Production Operative

Location: Knowsley

Surface Transforms are experts in the development and production of carbon-ceramic materials and the UK’s only manufacturer of carbon-ceramic brakes for automotive use.

Here at Surface Transforms, our mission is to ‘Innovate and develop a sustainable, world leading, high performance braking system to push performance boundaries to new levels. Investing in our people and processes to empower and enable profitable success.’

Our Values:

Leadership – Decisive, united together, acknowledging our success

Collaboration – Empowering and challenging our entire team

Communication – Thorough, inclusive, agile considered decisions

Ambition – Resilience through brave and bold thinking

Excellence – Striving to continuously improve our high standards

Trust – Autonomy to develop and deliver, knowing you are fully supported

We are looking for positive, resilient, and highly driven Production Operatives to join our growing manufacturing team. At Surface Transforms, success comes from those willing to put in the hard work, stay focused under pressure, and take pride in making a real difference every day. As a Production Operative, you’ll play a key role in the safe and efficient operation of our advanced manufacturing equipment, including furnace operations, machining, and assembly of precision carbon-ceramic components.

You’ll help us deliver On-Time-In-Full (OTIF) performance and uphold Surface Transforms’ reputation for quality, innovation and manufacturing.

What are the key responsibilities of our Production Operatives:
Production Operations

• Operate a range of machinery and production equipment safely and effectively, stringently following SOPs and work instructions.
• Carry out processes including furnace operations, machining and assembly, to meet product specifications and output targets.
• Interpret engineering drawings, production schedules, and specifications accurately.

Health, Safety & Environment

• Maintain high standards of housekeeping and workplace organisation in line with 5S principles.
• Operate equipment in accordance with company Health & Safety procedures and risk assessments.
• Ensure use of correct PPE and adherence to all safety policies and training.

Quality & Inspection

• Conduct in-process quality checks and final inspections using measuring tools and gauges.
• Identify, report, and assist in resolving non-conformance and quality issues.
• Support root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective action implementation (8D / RCCA).
• Maintain product traceability and ensure accurate recording of all process data.

Continuous Improvement

• Actively participate in continuous improvement activities (Kaizen, 5S, SMED, visual management).
• Suggest and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve quality.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience required:
Essential:

• Proven experience in a manufacturing or production environment (furnace operations, machining or assembly).
• Competent working to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work to tight tolerances.
• Understanding of 5S, quality, and safety standards in manufacturing.
• Good problem-solving ability and decision-making skills.
• Basic IT literacy and ability to input data into production systems.

Desirable:

• Experience with furnace or heat-treatment operations.
• Experience in CNC or manual machining.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement techniques.
• Understanding of root cause analysis (RCA / 8D) and process optimisation.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 or IATF 16949 Quality Management Systems.

Key

Competencies:

• Quality Orientation: Demonstrates a commitment to maintaining high standards in product quality and process control.
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Identifies root causes of issues and implements effective, timely solutions.
• Positivity & Drive to Succeed: Maintains a can-do attitude, stays resilient under pressure, and is motivated to achieve goals and deliver results.
• Communication: Communicates clearly and effectively across teams and shifts.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of tasks, performance, and quality outcomes.
• Teamwork &
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Works effectively with others to meet collective goals.
• Adaptability: Flexible and responsive to changing priorities and workloads.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Looks for opportunities to improve efficiency, safety, and quality.

What we’ll give you in return:

• Attractive salary
• Support and fund professional qualifications
• Company uniform on your first day and annual clothing point scheme
• A confidential employee assistance helpline covering physical and emotional support
• Jobs are promoted internally providing job transfer opportunities
• Death in service scheme

Shifts: Monday – Friday, 2pm - 10pm, 6am - 2pm, 10pm - 6am (Sunday)

Salary: £35,500

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