About Inspirwood
We are Inspirwood, a highly successful family-run and eco-minded business that specialise in printing on wood. We are the UK’s leading Print on Wood specialists in this growing and cutting edge industry.
We create signage, point of sale, trophies, gifts, artwork and so much more for national and international businesses, plus artists and individuals. Our clients include Lush Cosmetics, The National Trust, Riverford Organic, Wild Planet Trust and Royal Shakespeare Company, to name just a few.
Based in a stylish and sympathetically refurbished historical building on Teignmouth’s Quay, we are a small, fun and friendly team who all share the same goal - being the best at what we do!
The role
It’s a fast paced, creative and constantly evolving environment and this role is a key position in the company’s production processes.
Your job will be to get the best results out of our print and laser machines and processes in terms of throughput and efficiency, while maintaining an excellent eye for detail and quality.
You’ll be working across a number of printers and lasers every day, carefully following specifications provided by the design team. At times you may be required to work on our CNC machine also. (training to be provided on all machinery)
On any given day, you may be producing large one off pieces or a run of thousands of delicate items. These all require the same level of care and attention, before packaging up appropriately to ensure no damage during transit.
You’ll need to carry out weekly maintenance on machines and keep an eye on stock levels of all regularly used items.
At times, additional tasks such as painting, sanding and basic carpentry will be required.
The ideal person
We’re looking to recruit an energetic, organised and highly proactive Print & Laser Machine Operator who can confidently take ownership of the day-to-day production performance across our UV print and laser departments. Alongside your colleagues, you’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring jobs flow smoothly, quality is consistently high, deadlines are met and machinery is kept running at optimum levels of efficiency. A desire to take on more responsibility over time would be advantageous.
You’ll be able to demonstrate and prove an aptitude for:
· Effective time management
· Organisation
· Attention to detail
· Being a team player
· Clear communication
· Working under pressure at times
· Working with technical machinery (preferably printing equipment)
· Basic painting and carpentry
Key responsibilities
· Active role in planning daily production schedules across UV printing, laser cutting and engraving to hit deadlines and quality standards
· Run and oversee production on our machinery (UV printers and laser cutters), including set-up, changeovers, troubleshooting and basic maintenance checks
· Co-ordinate priorities with the office/design team so artwork, materials and production are aligned
· Own quality control in production: prevent repeat mistakes, improve consistency, and catch issues early
· Monitor throughput, downtime and job progress; escalate risks early and propose solutions
· Improve efficiency: refine workflows, reduce rework, and help standardise best practice processes
· Keep the workspace organised, safe and ready for production
· Contribute to continuous improvement projects (process, layout, tooling, checklists, documentation)
What “great” looks like in this role
· Jobs move through production with minimal stoppages and errors, and clearer ownership
· The team around you feels supported, organised and motivated
· You can zoom in (solve a machine or job problem fast) and zoom out (see how today’s decisions affect clients, lead times and margins)
· You bring energy and ambition: you want to raise the bar and you follow through
Essential experience & attributes
· Experience of working in fast-paced production or service orientated environment
· Confident operating and juggling multiple machines/workstreams
· Calm, methodical and solutions-focused under pressure
· Strong attention to detail with a practical, “get it done” mindset
· Friendly, reliable, and easy to work with across all levels
· Proficient troubleshooter
· Natural organiser: you can prioritise and maintain momentum
· Proficient IT skills
· Strong numerical skills
· Strong language and communication skills
· Adaptability and willingness to go the extra mile
Nice to have
· Experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally within printing, signage, CNC/laser, or similar production.
· General level of carpentry skills
· CNC machinery experience
· Knowledge of different woods and their uses
Working hours & location
· Based on-site at The Old Quay Warehouse, Willow Street, Teignmouth, Devon, TQ14 8EY.
· Working hours: Mon–Thu 8:30am–5pm, Fri 8:30am–3pm. Yes, we finish early on Fridays!
What we offer
· A key role within a specialist manufacturing business with a strong reputation
· A supportive team and friendly environment
· Variety: short runs to high-volume work, bespoke jobs, and problem-solving every day
· Clear opportunity to grow the role as the business grows, for the right person
· Regular overtime opportunities.
· Long Christmas to New year shutdowns
· 25 days paid annual leave (5 days to be taken during Christmas shutdown) plus all bank holidays
· Pension
· Sick pay
· Maternity and Paternity leave
· Training on all our machines and processes
· Early finish on Fridays
Pay: £26,000.00-£31,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Paid volunteer time
- Sick pay
Experience:
- Manufacturing: 1 year (preferred)
Language:
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
