Machine Operator/Forklift Driver

About the Role

We are looking for reliable and technically minded Machine Operators / Mechanical Operatives to join our Oxford site on the day shift. This is a hands-on production role with a stronger focus on machinery operation and basic mechanical support.

The successful candidates will preferably have a mechanical, engineering, maintenance or machinery-related background and be comfortable learning how production machinery operates.

As new machinery is installed and commissioned at the site, the Machine Operator will be expected to work alongside engineers, observe the installation and commissioning process, and develop a good practical understanding of the equipment. The objective is for the operator to become capable of running the machinery safely and efficiently during normal production without requiring an engineer to be continuously present.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate production machinery and plant safely and efficiently.
• Learn the correct operating procedures, settings and controls for site machinery.
• Work alongside engineers during machinery installation, testing and commissioning.
• Develop a practical understanding of how the machinery operates and how individual components interact.
• Monitor machinery during production and identify abnormal noise, vibration, performance or other signs of potential problems.
• Carry out daily and weekly equipment checks.
• Complete routine tasks such as greasing, lubrication, cleaning and basic adjustments.
• Identify and troubleshoot minor mechanical or operational faults.
• Carry out basic minor repairs or adjustments where safe, competent and authorised to do so.
• Escalate significant faults, electrical issues or major breakdowns to the engineer or relevant manager.
• Restart and operate machinery correctly following minor faults or adjustments.
• Work with other operators and site staff to maintain production throughput.
• Report machinery defects, breakdowns and maintenance requirements promptly.
• Follow all health and safety procedures, machinery operating procedures and lock-out/isolation requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organised working area around machinery and production equipment.
• Support other reasonable production and site duties when required.

Essential Requirements

• Forklift truck licence.
• Previous experience operating industrial machinery, production equipment or similar plant.
• Good practical and mechanical understanding.
• Ability to understand how machinery operates rather than simply following operating instructions.
• Ability to identify basic mechanical problems and abnormal machine operation.
• Confident working independently once appropriate training has been completed.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safe working practices.
• Reliable, proactive and responsible approach to work.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment.
• Willingness to learn from engineers during machinery installation and commissioning.
• Desirable Experience
• Mechanical engineering, maintenance, manufacturing or machinery-related background.
• Mechanical or engineering qualification, apprenticeship or relevant practical experience.
• Experience carrying out basic machinery maintenance or minor mechanical repairs.
• Experience working with recycling, processing, manufacturing or production machinery.
• Experience assisting with machinery installation or commissioning.

What We Are Looking For

We are particularly interested in candidates who are mechanically minded and willing to understand the machinery properly, rather than simply operate it. The right candidate should be capable of developing into a reliable operator who can:

• Run the machine independently during normal production.
• Recognise when the machine is not operating correctly.
• Investigate straightforward operational or mechanical problems.
• Resolve minor issues where appropriate.
• Know when a fault requires an engineer or specialist intervention.

Full site-specific machinery training will be provided. Employees must only carry out maintenance or repairs for which they have been trained, authorised and are competent to perform.

Pay: From £12.71 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Work Location: In person