Location: Hereford, Rotherwas, HR2 6JQ
Department: Technical
Hours: 38.75 hours per week, rotating three-shift pattern
Salary: £33,000 – £37,000 per year, depending on skills and experience, inclusive of shift premium
About the Role
A K Industries is looking for an experienced Injection Moulding Shift Setter to join our Technical team.
This is a hands-on role supporting the efficient production of high-quality technical plastic mouldings. You will be responsible for tool changes, machine setting, process optimisation, problem solving and supporting production to meet quality, efficiency and delivery targets.
The successful candidate will be confident working on injection moulding machines, robotics and ancillary equipment, with a strong focus on right-first-time set-ups, housekeeping, safe working and continuous improvement.
Shift Pattern
This role works on a rotating three-shift pattern:
- 5:45am – 2:00pm
- 1:45pm – 10:00pm
- 9:45pm – 6:00am
Total working hours are 38.75 hours per week.
Key Responsibilities
As a Shift Setter, your responsibilities will include:
- Working to production priorities set by the Shift Team Leader to help deliver the production plan.
- Preparing raw materials, mounting tools and setting up processing equipment efficiently.
- Completing tool changes, start-ups, restarts, second operation set-ups and clean downs in line with procedures and costed timeframes.
- Setting and maintaining production on injection moulding machines, robotics and ancillary equipment.
- Submitting successful first-offs, using visual checks, golden samples, handheld measuring tools and shot weight checks before submission.
- Identifying and resolving processing issues including flash, splash, distortion, rippling, delamination and dimensional variation.
- Working with the Quality team to complete corrective actions and maintain product conformity.
- Supporting material preparation and hopper cleaning activity alongside the Material Logistics Controllers.
- Problem solving quality, process and cycle-time issues throughout production runs.
- Carrying out basic planned and reactive maintenance to support production.
- Supporting production improvement projects and sharing knowledge across the team.
- Maintaining high standards of housekeeping, safe working and procedural compliance.
- Supporting site emergency arrangements, including spill response, fire warden duties and first aid responsibilities where trained.
Essential Skills and Experience
The successful candidate will have:
- Previous experience as an Injection Moulding Setter.
- Experience carrying out tool changes and setting injection moulding machines.
- Strong processing and troubleshooting knowledge.
- Experience working with automation such as sprue pickers, sprue cutters, robot hands and ancillary equipment.
- Experience working with technical polymers such as Acetal, ABS, Polypropylene, Nylons and Grivory.
- Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights.
- A structured and methodical approach to following procedures and documentation.
- Good attention to detail and a right-first-time mindset.
- Basic computer skills, including use of Outlook, Word, Excel and MRP/database systems.
- Experience carrying out routine maintenance tasks such as changing heater bands or replacing micro-switches.
- Working towards, or willing to work towards, an IMT qualification.
Desirable Skills and Experience
The following would be advantageous:
- Previous experience working to ISO 9001 and/or ISO 13485 standards.
- Experience using WinMan and/or ALS systems
- IMT2 or IMT3 qualification.
- First Aid at Work qualification.
Benefits
- Salary of £33,000 – £37,000, depending on skills and experience, inclusive of shift premium.
- 38.75 hours per week.
- Rotating three-shift pattern.
- 25 days holiday.
- Healthcare cash plan for self.
- Company bonus based on individual and company performance.
- On-the-job training and support to obtain IMT qualification if required.
- Opportunity to work with technical mouldings and engineering-grade polymers.
- Supportive team environment.
- Opportunity to contribute to continuous improvement and process optimisation.
About You
You will be a practical, hands-on problem solver who takes pride in producing quality mouldings efficiently and safely. You will be comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, able to prioritise workload and work collaboratively with production, quality, materials and technical colleagues.
You will have a positive attitude, strong housekeeping standards and the confidence to highlight issues, suggest improvements and support the wider team.
Apply
If you are an experienced Injection Moulding Setter looking for your next opportunity, we would like to hear from you.
Please apply with your CV.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £31,000.00-£37,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Hereford HR2 6JQ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Plastics injection molding: 1 year (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
