Machine Operator
Salary:
20-30k
Location:
South East
Location: Essex
Salary: £14.90 per hour
Hours: 38 hours per week
Company/ Sector: Packaging
The Role:
- This role is responsible for setting up, running, and maintaining tube winding, labelling, and finishing machinery to ensure their packaging is produced to the highest quality standards.
- Set up, operate, and monitor machinery used for winding, cutting, labelling, and finishing cardboard tubes.
- Adjust machine parameters (speed, tension, alignment, adhesive levels) to meet production requirements.
- Conduct routine start-up, shutdown, and changeover procedures.
- Load raw materials (cores, labels, adhesives, outer wraps) and ensure continuous machine operation.
- Inspect tubes for print alignment, label positioning, cuts, seams, and overall finish.
- Measure dimensions using calipers, rulers, and gauges to ensure products meet specifications.
- Identify and reject out-of-spec materials, escalating issues where necessary.
- Record production and quality data accurately.
- Perform basic machine maintenance (lubrication, cleaning, blade changes, alignment checks).
- Report mechanical issues promptly to the maintenance team.
- Keep work areas clean, safe, and organised in line with 5S standards.
- Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
- Wear required PPE and participate in safety training.
- Report hazards, near misses, and incidents immediately.
- Work closely with the team to meet targets.
- Support lean manufacturing and efficiency improvements.
- Contribute to problem-solving activities to reduce waste and increase throughput.
Requirements:
- Previous experience in manufacturing or machine operation (packaging, print, converting, labels, tissue, cardboard, or similar industries preferred).
- Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn new machinery.
- Good attention to detail with strong quality awareness.
- Ability to follow technical instructions and production specifications.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with deadlines.
- Good communication skills and ability to work in a small, collaborative team.
- Experience operating tubular winding machines, label applicators, or cutting/finishing equipment.
- Basic maintenance or engineering skills.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Opportunities for training
- Growing, sustainability-focused UK manufacturing business
- Supportive team environment
- Number of days holiday: 22 days’ annual leave plus UK bank holidays
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