Shift utility operator

Shift Utility Operator

📍 Based at Bathford Paper Mill
💰 Starting salary from £34,166.87, rising to £41,320.27 with progression
🕒 Full-time | Continuous Annualised 12 hour Shift Patterns

Join a Company Where Tradition Meets Innovation

For over 300 years, Bathford Paper Mill has been at the heart of British papermaking. Since the Paper Machine was converted to a cylinder mould machine in 1973, it’s continued to produce exceptional quality products with a focus on precision, heritage, and innovation.

We’re now looking for a Shift Utility Operator to join our team—someone who is hands-on, motivated, and ready to learn a wide variety of production-based skills in a unique and rewarding environment.

Whether you're new to manufacturing or already have experience, this is an opportunity to build a long-term career in a supportive and well-established company.

🔧 What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll gain experience across several key areas of the paper production process, including:

1. Stock Preparation – operating and controlling the refining machinery where the papermaking journey begins
2. Papermaking – working directly on the Paper Machine, the core of the operation
3. Quality Control – testing paper to ensure it meets strict customer requirements

As a Shift Utility Operator, you will:

4. Operate machinery and equipment safely and efficiently
5. Work as part of a team to meet production targets (KPIs)
6. Monitor and review machine performance to ensure quality and consistency
7. Follow all safety, quality, and environmental procedures
8. Play a proactive role in identifying areas for improvement

Once trained, you'll also have the opportunity to mentor and support new team members.

💼 What We’re Looking For

We understand that not everyone will come with direct experience in manufacturing or the paper industry—and that’s okay. We’re looking for the right mindset and work ethic. If you're reliable, safety-focused, and eager to learn, we’d love to hear from you.

Required:

9. A team player with strong time management skills
10. A positive attitude and willingness to learn
11. Ability to work safely, responsibly, and with attention to detail
12. Behaviours aligned with our PACE values: Performance Drive Adaptability Customer Focused Engaged

Desirable (but not essential):

13. Experience in paper manufacturing or industrial environments
14. Knowledge of modern manufacturing techniques (e.g., process flow, control systems, vision systems)

💷 Salary Progression (Approx)

15. £34,166.87 – Starting salary during initial training
16. £38,431.89 – When deemed fully competent in the role
17. £41,320.27 – On completion of full competency matrix

🎁 Company Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits to support you both at work and at home, including:

18. Holiday entitlement included within the shift pattern
19. Pension scheme with up to 9% employer contribution
20. Life assurance (4 x your basic salary)
21. 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) including counselling and legal/financial advice
22. Access to Doctor Care Anywhere digital GP service
23. Ongoing training and development – fully funded
24. £500 Refer-a-friend scheme
25. Cycle to Work scheme
26. Long service awards and employee recognition
27. Free / On-site parking
28. Give-As-You-Earn scheme
29. Display screen eye care provision
30. Phone discounts through EE
31. Costco membership
32. Sick pay scheme

🚀 Ready to Start Your Journey with Us?

This is more than just a job—it’s the start of a long-term career with a company that values your development and contribution. If you’re ready to be part of something meaningful and join a team that’s shaping the future of papermaking, apply today.