Production Operator (Grinder)

Bodycote; Knowsley; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training provided

On-site role

Job summary

Bodycote in Knowsley is seeking a Production Operator to join the onsite team, responsible for processing and finishing thermally sprayed components using grinding and finishing equipment. You will ensure work meets quality standards and inspect parts before and after processing.

You will contribute to a safe, tidy production area, follow 5S principles, and work with colleagues to support continuous improvement and meet customer requirements in a global business.

Qualifications

• Engineering or manufacturing background with ability to read engineering drawings and use measurement techniques.
• Experience in surface grinding, lapping, honing, or inspection (training provided).
• Strong numerical and literacy skills.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
• Team player with good communication skills.
• Flexible, proactive approach with initiative in a busy production environment.
• Customer-focused mindset.
• Willingness to learn and develop new technical skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate grinding and finishing machines (cylindrical grinding, surface grinding, lapping, honing) in line with quality standards.
• Carry out inspections before and after processing.
• Maintain safe, organized work area and participate in 5S improvements.
• Collaborate with production colleagues and participate in training.
• Support wider operational needs as required.

Skills

Read drawings

Measurement techniques

Team player

Quality focus

Willing to learn

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.

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.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• An engineering or manufacturing background with the ability to read engineering drawings and use measurement techniques
• Experience in surface grinding, lapping, honing, or inspection (advantageous but not essential, as full training will be provided)
• Strong numerical and literacy skills
• High attention to detail and a genuine commitment to quality
• A strong team player with good communication skills
• A flexible, proactive approach with the ability to use initiative in a busy production environment
• A customer-focused mindset
• A willingness to learn and develop new technical skills

What’s In It For You

• Career progression opportunities within a global organisation
• Exposure to international projects and change initiatives
• A supportive, inclusive culture where your development matters
• The opportunity to help shape the next chapter of our business
• Competitive salary and benefits package

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.