JOB TITLE: Multi Skilled Production Operative
MSA Foams is a Dorset-based bespoke manufacturer of foam components, specialising in high-quality custom solutions for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.
At our manufacturing facility, we produce custom foam inserts for customers across the Aerospace, Defence, Automotive, Marketing, and Engineering sectors.
We are seeking a motivated and versatile Multi Skilled Production Operative to join our growing team. This hands-on role involves working across multiple production departments, operating a variety of machinery, supporting manufacturing processes, and ensuring products are produced to the highest standards of quality and accuracy.
The successful candidate will be responsible for operating production equipment, carrying out preparation and finishing tasks, maintaining production schedules, and ensuring compliance with company quality standards and health and safety procedures. You will be expected to identify and resolve production issues efficiently, helping to minimise downtime and maintain productivity.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Preparation – Slitting, Laminating & Cutting
Slitting
- Checking drawings against job travellers to confirm requirements
- Verifying material specifications before processing
- Estimating material yield against production requirements
- Reviewing off-cut stock before ordering or preparing new material
- Slitting materials to the correct thickness in preparation for laminating
- Setting machinery correctly for the material being processed
- Maximising material yield while minimising waste, scrap, and overproduction
- Maximise yield and minimise scrap and over-production to save on cost
Laminating
- Ensuring machinery settings are correct for the materials being processed
- Laminating materials to the required thickness while allowing for shrinkage
- Preparing and transferring completed jobs for cutting operations
Cutting
- Selecting the appropriate blade and tooling for each material type
- Cutting materials to the specified preparation sizes
- Placing prepared jobs with the relevant job traveller onto pallets or trolleys for transfer to production
- Maximising material yield while minimising waste, scrap, and overproduction
CNC Operations
- Operating, setting and programming CNC machinery within the production department
- Loading materials and running pre-set CNC programs
- Checking each manufactured product is machined to the correct specification
- Carrying out daily checks on machinery before use
- Following the production schedule and reporting any issues or delays to the Team Leader
- Completing all relevant paperwork included in the job pack
- Producing products in line with company ISO procedures
- Ensuring the live schedule is updated on completion of each job
- Working alongside other departments to support production requirements
Finishing
- Reading job travellers and drawings to accurately interpret requirements
- Inspecting manufactured units against job travellers and technical drawings
- Trimming, laminating, chamfering, cleaning, and heat-sealing products as specified
- Fitting completed products into containers or cases where required
- Completing tasks within allocated timescales and production targets
- Recording finishing times as required
- Passing completed jobs to the Despatch department
REQUIREMENTS
We are looking for an enthusiastic, reliable individual with a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and excellent teamwork skills.
The ideal candidate will have experience within a manufacturing or production environment and be comfortable working with machinery and technical drawings. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a proactive, hands-on approach are essential. The ability to work independently, follow processes accurately, and communicate effectively with colleagues across departments is equally important.
Full training will be provided on all machinery and processes.
Send your CV and cover letter with salary expectations to be considered for the next stage of the recruitment process.
EXPERIENCE
The successful candidate will work with a variety of equipment, including 3-axis CNC routers, a waterjet cutter, a laser engraver, and a 5-axis CNC router.
We use AlphaCAM as our CAD/CAM software package. Previous experience with AlphaCAM or similar CAD/CAM software would be advantageous but is not essential.
Ability to Commute/Relocate
This is a full-time, on-site position based in Dorset and requires attendance at our manufacturing facility.
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this role. The successful candidate must be able to reliably commute to the workplace during standard business hours.
Relocation assistance is not available for this position. Knowledge of the local Dorset area and surrounding business community would be advantageous.
Employee benefits:
- Both employee and employer pension contributions are paid for by the Employer
- Onsite parking
- 23 holiday days plus 8 bank holidays
- A friendly working environment
- Profit share system based on company performance
- Cycle to work scheme
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Work Location: In person
