Purpose of the Role
The General Operative / Driver is primarily responsible for supporting the day-to-day manufacturing operations within the factory while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and productivity.
In addition to production duties, the successful candidate will also undertake driving responsibilities when required, collecting and delivering materials and products safely and professionally. Driving forms part of the role, but the successful applicant must first and foremost be a reliable and capable General Operative who is willing to drive as business needs require.
Key ResponsibilitiesProduction Duties
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, route cards, work instructions and specifications.
- Understand engineering tolerances and manufacture products to the required specifications.
- Operate a variety of manual and semi-automated machinery including:
- Band saws
- Guillotines
- Grinders
- Routers
- Presses
- Other workshop equipment as required.
- Carry out trimming, grinding, deburring and finishing operations to remove excess material and produce high-quality finished components.
- Inspect completed products using measuring equipment including:
- Vernier callipers
- Gauges
- Micrometres
- Measuring tapes
- Ensure all products meet quality standards before progressing to the next manufacturing stage.
- Complete production paperwork accurately, including route cards and inspection records.
- Assist with packing, labelling and preparing products for dispatch.
- Load, unload and move materials throughout the factory safely.
- Maintain machinery and equipment by carrying out basic cleaning and routine maintenance.
- Keep the work area clean, organised and compliant with 5S standards.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives throughout the factory.
- Work closely with colleagues to meet production targets and customer delivery requirements.
Driving Duties
When required, the successful candidate will:
- Safely drive the company van (up to 2.5 tonnes GVW) for collections and deliveries.
- Collect raw materials from suppliers.
- Deliver finished products to customers.
- Ensure all deliveries and collections are completed safely, professionally and on time.
- Carry out daily vehicle safety inspections.
- Maintain vehicle cleanliness and report any defects immediately.
- Ensure loads are secured correctly before transportation.
- Complete delivery paperwork accurately.
- Represent the company professionally when visiting customers and suppliers.
- Be flexible with working hours when early morning or late collections/deliveries are required to meet customer demands.
Health, Safety & Quality
- Follow all Health & Safety policies and procedures.
- Wear the appropriate PPE at all times.
- Comply with all environmental and quality management systems.
- Champion a positive Health & Safety culture.
- Report hazards, near misses and unsafe conditions immediately.
- Participate in Health & Safety initiatives and continuous improvement activities.
- Maintain high housekeeping standards through the implementation of 5S principles.
General Responsibilities
- Support colleagues across departments when required.
- Demonstrate flexibility to meet changing business priorities.
- Attend training as required.
- Carry out any other reasonable duties requested by management.
Person SpecificationEssential
- Minimum of 2 years' experience working within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
- Previous experience operating workshop machinery.
- Ability to read and understand engineering drawings.
- Good understanding of engineering tolerances.
- Experience using measuring equipment including callipers, gauges and micrometres.
- Good manual handling skills.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Good problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Good communication skills.
- Willingness to learn new skills.
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
- Aged 30 years or over (insurance requirement).
- Comfortable driving company vans up to 2.5 tonnes.
- Flexible regarding working hours when required.
Desirable
- Previous experience within tube fabrication or metal manufacturing.
- Forklift Truck Licence (Counterbalance).
- Experience using overhead cranes.
- Experience working within an ISO 9001 environment.
- First Aid qualification.
- Health & Safety awareness training.
Key Competencies
- Attention to detail
- Reliability
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Adaptability
- Problem solving
- Customer focus
- Safety awareness
- Quality conscious
- Positive attitude
- Accountability
- Flexibility
Physical Requirements
The role involves:
- Standing for prolonged periods.
- Regular bending, lifting and carrying.
- Manual handling of metal products.
- Working in a manufacturing environment.
- Working safely around machinery and moving equipment.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Company pension.
- Full training and ongoing development.
- Opportunity to develop new engineering skills.
- Stable employment within a growing engineering business.
- Supportive and friendly team environment.
Working Hours
Monday to Thursday: 6:30 am – 5:00 pm
Friday: Closed
Flexibility may be required to support customer deliveries, collections and operational requirements.
Pay: £12.71-£13.50 per hour
Work Location: In person
