Manufacturing Operative Zr

Luxfer MEL Technologies - UK; Swinton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Luxfer Mel Technologies is seeking a Manufacturing Operative for their Zirconium plant in Manchester. The role involves diverse responsibilities including operating equipment, ensuring safety standards, and conducting process analysis. The position offers a competitive salary of up to £35,732.31, annual leave, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive Salary Up to £35,732.31

Potential to earn Annual bonus

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Enhanced company pension

Opportunity to participate in company share option scheme

Paid professional development opportunities

Paid time to volunteer

Referral scheme

Free Parking

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths, English, and Science.
• At least 2 years experience in a chemical manufacturing environment.
• Comfortable working with strong acids and bases.
• Basic IT proficiency including Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Operate a range of equipment and processes including powder and liquid handling.
• Conduct in-process analysis to maintain production quality.
• Communicate effectively with the operations team.
• Ensure high standards of cleanliness and safety.

Skills

Flexibility

Versatility

Safety Standards

Housekeeping

Hygiene Practices

Education

Minimum of 5 GCSEs including Maths, English, and Science (Grade C/4 or above)

Level 3 qualification preferably in process technology or chemical operations

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Manufacturing Operative (Zirconium Plant)
Location: Manchester
Hours: 37 hours per week, 24/6 shift pattern (4-team rotation)
Department: Operations
Reports to: Team Leader / Manufacturing ManagerJoin Luxfer Mel Technologies – Where Innovation Meets Excellence
At Luxfer Mel Technologies, we’re not just a manufacturer — we’re a cutting-edge, technology-led business that’s shaping the future of high-performance materials. Guided by our values—Customer First, Integrity, Accountability, Innovation, Personal Development, and Teamwork—we’re proud to develop advanced materials for customers around the globe.
We’re currently recruiting a Manufacturing Operative to join our highly skilled Operations team in Manchester, working within our Zirconium plant.What You’ll Gain:

• Competitive Salary Up to £35,732.31
• Potential to earn Annual bonus
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (Annualised hours)
• Enhanced company pension
• Opportunity to participate in company share option scheme
• Paid professional developmentopportunities
• Paid time to volunteer
• Referral scheme
• Free Parking

Role Overview
Our highly skilled Manufacturing Operators are responsible for a wide range of activities within the Zirconium plant to support the effective running of the shift.
In this position, you will need to be flexible, versatile, and capable of covering different job roles—ensuring that the highest standards of safety, housekeeping, hygiene, and other manufacturing practices are achieved while working to agreed Operating Standards and striving for continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities

• Operate a varied range of equipment and processes including powder and liquid handling, dissolution, drying, calcination, and milling technologies.
• Operate both batch processing and continuous running operations. Identify and resolve issues that may arise during the production process.
• Measure, mix, and add chemicals including strong acids and bases (liquids and powders) into the production process.
• Monitor and record process variables; adjust process parameters to optimise production and maintain control over equipment performance.
• Conduct in-process analysis, including pH testing, particle size, Loss on Drying (LOD). Use results to maintain production quality.
• Packing of finished goods into drums, bags, onto pallets or other forms of containers for transportation.
• Confirm work schedules onto SAP system. Maintain accurate records of production processes and quality data.
• Communicate effectively with the operations team. Take and deliver effective plant handovers.
• Ensure safe production practices and maintain high standards of cleanliness in your work areas.
• Manage your workload efficiently to meet production deadlines.

Essential Requirements

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths, English, and Science (Grade C/4 or above).
• At least 2 years of experience in a chemical manufacturing environment handling liquids and powders.
• Comfortable working with strong acids and base solutions.
• Basic IT proficiency, including Microsoft Office.

• FLT licence
• Experience using SAP systems is desirable.
• Level 3 qualification preferably in process technology or chemical operations.

Working Pattern

• 37 hours per week, on a rotating 24/6 shift pattern (4-team rotation). Flexibility is required to meet business needs.

Why Join Luxfer?

• Be part of a company that is committed to innovation and sustainability.
• Work in a hands-on environment where every shift makes a difference.
• Opportunity for career progression and personal development.
• Supportive team culture and structured onboarding.

Ready to be part of a high-performing team in a world-class chemical manufacturing environment? Apply now and build your future with Luxfer Mel Technologies.

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview. If you wish to request that your application be considered under the terms of our Guaranteed Interview Scheme, please explicitly state so in your CV and / or accompanying cover letter.