JOB TITLE
Machine Operator
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB
Reporting to the Production Manager (and, as needed, to the Operations Manager), you will be responsible for operating industrial machinery—such as laser cutters, press brakes, or other industrial equipment—to efficiently produce high-quality and precise parts. You will also assist with workshop tasks such as deburring, quality checking, and organizing or moving materials. As your skill level increases, you will take on more complex responsibilities, including operating additional types of machines and performing basic maintenance.
RELATIONSHIPS
● Responsible to: Production Manager, Operations Manager
● Responsible for: Self; or providing guidance to team members when necessary
● Liaison with: Purchasing & Logistics Manager, CAD/CAM Estimators, Quality Assurance Director, Fabricators, and other Machine Operators
TIERED RESPONSIBILITIES & PAY STRUCTURE
Tier 1: Foundational Machine Operator
Focus: Entry-level work and fundamental skills
* Machine Operation: Learn and safely operate one machine (e.g., a laser, press brake, deburrer).
* Basic Tasks: Perform simple quality checks, deburring, and material handling.
* Housekeeping & Safety: Maintain a clean, organized workstation and follow safety guidelines.
* Reporting: Immediately flag any equipment issues to supervisors.
* Typical Pay Level: £12.60 per hour.
Tier 2: Intermediate Machine Operator
Focus: Expanding responsibilities and multi-machine proficiency
* Multi-Machine Operation: Handle two or more types of machines, such as laser cutting, drilling and deburring.
* Routine Maintenance: Conduct regular tasks like cleaning, lubrication, and part replacement.
* Material Handling: Operate equipment like forklifts (if licensed) and coordinate with logistics.
* Efficiency & Coordination: Meet efficiency targets and support colleagues to keep machines running.
* Typical Pay Level: £14.10 per hour
Tier 3: Advanced Machine Operator
Focus: Advanced technical skills and basic leadership
* Advanced Maintenance: Perform in-depth troubleshooting, diagnostics, and maintenance tasks.
* Technical Expertise: Utilize diagnostic tools, interpret error codes, and work with external service engineers as needed.
* Team Leadership: Mentor and support Tier 1 and Tier 2 operators, ensuring smooth workflow.
* Process Improvement: Identify and suggest improvements to reduce waste and enhance production.
* Record Keeping: Maintain detailed production and quality records with minimal supervision.
* Typical Pay Level: £15.10 per hour
Tier 4: Specialist Machine Operator
Focus: Mastery of specific processes and advanced process optimization
* Specialized Machine Skills: Develop expertise in machine settings and fine-tuning equipment for optimum performance (e.g., precision adjustments in laser cutting and folding operations).
* Complex Maintenance: Oversee and perform specialized repairs and adjustments beyond routine maintenance.
* Process Optimization: Analyse production data to propose and implement efficiency improvements.
* Peer Training: Provide detailed training and technical support to lower-tier operators.
* Liaison Role: Act as the key contact for technical service providers and support external troubleshooting efforts.
* Typical Pay Level: £16.10 per hour
Tier 5: Expert Machine Operator
Focus: Overall operational excellence, innovation, and strategic leadership
* Subject Matter Expert: Serve as the definitive authority on all machine operations and maintenance, including complex diagnostics and machine calibration.
* Training & Development: Lead comprehensive training programs for all operator levels.
* Continuous Improvement: Drive major process improvements and implementing new technologies to stay at the forefront of manufacturing.
* Strategic Input: Advise management on production planning, machine upgrades, and workflow enhancements.
* Mentorship & Leadership: Mentor operators across all tiers, setting standards for quality, safety, and efficiency.
* Typical Pay Level: £17.60 per hour
*
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)
● Machine Efficiency: Ability to run assigned machine(s) at or above efficiency targets (e.g., 80% uptime).
● Quality of Output: Success rate of producing accurate, high-quality parts with minimal rework.
● Maintenance & Safety: Frequency and quality of preventative maintenance and safety checks; timely reporting of faults.
● Team Collaboration: Feedback from managers and peers on cooperation, initiative, and willingness to support others.
● Time Management: Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize tasks effectively, and handle peak workload periods.
● Customer Satisfaction (Indirect): Feedback on finished parts and on-time delivery (where relevant).
WORKING HOURS & BENEFITS
● Hours: 40 hours per week (Generally 08:00 - 17:00 Mon-Thu; 08:00 - 14:30 Fri, but flexible start and ends available.)
● Holidays: 224 hours per year, including Bank Holidays
o After the first year, an additional "loyalty day" is added per year, up to a maximum of 8 extra days (64 hours).
● Pay:
o Tiered hourly rates based on demonstrated skills and responsibilities.
o Pay increases are not strictly time-based but rather performance and competency-based.
● Benefits:
o Monthly "Production Bonus" if targets are met.
o Pension scheme enrolment.
o Free on-site parking.
o Strong commitment to training and professional development.
QUALITY & SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES
● Compliance: Work in accordance with relevant external regulations and internal documentation to meet or exceed customer requirements.
● Quality Checks: Carry out all specified checks; complete records accurately.
● Purchasing Needs: Identify any consumable or part requirements and inform the Purchasing & Logistics Manager in a timely manner.
● Health & Safety: Follow all company policies and guidelines as set out in your Employment Contract and Health and Safety Handbook; report any accidents or near-misses.
● Teamwork: Communicate politely and efficiently with colleagues, managers, suppliers, and customers as necessary.
COMPANY OBJECTIVES
* Achieve annual sales targets.
* Improve customer satisfaction by delivering high-quality parts on time.
* Maintain ISO9001 certification and demonstrate continual improvement.
* Implement Industry 4.0 techniques to stay at the forefront of manufacturing technology.
This list of duties is not exhaustive. You may be required to perform additional tasks or take on extra responsibilities during peak production times. The organization reserves the right to amend this job description in response to operational needs.
How to Progress Through the Tiers
Operators will be assessed regularly. Progression through the tiers is based on:
● Demonstrable proficiency in operating additional machines.
● Consistent achievement of KPI targets.
● Successful completion of training programs (maintenance, forklift operation, advanced CNC training, etc.).
● Positive feedback from managers on initiative, teamwork, and leadership potential.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £12.60 per hour
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Canteen
* Company events
* Company pension
* Free parking
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person
Reference ID: Sheet Metal Machine Operator