Manufacturing Operative Zr

Luxfer MEL Technologies; Swinton; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Referral scheme

Free Parking

Annual bonus

Company pension

Share option scheme

Professional development opportunities

Volunteer time off

Job summary

Luxfer Mel Technologies in Manchester is hiring a Manufacturing Operative for our Zirconium plant. You will support the shift by operating equipment, monitoring processes, and ensuring safety and cleanliness.

The role requires flexibility to cover different tasks and maintain production standards. The position offers a competitive salary (£38,350) plus annual bonus potential, pension, share options, and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• GCSEs including Maths English Science at grade C/4 or above.
• Experience in chemical manufacturing handling liquids and powders.
• Comfortable working with acids and bases.
• Basic IT proficiency including Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Operate equipment and processes including powder and liquid handling, drying, calcination and milling.
• Run batch and continuous operations; identify and resolve production issues.
• Measure, mix and add chemicals including acids and bases.
• Record process variables and adjust parameters to control equipment performance.
• Conduct in-process analysis (pH, particle size, LOD) to maintain quality.
• Pack finished goods for transport; manage records in SAP.
• Communicate with operations team and hand over shifts.
• Maintain safe production practices and high cleanliness.
• Manage workload to meet production deadlines.

Skills

Maths

English

Science

IT proficiency

FLT licence

Education

5 GCSEs including Maths English Science

Level 3 qualification in process technology or chemical operations

Tools

SAP

Job description

• Referral scheme

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 Manager

Join 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 of£38,350
• 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.