Workshop Operative
Full-Time | Permanent | Wigan
Build a Career with a Specialist UK Manufacturer
Due to continued growth and increasing customer demand, North West Seating Limited is looking for a motivated and reliable Workshop Operative to join our refurbishment and production team in Wigan.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys practical, hands-on work and wants to develop a long-term career within manufacturing. You'll become part of an experienced team supporting the refurbishment and production of bus seating supplied to some of the UK's leading vehicle manufacturers and transport operators.
No two days are the same, and you'll gain experience across a variety of workshop activities while receiving training and opportunities to progress into more specialised roles.
About North West Seating
North West Seating has decades of experience designing, manufacturing and refurbishing seating for the UK's public transport industry.
We work with leading manufacturers and operators including Alexander Dennis, Wrightbus, Stagecoach, First Bus and The Go-Ahead Group, delivering high-quality seating solutions, refurbishment services and aftersales support nationwide.
Our reputation has been built on quality craftsmanship, reliability and a team of dedicated people who take pride in their work.
What You'll Be Doing
As a Workshop Operative, you'll support the day-to-day running of our refurbishment workshop and play an important role in ensuring customer orders are completed safely, efficiently and to a high standard.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting refurbishment and production contract orders.
- Receiving deliveries and checking incoming goods.
- Storing stock safely and accurately within the warehouse.
- Organising materials and products by hand or using a forklift truck (where licensed).
- Preparing and packaging customer orders for dispatch.
- Stripping upholstery and seat covers from bus seating ready for refurbishment.
- Preparing seat components ready for the next stage of production.
- Using a range of workshop equipment and hand tools, including pneumatic staple guns, spray adhesives, knives and general workshop tools.
- Maintaining a clean, organised and safe workshop environment.
- Supporting weekly workshop deep cleans.
- Following company quality standards and health & safety procedures.
As your skills develop, you'll have the opportunity to train in specialist areas including upholstery, cutting and aftersales production.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who enjoys practical work, takes ownership for their performance and wants to develop new skills within a growing manufacturing business.
Essential
- Accountability
- Ownership
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
- Reliable and punctual.
- Good attention to detail.
- Able to work independently and as part of a team.
- Good communication skills.
- Organised and able to manage multiple tasks.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced workshop environment.
- Physically capable of safely lifting and moving products of varying sizes.
- Commitment to maintaining a safe and tidy workplace.
Desirable
- Previous experience within manufacturing, engineering, production or warehousing.
- Experience using hand or power tools.
- Forklift Truck Licence (Counterbalance or Reach).
- Experience within refurbishment, assembly or workshop environments.
Don't worry if you don't have experience in bus seating—we'll provide full training to help you succeed.
Career Progression
At North West Seating, we believe in developing our people.
This role offers genuine opportunities to progress into specialist positions, including:
- Bus Seat Trimmer / Upholsterer
- Aftersales Production
- Cutting Operative
- Specialist Refurbishment Technician
If you're motivated and eager to learn, we'll support your development every step of the way.
Why Join North West Seating?
We're proud to offer a friendly, supportive workplace where people are encouraged to learn, develop and build long-term careers.
Benefits include:
- Permanent, full-time employment.
- Stable work within a growing UK manufacturer.
- Structured training and mentoring.
- Opportunities for career progression.
- Company pension.
- Rewards scheme.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Complimentary Monday breakfast.
- Company social events.
- Free on-site parking.
- Early finish every Friday.
Working Hours
Monday – Thursday
7:30am – 4:15pm
Friday
7:00am – 1:30pm
Finish early every Friday and enjoy a longer weekend.
Who This Role Would Suit
This position would suit someone with experience in:
- Manufacturing
- Production
- Assembly
- Warehousing
- Workshop environments
- Engineering
- Construction
- Mechanical or practical trades
We're also keen to hear from candidates who enjoy practical work and are looking to develop a long-term career in manufacturing, even if they haven't worked in this industry before.
We're particularly interested in applicants living in Wigan, Leigh, St Helens, Warrington, Bolton, Chorley, Skelmersdale, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Atherton and the surrounding areas.
Job Details
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Location: Wigan
Salary: Competitive – dependent on experience.
If you're hardworking, reliable and looking for a company that invests in its people, we'd love to hear from you and discuss how you can build your career with North West Seating.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £13.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
