Complex Gluer Operator - Experienced

Location: Lamesley

Graphic Packaging International – Gateshead & Newburn Join a global leader in sustainable packaging and build your future with us. At Graphic Packaging International (GPI), we create innovative, sustainable packaging solutions for some of the world's most recognised food, beverage, and household brands. Our Gateshead site is a key part of our global manufacturing network, delivering high-quality printed and converted paperboard packaging in a fast-paced, high-performing environment.

Alongside this, our Newburn facility specialises in producing punnets for fresh food applications, offering tailored packaging solutions to our customers. Across both sites, you'll find a supportive, team-driven culture where safety, quality, and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything we do. We're proud to offer employees the opportunity to grow within a global business while making a meaningful impact locally.

About the Role We are looking for an experienced Complex Gluer Operator to join our manufacturing team, producing high-quality printed packaging cartons. This is a key position responsible for setting up, operating, maintaining and optimising complex gluing machinery to deliver products that meet exact customer specifications while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and compliance. You will play an important role in ensuring production targets are achieved, quality standards are maintained, and team members working on the machine are trained, supported and working safely.

Key Responsibilities Machine Setup & Operation Set up, operate and monitor complex folder gluing machinery to meet production schedules and customer specifications. Prepare and obtain all required materials, including cartons, glue, consumables and production documentation. Configure feeders, carton transfer systems and delivery units for each production run. Adjust machine settings, glue systems, ducts and stencils to achieve optimum product quality and efficiency.

Produce approval samples and maintain consistency throughout production runs. Quality & Compliance Carry out regular quality inspections throughout production, checking:
Glue application and adhesion Window alignment Colour accuracy Pressure marks and carton quality Customer specification compliance Complete all production, quality and inspection documentation accurately. Ensure compliance with PS9000, BRCGS Packaging Materials (formerly BRC/IoP) and company quality standards. Report any quality concerns or non-conformances immediately. Maintenance & Continuous Improvement Perform routine preventative maintenance in line with scheduled maintenance plans. Carry out minor repairs and adjustments, including replacing feed belts, blades and other consumable parts where required.

Identify and report machine faults and breakdowns promptly. Support continuous improvement initiatives to reduce downtime and improve machine performance. Team Leadership & Training Supervise and support Gluing Assistants working on the machine. Provide training and coaching to new and existing team members. Conduct effective shift handovers and communicate key production information. Promote a positive, safe and collaborative working environment. Health, Safety & Housekeeping Maintain excellent housekeeping, hygiene and safety standards at all times.

Ensure line clearance and machine clean-down procedures are completed in accordance with company procedures. Follow all Health & Safety policies, procedures and legislation. Support audits and inspections as required. What We're Looking For Essential Skills & Experience Previous experience operating and setting complex folder gluing machinery. Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills. Manufacturing experience, ideally within the print, packaging or carton production industry.

Ability to read and follow technical instructions and production documentation. Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality. Good communication and team working skills. Reliable, flexible and committed to maintaining high standards. Desirable Qualifications City & Guilds or NVQ Level 3 in a Mechanical or Engineering discipline. Pallet truck experience. Knowledge of Avante or similar production management systems. Competent user of Microsoft Office applications.

Key Performance Measures Success in this role will be measured by:
Achievement of target machine run speeds. Reduction of downtime and waste. Consistent delivery of customer quality requirements.…