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The Best Connection Group Limited; Oxford; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

The Best Connection is hiring a Machine Operator / Mechanical Operative for the Oxford site. This day-shift role involves operating production machinery, learning machine settings, and supporting engineers during installation and commissioning.

You will monitor performance, perform routine checks, and contribute to a safe, efficient production line. Ideal candidates have practical mechanical experience, a forklift licence, and a proactive, safety-focused mindset.

Qualifications

• Practical mechanical skills and good manual dexterity.
• Strong attention to detail and safety compliance.
• Willingness to learn and support engineers.
• Background in manufacturing or production environments.

Responsibilities

• Operate production machinery safely and efficiently.
• Learn machine settings, controls and procedures.
• Assist engineers during installation, testing and commissioning.
• Monitor machine performance and identify faults.
• Carry out daily/weekly equipment checks.
• Perform basic maintenance tasks within training scope.
• Report breakdowns and maintenance needs promptly.
• Comply with health and safety procedures.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Health and safety consciousness

Teamwork

Independent working

Education

Mechanical engineering apprenticeship

Engineering qualifications

Tools

Forklift licence

Job description

Machine Operator / Mechanical Operative - Day Shift

The Best Connection | Oxford

Pay: Competitive, depending on experience

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00-16:30

Pay: Starting at £14.00ph

The Role

The Best Connection is currently recruiting for

Machine Operators / Mechanical Operatives to join our client's site in Oxford.

This is an excellent opportunity for practical, mechanically minded individuals who enjoy working with machinery and want to develop their technical skills in a hands‑on production environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate production machinery and plant safely and efficiently.
• Learn machine settings, controls and operating procedures.
• Assist engineers during machinery installation, testing and commissioning.
• Monitor machinery performance and identify unusual noise, vibration or other potential faults.
• Carry out daily and weekly equipment checks.
• Perform routine cleaning, greasing, lubrication and basic adjustments.
• Identify and troubleshoot minor mechanical or operational issues.
• Carry out basic repairs where trained, authorised and competent.
• Report breakdowns, defects and maintenance requirements promptly.
• Escalate major faults and electrical issues to the relevant engineer or manager.
• Follow health and safety procedures, including machinery isolation requirements.
• Maintain a clean, tidy and organised working environment.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to support production targets.

Valid forklift truck licence.

• Previous experience operating industrial machinery, production equipment or similar plant.
• Good practical and mechanical understanding.
• Ability to recognise abnormal machine operation and basic mechanical faults.
• A responsible, proactive and reliable approach to work.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to health and safety.
• Ability to work independently following appropriate training.
• Willingness to learn and work alongside engineers.
• A background in mechanical engineering, maintenance, manufacturing or production.
• Relevant mechanical or engineering qualifications, apprenticeship or practical experience.
• Experience of basic machinery maintenance or minor mechanical repairs.
• Experience working with recycling, processing or manufacturing machinery.
• Previous involvement in machinery installation or commissioning.

The Ideal Candidate

We are particularly interested in candidates who are mechanically minded, practical and keen to develop their understanding of industrial machinery.

You should be able to operate equipment confidently, identify when something is not working correctly, investigate straightforward problems and understand when specialist engineering support is required.

All maintenance and repair work must be carried out only where the appropriate training, authorisation and competence are in place.