Senior Extrusion Operator – Manufacturing | Sunderland
What’s on Offer
* Salary: £34,369.22 per annum (including shift allowance)
* Contract: Permanent
* Shift Pattern: Continental shift pattern Days & Nights, 12 hour shifts
* Holiday: 23.5 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year up to a maximum of 25.5 days
* Location: Sunderland
A leading manufacturing organisation is seeking a skilled and dedicated Senior Extrusion Operator to join its high-performing production team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced operator to build a long-term career within a fast-paced, safety-focused extrusion environment.
The Role
The Senior Extrusion Operator will play a key role in the setup, operation, and ongoing optimisation of extrusion lines, drying and blending equipment, and offline granulation machinery. Working as part of a collaborative team, the successful candidate will ensure all products meet exacting quality standards, complete production documentation, and contribute to the continuous improvement of manufacturing processes.
This is a hands-on role that also involves supporting quality testing, training colleagues, and maintaining a safe and hygienic workplace.
Key Responsibilities
* Set up, operate, and monitor extrusion, drying, blending, and granulation equipment
* Ensure products consistently meet specifications, making real-time adjustments as needed
* Complete production checks and documentation accurately
* Wrap and prepare finished products for dispatch
* Carry out and support quality tests and measurements
* Maintain high standards of housekeeping and participate in hygiene audits
* Promote and uphold safe working practices
* Support and train other team members as required
* Assist with pallet movement and other general duties
About You
The ideal candidate will be a proactive and reliable team player with a strong focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement. They will demonstrate:
* A good standard of general education with strong numeracy and literacy skills
* At least 2 years’ experience in extrusion manufacturing or a similar production environment
* Sound operational knowledge of extrusion processes and machine operation
* Experience in continuous improvement initiatives and breakdown handling
* A current counterbalance forklift licence