Extrusion Machine Setter Location: UK | Industry: Advanced Plastics Manufacturing

Salary: £38,000

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Extrusion Setter to join a premier, privately-owned UK contract manufacturer. Supplying high-spec plastic and composite components to world-leading multi-national clients across automotive, aerospace, medical, and HVAC sectors, our client is expanding its production capabilities to meet growing demand.

Key Responsibilities

• Machine Setup & Optimization: Safely execute start-up, tool changes, conditioning, re-start, and shut-down processes across multiple extrusion lines.

• Process Improvement & Fault Finding: Troubleshoot development and production process issues, implementing continuous improvement and cost-saving measures.

• Line Preparation: Conduct material preparation, hopper cleaning, daily safety checks, and 5S cleanliness around working areas. Ensure correct SOPs are issued and legacy materials/paperwork are removed prior to production.

• Hands-on Production & Support: Perform assembly/packing functions when required, collect/record data via paper and cloud systems, and deliver detailed shift handovers.

• Team Development: Assist Team Leaders with production training, first-sample approvals, and coaching apprentices.

Candidate Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience as an Extrusion Setter (essential).

• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of plastics, modern manufacturing principles, HSE standards, and adjusting extrusion conditions.

• Qualifications: Recognized plastics industry qualification (e.g., Polymer/Extrusion training) is desirable but not essential.

• Soft Skills: Problem-solving mindset, self-motivated, conscientious work ethic, IT literacy, and excellent communication skills.

Working Hours & Shift Pattern

37.5 hours per week on a 3-week rotating shift pattern:

• Early: Monday–Thursday 06:00 – 14:00 | Friday 06:00 – 11:00

• Late: Monday–Thursday 14:00 – 22:00 | Friday 11:00 – 16:00

• Night: Monday–Thursday 22:00 – 06:00 | Friday 16:00 – 21:00 (Includes 30 minutes paid break Mon–Thu)

Benefits Package

• 23 days holiday + Bank Holidays (increasing by 1 day per year of service up to 25 days)

• Company-wide performance bonus scheme

• Defined Contribution Pension Scheme & Life Assurance

• Comprehensive training and structured career development

• Workwear provided & Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)