Print Assistant - Machine Operative

SAICA FLEX UK LTD; Wigan; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

22 days holiday (plus Bank Holidays)

Overtime 1.5x rate

Refer a Friend £500

Cycle to work

Employee discounts

Flu and eye test vouchers

Full training and progression

Job summary

Saica FLEX UK LTD in Wigan is seeking a Printer Assistant to support the Lead Printer in operating flexographic print equipment. You will work within a production-driven team at the Saica Flex division, producing high-quality printed packaging using advanced flexographic printing technology.

The role involves setting up and operating equipment, adhering to health, safety and quality standards, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Good level of literacy and numeracy, preferably GCSE level English and Maths.
• Previous print experience, preferably flexographic with experience of solvent based inks.
• Experience with Fischer Krecke 126S, 20SIX CS colour printers or BOBST printers is 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.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate print machinery to optimum levels while maintaining health, safety, hygiene and housekeeping standards.
• Operate in line with site standards for BRC, ISO & A2 environmental.
• Apply lean manufacturing techniques including SMED and the 5S principles; participate in continuous improvement.
• Maintain press consumables and manage loading/offloading of reels and inks.
• Take responsibility in Lead Printer’s absence and assist with shift handovers.
• Spot and report non-conformities; support resolution with Lead Printer or Shift Manager.
• Assist with training of colleagues as required.
• Support other Production areas and operate other machinery as needed.

Skills

Literacy & numeracy

Print experience

Printer experience

Mounting experience

Manufacturing background

Lean Six Sigma exposure

Job description

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. 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.

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

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 fairly 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. Join us today and shape tomorrow's sustainable solutions with the Saica Group. Saica Group offers sustainable paper solutions for the manufacture of corrugated board and flexible packaging, promoting circularity in waste management. With more than 12,000 employees and a presence in 11 countries (Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Turkey, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and the United States), Saica Group has four business lines: the production of recycled paper for corrugated cardboard (Saica Paper), waste management and environmental services (Saica Natur), the production of corrugated board packaging (Saica Pack), and flexible packaging (Saica Flex). The group's revenue is € 3.620 million (consolidated sales as of 31 December 2023).