Shift Machine Technician - Nights

STADA Thornton & Ross; Linthwaite; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and shift allowance

Annual bonus scheme

Pension with 6% employer contribution

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

On-site canteen

Job summary

STADA UK Thornton & Ross in Huddersfield is seeking a Shift Machine Technician to own the performance and availability of manufacturing equipment on night shifts. You will manage rapid set-ups, changeovers, breakdown fixes and continuous improvement to maximise line efficiency and uptime.

The role requires Level 3 mechanical qualifications and hands-on experience in a regulated production environment with GMP awareness. On-site with competitive benefits and a focus on safe, compliant operations.

Qualifications

• Level 3 mechanical qualification or apprentice-trained equivalent.
• Hands-on technician experience in a production environment.

Responsibilities

• Reduce changeover times by improving procedures and equipment.
• Respond to breakdowns quickly and coordinate resolution to minimise downtime.
• Develop and improve a preventive maintenance programme and spare parts strategy.
• Lead continuous improvement projects to boost line efficiency.
• Support introduction of new equipment from validation to first runs and documentation.
• Ensure GMP compliance and MHRA/BSI-aligned documentation.

Skills

Technical maintenance

OEE awareness

Problem solving

Education

Level 3 mechanical qualification

Job description

STADA UK Thornton & Ross is on an exciting growth journey with more than 700 employees being fully committed to our purpose of Caring for People’s Health as a Trusted Partner. Together we are shaping the future of Thornton & Ross by living our values of Integrity, Entrepreneurship, Agility and One STADA.

STADA UK Thornton & Ross – Shift Machine Technician

Huddersfield | U.K. | Full-time | Permanent | Night shifts

Step into a role where the production floor depends on you. As our go‑to technical expert, you’ll own the performance and availability of our manufacturing equipment end‑to‑end — from rapid set‑ups and slick changeovers to smart breakdown fixes and fine‑tuned running adjustments.

You’ll keep our lines moving through proactive, effective maintenance and push continuous improvement, so our machines run faster, smoother and more efficiently, driving maximum output and uptime across every work centre.

Working shift patterns available are night shifts: M-Thu 2154-0606 / Fri 1724-2236.

How You Will Make An Impact

• Slash changeover times by challenging current methods, refining procedures and upgrading equipment for fast, reliable changeovers.
• React fast to breakdowns, coordinate support, and engineer out repeat faults to keep lines running and downtime to a minimum.
• Build and continuously improve a robust maintenance programme, including spares strategy, to keep equipment in “as new” running condition.
• Lead continuous improvement activity, reviewing performance with line leaders and driving projects that deliver measurable gains in line efficiency.
• Partner with project teams to introduce new equipment and products smoothly — from selection and validation to trials, first runs and documentation.
• Safeguard quality and compliance by following GMP and keeping all engineering and departmental documentation aligned with MHRA and BSI standards.

What We Are Looking For

• Level 3 mechanical qualification (apprentice trained or equivalent) with hands‑on experience as a technician in a production environment.
• Background as an engineer, technician or setter, comfortable working directly with production machinery and line teams.
• Experience of GMP in Pharma or FMCG, ideally with an understanding of regulated, high‑throughput manufacturing environments.
• Familiar with Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and focused on delivering measurable performance gains on the line.
• Strong appreciation of maintenance criticality, recognising how equipment care directly impacts safety, uptime and quality.
• Good awareness of Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) and how a structured plan drives reliability and reduces breakdowns.

How We Care For You

At Thornton & Ross our purpose “Caring for people’s health as a trusted partner” motivates us every day. And what would be a better place than starting with our own employees. Which is why we give much in return:

• Competitive salary, shift allowance and annual bonus scheme.
• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme offering 6% employer contribution rates.
• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays with the potential to buy up to 5 additional days.
• On-site subsidised canteen.
• Health benefits provided through our Medicash Health Cash Plan
• Free winter flu jab.
• Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme and KYAN Wellbeing – offering free coaching and counselling services for you and your family.
• Electric Car Scheme through Octopus Energy, plus free on‑site EV charging.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Enhanced Family Leave.
• Plus, many more employee benefits & celebration events.

STADA Group values and promotes its diverse culture, regardless of gender, age, social or ethnic origin, disabilities, religion, ideology, or sexual orientation. We use the strength of our uniqueness to develop creative ideas, expand our experience and increase innovative strength. Our focus is on equal opportunities, respectful cooperation, and the promotion of an inclusive working environment. We are looking forward to your application and welcome applications without a pharmaceutical background.