs)
• 37‑hour week
• Bank holidays + 5 additional Christmas days
• First‑aid training and genuine progression in a growing team

How to apply

Send your CV and a brief note on recent manual parts you've produced (materials, tolerances, operations).