Shift Utility Operator
📍 Based at Bathford Paper Mill
💰 Starting salary from £35,191.88 rising with progression
🕒 Full-time | Continuous Annualised 12 hour Shift Patterns
Join a Company Where Tradition Meets Innovation
For over 300 years, Bathford Paper Mill has been at the heart of British papermaking. Since the Paper Machine was converted to a cylinder mould machine in 1973, it’s continued to produce exceptional quality products with a focus on precision, heritage, and innovation.
We’re now looking for a Shift Utility Operator to join our team—people who are hands-on, motivated, and ready to learn a wide variety of production-based skills in a unique and rewarding environment.
Whether you're new to manufacturing or already have experience, this is an opportunity to build a long-term career in a supportive and well-established company.
🔧 What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll gain experience across several key areas of the paper production process, including:
- Stock Preparation – operating and controlling the refining machinery where the papermaking journey begins
- Papermaking – working directly on the Paper Machine, the core of the operation
- Quality Control – testing paper to ensure it meets strict customer requirements
As a Shift Utility Operator, you will:
- Operate machinery and equipment safely and efficiently
- Work as part of a team to meet production targets (KPIs)
- Monitor and review machine performance to ensure quality and consistency
- Follow all safety, quality, and environmental procedures
- Play a proactive role in identifying areas for improvement
Once trained, you'll also have the opportunity to mentor and support new team members.
💼 What We’re Looking For
We understand that not everyone will come with direct experience in manufacturing or the paper industry—and that’s okay. We’re looking for the right mindset and work ethic. If you're reliable, safety-focused, and eager to learn, we’d love to hear from you.
Required:
- A team player with strong time management skills
- A positive attitude and willingness to learn
- Ability to work safely, responsibly, and with attention to detail
- Behaviours aligned with our PACE values: Performance Drive Adaptability Customer Focused Engaged
Desirable (but not essential):
- Experience in paper manufacturing or industrial environments
- Knowledge of modern manufacturing techniques (e.g., process flow, control systems, vision systems)
🎁 Company Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits to support you both at work and at home, including:
- Holiday entitlement included within the shift pattern
- Pension scheme with up to 9% employer contribution
- Life assurance (4 x your basic salary)
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) including counselling and legal/financial advice
- Access to Doctor Care Anywhere digital GP service
- Ongoing training and development – fully funded
- £500 Refer-a-friend scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Long service awards and employee recognition platform
- Free / On-site parking
- Give-As-You-Earn scheme
- Display screen eye care provision
- Sick pay scheme
🚀 Ready to Start Your Journey with Us?
This is more than just a job—it’s the start of a long-term career with a company that values your development and contribution. If you’re ready to be part of something meaningful and join a team that’s shaping the future of papermaking, apply today.