Material Recycling Operative

Location: Salterbeck Trading Estate, Salterbeck, Workington CA14 5DX

Pay Rate: £17.90/HR (Including Shift Allowance) + Overtime 1.5X
Working Hour Per Week: 36 hours per week | 12 hours shift per day (Lunch Break Paid)
Department: Extrusion | Food & Beverage
Reporting to: Extrusion Shift Manager / Deputy Shift Manager

About the Role

We are looking for a proactive and safety-focused Material Recycling Operative to join our Extrusion team. This is a hands-on manufacturing role where you will be responsible for recycling production materials back into reusable pellets through the operation of specialist recycling equipment, including the Munchy machine.

As part of a high-performing production team, you will play a key role in supporting operational efficiency, reducing waste, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring safe manufacturing practices across the plant.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for someone with manufacturing or production experience who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Safety & Compliance

• Work safely at all times, following company procedures and best practices.
• Promote a positive safety culture and challenge unsafe behaviours.
• Report equipment faults, hazards, and near misses promptly.
• Support the maintenance of safe working practices across the department.

Recycling & Production Operations

• Operate the Munchy recycling machine in line with standard operating procedures.
• Move reels from stillages to the recycling area using FLT and Warrior trucks.
• Load the Munchy machine using cranes, slings, and lifting equipment.
• Process production waste and make-ready reels into reusable pellet form.
• Transport recycled material to designated storage locations.
• Support the operation of NGR recycling systems and rewinder equipment.
• Assist with packing, wrapping, palletising, and general production support activities.
• Reduce and prepare redundant cardboard packaging for recycling.

Quality & Performance

• Ensure all products and recycled materials meet required quality standards.
• Accurately record production and operational data.
• Identify and report quality concerns or equipment issues.
• Contribute to achieving production, waste reduction, and efficiency targets.

Housekeeping & Hygiene

• Maintain a clean and organised work environment.
• Adopt a "clean as you go" approach.
• Support site housekeeping and hygiene standards.

Continuous Improvement

• Suggest ideas to improve safety, quality, output, and efficiency.
• Participate in Continuous Improvement activities.
• Support the training and development of colleagues where appropriate.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• GCSE Grade C (or equivalent) in Maths, English and Science.
• Current Fork Lift Truck (FLT) Licence.
• Slinging & Signalling certification/training.
• Manufacturing, production, recycling, or process operation experience.
• Strong commitment to health, safety, and quality standards.
• Good problem-solving and organisational skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable

• Experience within extrusion, packaging, plastics, or food manufacturing environments.
• Experience operating recycling or materials processing equipment.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies.

Personal Attributes

We're looking for someone who:

• Has a positive, can-do attitude.
• Takes ownership of their work and delivers results.
• Is highly safety conscious.
• Communicates effectively with colleagues and management.
• Demonstrates initiative and a willingness to learn new skills.
• Supports and motivates others within the team.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work for a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Career progression within a growing manufacturing operation.
• Be part of a business committed to safety, innovation, and sustainability.

Apply today and play a key role in turning production waste into valuable recycled materials while helping us deliver operational excellence and sustainable manufacturing practices.