GPW Job Ref: E(phone number removed)

Lead Printer / Skilled Machine Operator (Flexographic) is required for a permanent position for a global company in the Standish / Wigan area. This role attracts a salary up to £38,000 pa (DoE) + benefits (see below) likely earnings to be c£45,000 incl. O/T, working 4x 12hr days (Tue to Fri) and 3x 12 hr nights (Tue to Thur) over a 2 week shift rota. Applicants will have proven track record as a Lead Printer, ideally on flexo / wide web substrates with relevant printing quals (desirable), have some exposure to Continuous Improvement systems such six sigma, 5S etc. desirable) as well as applicants ideally being fluent in English, have basic mechanical skills, good admin, numeracy and IT skills.

This is a fantastic opportunity with long-term security, excellent career prospects for a candidate wishing to continue developing their career in the printing sector.

Applications also welcomed from aspiring candidates for 2x Printer Assistant vacancies at the same site and may lead to a placement on internal apprenticeship. Salary for the Printer Assistant role is up £28,000 pa (DoE) - likely earnings up to £35k pa, working the same fortnightly shift pattern. For this position applicants will be ambitious, hardworking, ideally with previous print or machine setter/operator experience in a production / mfg settting (not essential as full training will be given), have basic mechanical skills / fault finding and good administration, numeracy and IT skills.

Lead Printer / Skilled Machine Operator Salary & Benefits:

• Basic salary up to £38,000 pa (Up to £28k for Assistant)
• 22 days holiday per year (due to shift pattern, 1 week off every 4 weeks)
• Hours of work: Wk1: 4x days (Tue to Fri 6am-6pm), 3 off, Wk2: 3x nights (Tue to Thur 6pm-6am), 4 off.
• 2x 30 min breaks per shift.
• O/T at 1.5x
• Company Pension Plan, Life Assurance and Company sick pay (after qualifying period)
• Employee Assistance helpline.
• Internal training courses

*The above 2 week shift pattern may change next year as the site typically works a 24/7 pattern (7x days & 7x nights across 4 weeks incl. wknds), therefore a willingness to work days, nights and weekends is essential*

Job Purpose:

You will be responsible for leading and operating a flexographic print machine whilst ensuring print operations are conducted in a safe and controlled manner in line with the required SOP's. Maximising press uptime in line with KPI's, taking account of running speeds and opportunities to achieve operational efficiencies. Also responsible for directing and supporting any Print Assistants working with you on your machine, ensuring they are operating in line with SOP's.

The successful Print Operator day to day duties will include:

• Set up and operate print machinery to optimum levels in a safe working manner, ensuring that the machinery and surrounding area are maintained in line with required H&S, environmental, hygiene and housekeeping standards. Ensure colleagues working on the press are also operating in a safe way and are aware of and understand the required operating standards.
• Deliver and sign off work in line with production orders, proactively monitoring and controlling print quality.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards e.g. BRC, ISO & A2 permit.
• Carry out print inspections & troubleshoot issues with the printing press or print quality. Specifically, identify all non-conformities and correct deficiencies by liaising with the relevant Shift Manager, Technical and Quality staff where needed.
• Maintain lean manufacturing principles including 5s and SMED. Participate in CI initiatives within Production.
• Complete all paperwork and electronic data in a timely manner. Complete change request forms if a change needs to be made or an error is found.
• Complete shift handovers, ensuring the press is in an appropriate operational condition and that the next shift has been briefed on where production is up to and any other relevant production issues.
• Optimise press change over and run speed. Specifically, ensure that waste is kept to a minimum during print runs.
• Work with the Ink Technician to optimise colour matching time.
• Collaborate with colleagues in other areas e.g. Print Support & Engineering to maintain production standards.
• Assist with the training and ongoing development of colleagues, in particular Print Assistants. Share knowledge and best practice with colleagues, in particular to help achieve improvements in production and quality standards.
• Display flexibility to support other areas of Production as and when required.

The ideal Skilled Machine Operator will have the following experience, skills and characteristics:

• Recent experience of setting up and operating flexographic wide web printing machines.
• Possess relevant qualifications such as Printing NVQ L2 or L3 (desirable), fire safety & first aid training certs.
• Good level of literacy / verbal communication (fluent in English), IT skills and numeracy, preferably GCSE level in English and Maths or equivalent
• Extensive flexographic print experience, specifically with experience of solvent based inks and wide web presses
• Experience of Fischer Krecke 126S, 20SIX CS colour printers or BOBST printers an advantage
• Strong background in manufacturing, either label or packaging printing
• Exposure to Lean Six Sigma or other continuous improvement techniques (desirable)
• Experience of overseeing the work of others on the print press
• Operate in line with site health and safety, environmental and quality standards
• A reasonable level of fitness is required as the role involves some physical activity e.g. lifting acceptable loads & bending.

This position could be right for you if you want to work as any of the following: Lead Printer, Flexographic Printer, Skilled Print Finisher, Lead Print Operator, Lead Print Machine Operator, Skilled Machine Operator, Machine Setter / Operator, Slitter Machine Operator, Conversion Machine Operator, Machine Minder, Machine Operative, Printer Assistant or Production Operative.

Key words: Lead Printer, Flexographic Printer, Skilled Print Finisher, Lead Print Operator, Print Assistant, Conversion Machine Operator, Skilled Machine Operative, Machine Minder, Slitting, Punching, Perf, Die Cutting Operator, Printer Slotter, Flexographic, Wide Web, Bobst, Conversion Technology, Printing, Packaging, Continuous Improvement, CI, 6 Sigma, Production, Manufacturing, FMCG, Mechanical, FLT, Lean Manufacture, , Quality Control, QC, H&S, Wigan, Standish, Chorley, St Helens, Leigh, Preston, Lancashire

Interested? If you think you're right for this Lead Flexographic Printer role (or the Print Assistant role), then click the 'APPLY NOW' button