Location: 20 Greenhey Place, Skelmersdale, WN8 9SA (on-site)
Salary: Competitive (DOE)
Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday
Role Purpose
Lead the day-to-day operations of the finishing department, planning workloads, managing people and processes, ensuring top-tier quality and on-time dispatch across all finishing workflows including automated cutting, lamination, stitching/sewing, and assembly.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Planning
* Own daily/weekly scheduling for finishing, balancing priorities from print through to dispatch
* Track WIP and deadlines; ensure SLA adherence and efficient changeovers
* Maintain accurate job tickets, QC records, and materials tracking
Team Leadership
* Supervise and develop finishing operators; plan rotas, train on SOPs, conduct toolbox talks
* Foster a safety-first, clean, and organised workspace; enforce H&S and manual handling standards
* Collaborate closely with print, design/prepress, and account management on feasibility and timelines
Equipment & Process
* Operate and oversee automated cutting tables (e.g., Zünd/Kongsberg or equivalents), roll and flatbed laminators, industrial sewing machines, eyeletting/grommet presses, mounting tables
* Set up tooling, cut files, registration, and kiss/through-cut parameters; manage maintenance schedules and first-line fixes
* Standardise finishing methods: trimming, mounting to Foamex/Correx/Dibond, hemming and eyelets, keder/Silicone Edge Graphics (SEG), banner welding/taping, folding/packaging
Quality & Continuous Improvement
* Implement robust QC checkpoints: dimensional accuracy, edge quality, adhesion, hem strength, colour/finish integrity post-lamination
* Reduce waste and rework via SOPs, first-article checks, and root-cause analysis
* Drive throughput and yield improvements; optimise nesting/cut paths and material utilisation
Materials & Sustainability
* Manage stocks of laminates, adhesives, threads, keder, tapes, fixings, and packaging
Must-Have Experience
* Proven experience managing a finishing department in large format print/signage or display production
* Hands-on with automated cutting systems, laminators, and industrial sewing machines
* Strong knowledge of substrates and finishing for: vinyls, fabrics/soft signage, Foamex, Correx, Dibond, tension fabric systems, banners
* Competent with reading technical drawings, cut files, and production specs; basic CAD/RIP exposure for cut prep is a plus
* Demonstrable track record of team leadership, scheduling, and H&S compliance
Nice-to-Haves
* Experience with SEG/keder sewing for tension fabric displays and dye-sub applications
* Familiarity with illuminated display assembly, window manifestations, and floor graphic finishing
* Forklift licence, IPAF/PASMA, or formal H&S certifications
Key Competencies
* Quality-first attention to detail and dimensional accuracy
* Calm, organised, and decisive under time pressure
* Clear communicator; cross-functional collaborator
* Process improvement mindset (Lean/5S experience beneficial)
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £28,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person