Machine Operative
Employer: Europa Wool Ltd
Location: Lockwood, Huddersfield (HD1) – Easily commutable by public transport, close to Lockwood train station and bus links.
Salary: £12.71 per hour
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Shift & Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (Includes 1-hour unpaid daily break)
- No weekends / Day shift
About Us
Europa Wool Ltd is an established textile mill based in Lockwood, Huddersfield. We take pride in traditional British manufacturing, transforming raw fleece into premium retail knitting wool. We are a supportive, close-knit team offering a stable, fixed daytime schedule and an excellent work-life balance.
Benefits:
- Paid Christmas Shutdown: Fully paid time off with family over the festive period.
- Holiday: 20 days holiday plus all statutory Bank Holidays.
- Company Pension: Workplace pension scheme with company contributions.
- Free Parking: On-site parking available for all staff.
- Uniform Provided: Company workwear supplied.
Full Job Description
We are looking for an experienced, reliable Machine Operator / Production Assistant to join our spinning department. In this role, you will work independently to ensure the smooth operation of our machinery while helping us guide and integrate new trainees on the factory floor.
Key Responsibilities:
- Machine Operation: Load, set up, and monitor industrial textile machinery across spinning, gilling/drawing, twisting, and winding stages.
- Line Oversight: Monitor multiple machines simultaneously to ensure raw wool feeds correctly without jams, breaks, or interruptions.
- Threading & Prep: Measure raw wool, untangle fibers, and accurately thread yarn through intricate bobbins, guides, and needles.
- Quality Control: Inspect finished yarn for defects, tears, or thickness inconsistencies.
- Maintenance & Housekeeping: Complete basic preventative maintenance by clearing machines of debris, lint, and fluff to prevent malfunctions.
- Health & Safety: Maintain a clean, organized work area, conduct safety checks, and report any faults directly to the Site Manager.
Requirements & Criteria:
- Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for long periods, walk the mill floor continuously, and safely lift materials up to 20 kg.
- Technical Aptitude: Good hand-eye coordination and a basic mechanical understanding to thread moving parts and troubleshoot minor machine faults.
- Visual Acuity: Ability to distinguish subtle yarn properties (color shading, weight, and thickness).
- Basic Numeracy: Ability to handle basic math for measuring raw materials and recording production numbers.
- Teamwork: A reliable worker who is happy to work independently, collaborate with the team, and help train new starters.
Experience:
- Manufacturing or Factory Floor: 1 year (Preferred)
- Textile Mill or Machine Operating: 1 year (Preferred, but training will be given to candidates with strong mechanical aptitude)
Ability to Commute/Relocate:
- Lockwood, Huddersfield: Reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (Required)
Pay: £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Manufacturing: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
