Manufacturing Operative

Clayton Glass Ltd; Swindon; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave allowance

Company pension scheme – 5% employee +

Discounted Clayton Glass products

Employee referral programme

Free on-site parking

Bereavement leave

Health & wellbeing support

Job summary

Clayton Glass Ltd is seeking a Manufacturing Operative at our Swindon site. You will operate and monitor high-spec machinery, maintain safety and quality standards, and support the ongoing development of colleagues. The role emphasizes hands-on production, problem solving, and continuous improvement.

We value experience in manufacturing and a proactive, detail-focused approach. The position is full-time, with rotating shifts and a competitive hourly rate.

Qualifications

• Ideally, you'll have experience working in a manufacturing or production environment and be familiar with quality and safety procedures.
• An understanding of production processes would be advantageous, particularly regarding quality control and continuous improvement.
• Experience operating machinery and handling materials safely would be beneficial, although training can be provided to the right candidate.
• Experience using measuring tools, working accurately to specification, and following technical instructions or drawings would be advantageous.
• A proactive, reliable, and detail-focused approach, with a strong commitment to getting things right first time.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively alongside colleagues across different departments.
• Able to carry out the physical requirements of the role, including manual handling and periods of standing.

Responsibilities

• Standards & Performance: Maintain high standards of safety, quality, and productivity on the shop floor
• Operate Machinery: Run and oversee machines used in cutting, shaping, and processing glass, ensuring optimal performance
• Glass Handling & Assembly: Safely load/unload glass and assist in assembling high-specification IGUs and other products
• Quality Assurance: Conduct quality checks and support root cause analysis for defects or process issues
• Team Support: Assist with onboarding and training of new operatives, sharing knowledge and best practices
• Problem Solving: Identify and escalate production issues, contributing to solutions that improve efficiency and reduce waste
• Health & Safety: Follow and promote safe working practices, ensuring compliance with all safety protocols

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Quality & safety awareness

Teamwork

Problem solving

Tools

FLT license

Measuring tools

Lean manufacturing

Job description

Important Notice: Right to Work in the UK

Please note that candidates must have the right to work in the UK without requiring future visa sponsorship. Unfortunately, our company does not provide visa support. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to receiving your application.

Join Clayton Glass – Where Your Experience Makes a Difference

“We’re proud to be British owned and a British manufacturer driven by nearly 70 years of history. Join us at an exciting stage in our journey at our Swindon manufacturing site, now firmly established and continuing to grow. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic, supportive team, working with some of the newest, state-of-the-art machinery in the industry. We foster a family-oriented culture and a positive mindset that motivates us all to succeed. We own our decisions, our mistakes, and the journeys they take us on. Welcome to Clayton Glass – one company, seven sites.”

The Role: Manufacturing Operative

As a Manufacturing Operative at Clayton Glass, you won’t just be part of the production line — you’ll play a key role in keeping it running effectively. With your experience and insight, you’ll contribute to the continued success of our Swindon site and support high standards across our operations.

This is more than a job — it’s a chance to take pride in your craft, be recognised for your expertise, and make a real impact. You’ll operate and oversee our advanced, top-spec machinery, maintain high quality standards, and support the development of newer team members. Your ability to troubleshoot production issues and think ahead will make you a valuable part of our production team.

You’ll also be involved in continuous improvement initiatives, helping refine processes, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. Your ideas will be welcomed, and your contributions recognised.

At Clayton Glass, we actively support experienced professionals and create opportunities for development and progression. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your technical skills or broaden your responsibilities, we’ll support you along the way.

Key Responsibilities

• Standards & Performance: Maintain high standards of safety, quality, and productivity on the shop floor
• Operate Machinery: Run and oversee machines used in cutting, shaping, and processing glass, ensuring optimal performance
• Glass Handling & Assembly: Safely load/unload glass and assist in assembling high-specification IGUs and other products
• Quality Assurance: Conduct quality checks and support root cause analysis for defects or process issues
• Team Support: Assist with onboarding and training of new operatives, sharing knowledge and best practices
• Problem Solving: Identify and escalate production issues, contributing to solutions that improve efficiency and reduce waste
• Health & Safety: Follow and promote safe working practices, ensuring compliance with all safety protocols

Skills, Experience & Attributes

• Ideally, you'll have experience working in a manufacturing or production environment and be familiar with quality and safety procedures. However, we welcome applications from individuals with relevant transferable skills and a willingness to learn.
• An understanding of production processes would be advantageous, particularly regarding quality control and continuous improvement.
• Experience operating machinery and handling materials safely would be beneficial, although training can be provided to the right candidate.
• Experience using measuring tools, working accurately to specification, and following technical instructions or drawings would be advantageous.
• A proactive, reliable, and detail-focused approach, with a strong commitment to getting things right first time.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively alongside colleagues across different departments.
• Able to carry out the physical requirements of the role, including manual handling and periods of standing.

Additional Skills & Qualifications (A Bonus, Not Essential)

• IT literate, with confidence using production software and digital tracking systems.
• Awareness of Lean Manufacturing and 5S principles, or an interest in continuous improvement methodologies.
• Counterbalance FLT licence preferred.
• Additional FLT licences (e.g. Reach Truck or Pivot Steer) would be advantageous.
• Full UK driving licence.
• First Aid certification.

Staff Benefits

• Generous annual leave allowance, in addition to bank holidays
• Company pension scheme – 5% employee contribution with 3% employer contribution
• Discounted Clayton Glass products
• Employee referral programme
• Free on-site parking
• Bereavement leave
• Health & wellbeing support

Additional Information

• Location: Clayton Glass, Blackworth Industrial Estate, Highworth, Swindon, SN6 7NA
• Working Hours / Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week, rotating shifts
• Typical pattern (weekly rotation)
• Week 1: 06:00 – 14:00
• Week 2: 14:00 – 22:00
• Please note: for a short interim period, shifts will operate on a 06:00 – 14:00 and 10:00 – 18:00 rotation.

Hourly Rate: Up to £13.59 per hour (inclusive of any applicable shift allowance)

Full-time, permanent role, subject to a 3 month probationary period

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme