Extrusion Technical Operator

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Polypipe Building Services specialises in engineered above ground drainage and water supply systems. Leveraging offsite fabrication, we design and deliver solutions to mechanical and public health engineers, M&E contractors and local authorities. We house the well‑known brand Terrain and have delivered systems for commercial, high‑rise residential, healthcare, education and leisure projects for over 50 years.

Role:
The main purpose of the Technical Operator within the Extrusion Department is to support Production Technicians with tool changes when machines are waiting, reducing downtime and improving department OEE. Normal operator tasks are completed when there is a high volume of machines running.

• Support Production Technicians with extrusion tooling set‑up, downstream equipment, and machine change‑over preparation.
• Prepare for tooling changes by collecting dies, calibrators, and baths from designated storage.
• Complete extrusion tool changes and downstream set‑up in line with agreed standards, SSW, and expected change‑over times.
• Safely start up and shut down extruders, including use of purging materials and setting machine temperature controls.
• Clean extrusion dies and calibrators using approved materials and methods.
• Support product colour, length, and identification marking changes.
• Store extrusion tooling after changeovers and return equipment to designated locations or the Tool Room for cleaning/maintenance.
• Use Barco correctly to apply stop codes and follow production plans.
• Carry out Production Operator tasks including packing, quality checks, product booking, and product transfer.
• Complete visual quality checks to Polypipe Building Services standards and record results in the quality database.
• Operate semi‑automatic bagging equipment.
• Move materials and stock using approved MHE (where trained and authorised).
• Book finished products on IFS accurately and on time.
• Maintain high housekeeping standards, including machine and floor cleaning, and ensure waste is segregated correctly.
• Follow all safe systems of work, reporting near‑misses and safety concerns promptly.

• Ability to select correct job, tooling, and product information from the planning board.
• Ability to choose the correct machine for tooling removal and installation of new tooling and downstream equipment.
• Knowledge of extrusion products, materials, colours, markings, labelling, and visual quality standards.
• Understanding of packing methods and required consumables.
• Ability to record accurate data in the Quality Database, Barco, and IFS.
• Ability to carry out visual, dimensional, and gauge‑fit quality checks.
• Ability to complete IFS production bookings prior to dispatch.
• Competent in using appropriate MHE, including cranes, for tooling, product, and consumable movements.
• Strong awareness of Health & Safety and environmental standards.
• Ability to maintain high standards of organisation, housekeeping, and working discipline.

• Monday – Friday, 3 shift rotational: 06:00am – 14:00, 14:00 – 22:00, 22:00 – 06:00am.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Up to 8% matched pension
  * Life Assurance.
• Share save Scheme.
• Various health & wellbeing initiatives including complimentary occupational health, on‑site physiotherapy, and counselling services.

• Entry level

• Full‑time

• Management and Manufacturing

• Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing