Position: Machine Operator
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