Machine Operator Assistant

Assistant Machine Operator – Manufacturing

Shift Pattern: 5-Shift Rotation 7 on 2 off 7 on 2 off 7 on 10 off, days nights and afters

Location: Rotherham

£41,000

The Role

An opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Machine Operator to support production operations within a high-volume manufacturing environment. The role involves safe machine operation, quality monitoring, fault diagnosis, housekeeping, and supporting production teams to achieve performance, safety, and quality targets.

This is a hands-on position requiring strong technical awareness, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively within a shift-based operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate production machinery safely and in line with company procedures and standard operating practices.
• Support machine operators during operation as directed by shift supervision.
• Identify, diagnose, and correct product and process faults.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and hazard-free working area around production equipment.
• Accurately record machine actions, process parameters, and quality checks in manual and electronic systems.
• Carry out routine quality and gauging checks and record results as required.
• Communicate production or quality issues to downstream processes using internal systems.
• Handle tooling and production equipment carefully to avoid damage or downtime.
• Replace consumable items from stores as required.
• Take readings and measurements at key stages of production when directed.
• Assist with housekeeping at the start and end of shifts, including enhanced cleaning tasks on night shifts.
• Work to departmental targets and act on information provided in production schedules or shift communications.
• Support continuous improvement activities and team objectives.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties within skill set and training.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Strong knowledge of production faults and problem-solving techniques.
• Previous experience operating and/or setting machinery in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement activities.
• Good technical understanding with the ability to troubleshoot machinery-related issues.
• Confident user of PC-based systems for data input and process monitoring.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to safely operate machinery controls from the production floor.

Qualifications & Training

• Mechanical qualification (City & Guilds or equivalent).
• Health & Safety qualification (e.g. IOSH or equivalent).
• Educated to GCSE level or equivalent, including Maths, English, and a science subject.
• Motivated, professional, and results-driven with a strong safety focus.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Logical and analytical approach to work.
• Resilient and able to work in a fast-paced, pressurised environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills; confident working with a wide range of colleagues.
• Proactive, adaptable, and open to change.
• Willing to take ownership and responsibility.
• Actively promotes safety, standards, and continuous improvement.