Machine Operator- Blown Film Extrusion

Must be in commuting distance of Leeds and have Right to Work

Location: Newmarket Lane, Leeds
Salary: £12.74 – £17.18 per hour, depending on Blown Film Extrusion experience
Hours: Average 42 hours per week
Shift Pattern: 4 on / 4 off – 2 days, 2 nights, followed by 4 days off
Shift Times: 7:00am – 7:00pm / 7:00pm – 7:00am
Department: Extrusion

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Blown Film Extrusion Operator / Extrusion Operative to join our busy manufacturing operation in Leeds.

The successful candidate will have practical experience of blown film extrusion and the manufacture of polyethylene (PE) film, with the ability to operate and monitor extrusion equipment while maintaining high standards of production, quality, safety and housekeeping.

You will work as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, supporting the Senior Operator and Supervisor to achieve daily production targets and minimise waste.

Key Responsibilities

Operate blown film extrusion equipment safely and efficiently.
Run and monitor all relevant extrusion units following appropriate training.
Maintain daily production, quality and waste targets/KPIs.
Carry out production checks and retain samples to ensure products meet customer specifications.
Complete production records and paperwork accurately in line with BRC and ISO requirements.
Perform product and order changes safely and efficiently.
Monitor product quality throughout the production process.
Identify and resolve basic process and production problems.
Ensure good shift-to-shift handovers.
Maintain a high standard of housekeeping and follow a "clean as you go" approach.
Carry out cleaning and machine shutdown duties, including die stripping and breakdown cleaning.
Operate silo blowers and resin dryers following training.
Assist with trials and the introduction of new film products alongside the Technical Manager and Supervisor.
Support the training of other operators where appropriate.
Assist the Supervisor with corrective actions following internal or external customer complaints.
Participate in continuous improvement and process improvement projects.
Support the Senior Operator when they are undertaking supervisory duties.
Follow all company Health & Safety, hygiene, BRC and ISO procedures.
About You

You will ideally have:

Previous experience working in blown film extrusion.
Experience manufacturing PE / polyethylene film.
Good understanding of polymers and how different materials affect the extrusion process.
Knowledge of film products, their performance and end-use applications.
Experience working to production, quality and waste targets.
Knowledge of Health & Safety, hygiene and quality standards.
Understanding of BRC and/or ISO quality systems.
Good problem-solving and fault-finding skills.
Good communication and interpersonal skills.
The ability to work effectively as part of a team.
The ability to work independently and use your own initiative.
A flexible and adaptable approach to changing production requirements.
Good timekeeping and attendance.
What We Are Looking For

This is a hands-on production role, so you should be comfortable working in a busy manufacturing environment where priorities can change.

You will need to be reliable, flexible, team-oriented and safety-conscious, with a strong focus on product quality and achieving production targets.

Experience as a Blown Film Extrusion Operator, Extrusion Operator, Extrusion Operative or Plastics Extrusion Operative would be highly relevant.

Working Pattern

The role operates on a rotating 4-on, 4-off shift pattern:

2 x 12-hour day shifts
2 x 12-hour night shifts
4 days off
Then the pattern repeats
Day shift: 7:00am – 7:00pm
Night shift: 7:00pm – 7:00am

Average working hours are approximately 42 hours per week.

If you have experience in blown film extrusion and are looking for a long-term opportunity within a growing and expanding manufacturing business, we would be interested in hearing from you. This is an exciting time to join the company as we continue to grow, develop our operations, and invest in our people and future success.