Print Assistant - Machine Operative

Saica Group; Wigan; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Friendly and supportive environment

Full training and development

Ongoing progression opportunities

22 days’ holiday + Christmas shutdown

Overtime 1.5x rate

Cycle to work scheme

Employee Discount Platform

Flu and eye test vouchers

Job summary

Saica Group, a leader in sustainable packaging, seeks a Print Assistant to support the Lead Printer in operating flexographic print equipment at the Wigan site. The role involves safe setup, running printers, and maintaining quality standards within a lean manufacturing framework.

You will work alongside Ink Technicians and Mounters, contributing to continuous improvements and on-the-job training while adhering to health, safety, and environmental policies.

Qualifications

• Good level of literacy and numeracy (English & Maths).
• Previous print experience, preferably flexographic with solvent-based inks.
• Experience with Fischer Krecke 126S, 20SIX CS or BOBST printers is an advantage.
• Background in manufacturing, label or packaging printing.
• Exposure to Lean Six Sigma or continuous improvement is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Help set up and operate print machinery to optimum levels in a safe manner.
• Maintain press consumables and load/unload reels and inks as needed.
• Operate in line with site health, safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Assist with shift handovers and ensure smooth production transitions.
• Support training of colleagues and share knowledge as required.
• Display flexibility to support other areas of Production and related machinery.

Skills

Literacy & numeracy

Print experience

Flexographic printing

Lean/manufacturing

Quality & safety

Education

GCSE English & Maths

Tools

Fischer Krecke 126S

20SIX CS colour printers

BOBST printers

Job description

Join Saica Flex, a division of the Saica Group specializing in flexible packaging and labeling. At Saica Flex, we have a challenge: to drive and develop sustainable solutions based on the principles of the circular economy.

At Saica Group, we have integrated the circular economy into our business model, embracing sustainability as the key to achieving a more responsible production system. At Saica Flex, you’ll be part of the circle!

We believe in talent, professional growth, and making a positive impact on the world. If you’re looking for a dynamic environment where every day is an opportunity to innovate and create a better world, Saica Group is the place for you!

Job:

Print Assistant - Machine Operative

Job Description:

At Saica Group, we are more than an organisation; we are a community committed to delivering sustainable paper and packaging solutions while championing circularity and innovation in waste management. With over 10,000 colleagues across 11 countries and more than 80 years of history, we are proud to create sustainable solutions that make a lasting impact.

This opportunity is within our Saica Flex division, which manufactures a range of flexible plastic films for leading food manufacturers and retailers. Based at our Wigan site, we produce high-quality printed packaging using advanced flexographic printing technology.

About the role:
We are currently looking for a Printer Assistant to join our team, to support the Lead Printer with the operation of flexographic print equipment.

Why Join Saica Flex?
Joining Saica Flex means becoming part of a global business that values innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement. We offer long-term career opportunities, ongoing development and the chance to work alongside experienced colleagues within a supportive team environment.

Print Assistant – Responsibilities:

• Help set up and operate print machinery to optimum levels in a safe working manner, ensuring that the machinery and surrounding area are maintained in line with required health, safety, environmental, hygiene and housekeeping standards. Ensure that all spills are logged and cleaned immediately. Operate in line with site health and safety, environmental and quality standards.
• Work in line with site standards for BRC, ISO & A2 environmental.
• Operate processes in line with lean manufacturing techniques including SMED and the 5S principles. When required, participate in continuous improvement initiatives within Production.
• Maintain press consumables to ensure a continuous supply including loading/offloading of master reels and loading/offloading of inks on the print press.
• Manage and operate the press in the absence of the Lead Printer, including rest breaks.
• Spot and report any non-conformities to the Lead Printer or Shift Manager and support resolution as required.
• Support the training of colleagues as and when required.
• When required, contribute to shift handovers to ensure a smooth transition and continuous production. As a matter of routine, ensure the press is in an appropriate operational condition and in the absence of the Lead Printer, make sure that the next shift has been briefed on where production is up to and any other relevant production issues.
• Assist with general cleaning and maintenance of print equipment.
• Work with colleagues in other areas e.g. Ink Technicians, Mounters etc. to maintain production standards.
• Display flexibility to support other areas of Production as and when required, including operating other machinery such as Conversion/Slitting machinery.

Skills & Experience:

• Good level of literacy and numeracy, preferably GCSE level in English and Maths
• Previous print experience, preferably flexographic with experience of solvent based inks
• Experience of Fischer Krecke 126S, 20SIX CS colour printers or BOBST printers an advantage
• Experience in Mounting would be an advantage
• Background in manufacturing, either label or packaging printing
• Exposure to Lean Six Sigma or other continuous improvement techniques an advantage
• Considerable exposure to quality, health, safety and environmental standards and practices within a production setting

What We Offer

• Competitive salary.
• Friendly and supportive working environment.
• Full training and ongoing development.
• Opportunities for progression and further technical training.
• 22 days’ holiday, inclusive of Bank Holidays, based on 11.5-hour shifts, plus an annual Christmas shutdown.
• Overtime opportunities at 1.5x your hourly rate.
• Refer a Friend Scheme of £500.
• Cycle to work and Home & Technology scheme.
• Employee Discount Platform.
• Flu and eye test vouchers

The role operates across the following shift patterns:

12 hour rotating shift pattern, spread over a rotating 4 week cycle. This will typically be:
Week 1 – 4 nights, 3 off
Week 2 – 3 days, 1 off, 3 nights
Week 3 – 3 off, 4 days
Week 4 – 7 off

Saica Group is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fair and with respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Reasonable adjustments will be made throughout the recruitment process where required.

Work Experience:

Production

Education:

Adult Education Qualifications: N/A

Worker Type:

Regular

Why choose Us

By joining the Saica Group, you’re choosing more than a job – you’re choosing a purpose-driven career that aligns with your values. You’ll collaborate with like-minded individuals to shape a sustainable future, making a meaningful contribution to our world.

Saica Group is committed to Occupational Risk Prevention for its employees and partner companies, Environmental Protection, the Quality of its products and services, and Equal Opportunities between men and women. In our work, we strive to maintain a balance between professional and personal life.

All CVs received will be handled in accordance with Personal Data Protection legislation and will be archived unless the candidate expressly requests their cancellation or rectification in writing.