Production Operator (Grinder)

Bodycote plc; Knowsley; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension - match contribution from 4% -

Life Assurance - 2 x annual salary

Free parking on all sites

Free refreshments provided all sites

Full pay while off sick (limited days)

Job summary

Bodycote plc is seeking a Production Operator in Knowsley to operate grinding and finishing machines, ensuring components meet required quality standards. You will inspect parts before and after processing and follow approved methods to deliver high workmanship.

The role emphasizes 5S discipline, safe working practices, teamwork, and flexibility to support wider production needs on-site at Knowsley. Training will be provided to develop new skills and process knowledge.

Qualifications

• Experience setting and operating manual grinding machines.
• Ability to read engineering drawings/specifications and follow work instructions.
• Experience in completing self‑inspection.
• Experience with grinding HVOF coated components is advantageous.
• Strong numerical and literacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate and finish components using grinding and finishing machines.
• Ensure work meets quality standards and approved methods.
• Carry out inspections before and after processing to verify requirements.
• Participate in 5S improvements and maintain a safe, tidy workspace.

Skills

Grinding machines

Manual grinding

Reading drawings/specs

Quality inspection

Teamwork

Education

Engineering/manufacturing background

Job description

About Bodycote

At Bodycote, we’re more than the world’s leading provider of heat treatment and specialist thermal processing services. We’re a people business at heart. Our commitment to innovation and sustainability shapes everything we do. With a global footprint and a culture built on collaboration, curiosity, and continuous improvement, we create an environment where you can grow, contribute, and make a meaningful impact. Sustainability is central to our future. We’re on an ambitious journey to reduce our environmental impact through advanced technologies, smarter processes, and ongoing innovation, with our teams around the world playing a key role in making that happen.

The Role

As a Production Operator, you’ll play a key role in the processing and finishing of thermally sprayed components, operating a range of grinding and manual finishing machines including cylindrical grinding, surface grinding, lapping, honing, and related finishing operations. You’ll be responsible for ensuring components are processed in line with quality standards and approved methods, carrying out inspections before and after processing to verify work meets customer and business requirements. Through training and hands‑on experience, you’ll develop a strong understanding of the factors that affect coating quality and use that knowledge to consistently deliver high standards of workmanship.

You’ll contribute to maintaining a safe, organised, and efficient working environment through strong housekeeping practices and active involvement in 5S improvements, while following a “check-work-check” and “right first time” approach to all tasks. Working collaboratively with colleagues across the production operation, you’ll participate fully in training activities, uphold health and safety responsibilities, and demonstrate flexibility in supporting wider operational needs where required.

We are looking to recruit a skilled grinder who will join our existing team to efficiently operate a range of grinding and manual finishing machines including cylindrical grinding, surface grinding, honing, and process finishing operations related to thermally sprayed components.

Who We’re Looking For

• We’re looking for someone who brings:
• The candidate will be experienced in setting and operating manual grinding machines.
• Have an engineering/manufacturing background and the ability to read engineering drawings/ specifications and follow work instructions,
• Experienced in completing self‑inspection
• Previous experience of grinding HVOF coated components would be an advantage.
• Sound numerical and literacy skills
• Team working
• Ability to work accurately with a concern for quality,
• A good communicator
• The ability to be flexible and use initiative Customer focused.
• Training will be provided for the specific tasks required for this role and anyone who can evidence an aptitude for this type of role and is keen to develop new skills will also be considered.

What’s In It for You

• Competitive salary
• Pension - match contribution from 4% - 10%
• Life Assurance - 2 x annual salary rising to 4 x if join Company pension
• Free parking on all sites
• Free refreshments provided all sites
• An entitlement to full pay whilst off sick for a limited number of days (in addition to your statutory sick pay entitlement)
• 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays

Location & Work Pattern

This role is based in Knowsley and is fully onsite. Flexibility may be required depending on business needs.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of characteristics protected by local law, including (where applicable) gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and ethnic origin. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.