At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to manufacture specialist contact lenses and ensure top quality standards.
- Company: CooperVision, a leading global manufacturer of soft contact lenses.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, healthcare cover, and access to wellness resources.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Job Description
Job title: Production Operative
Department: Manufacturing
Location: No7 Contact Lenses, Hastings, UK
Working hours: Monday – Friday, 30 hours per week, 10am-4pm
A brighter future awaits you
CooperVision is one of the world\'s leading manufacturers of soft contact lenses with a presence in over 100 countries. Being part of CooperVision means helping improve the way people see each day. It\'s more than making contact lenses, it\'s about giving lens wearers freedom and confidence to move about their daily lives. We\'re all about bright futures – for our people and those who wear our contact lenses.
Scope:
As a Production Operative, you will perform a range of manufacturing duties as part of a multi-skilled diverse team engaged in the manufacture of specialist contact lenses and to achieve set manufacturing and quality standards.
Job Summary:
In this position, you will work competently in all areas of the production environment including maximising the performance of all equipment relating to the contact lens manufacturing process, in accordance with related procedures, and Health and Safety guidelines. Working in a manufacturing environment, you will be responsible to produce specialist contact lenses through strong performance to achieve the required quality, yield and volumes in a safe working environment.
Essential Functions & Accountabilities:
Health & Safety (H&S) & Compliance
- Follow all company safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
- Follow work instructions and standard operation procedures to operate various pieces of manufacturing equipment.
- Conducting quality control checks and timely review of production statistics to ensure product compliance throughout the process.
- Have a thorough understanding of the QMS and ensure all lenses produced conform to standards.
- Ensure comprehensive records and sign off data are kept for sign off inspection.
Communication
- Attend meetings and trainings programmes as required.
- Communicate findings related to improvements and quality.
- Escalate any issues in a timely manner and through the correct channels.
Process & Performance
- Maximising the performance of all equipment relating to the contact lens manufacturing process, in accordance with related procedures and Health and Safety Guidelines.
- Monitor process conditions to ensure that \'right first time\' quality is achieved, and non-conformities are reported.
- Participate in Continuous Improvement initiatives based on root causes in order to improve performance and reduce quality loss and improve H&S approach.
- Participate in regular yield meetings by providing data related to dry line and cavity performance and acting to improve.
- Train and perform in every process of the production line.
Teamwork
- Liaise with Production Engineering, Maintenance, and other support departments to form effective communication and working practices.
- Always promote an environment of teamwork.
- Assists in training new team members when required.
Operational / Business Unit Housekeeping
- Basic cleaning and maintenance of machinery in accordance with SOP\'s.
- Perform additional related tasks as assigned.
- Work in line with the recommended workflow set out by the management team.
- Report any adverse instances which do not align with company values to your leadership team.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Strong communication skills and good organisational skills for support and effective interaction across departments.
- Takes ownership of self-development and commits to ongoing education.
- Self-motivated and proactive.
- Able to interpret and understand data.
- Attention to detail.
- Adaptable to changing environments and workload.
- Good fault-finding and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrates initiative and able to proactively identify and action improvements.
- Lead and follow Company Values.
- Embraces personal challenges.
- Computer literate with good IT skills.
- Good knowledge and understanding of Health & Safety procedures.
Competencies
- Planning - Operators need to plan their work aligned to the workflow set out, and within scope, timing, and resources to ensure smooth operations on the production line. They need to consider the production schedule, coordinate with other team members.
- Teamwork – Team members should role model our values, building strong relationships and always be constructive in communication and open to feedback.
- Results - Operators are responsible for their own performance and the quality of them work. They should hold themselves accountable for achieving business results and meeting production targets. This includes following standard operating procedures, maintaining productivity and reporting any deviations or issues.
- Impact - Team members should work collaboratively and cross departmentally in order to support business objectives. They should understand their role in the day to day running of the business and should be solution orientated.
- Self-Aware – Should be able to communicate their point of view in a rational and respectful manner. They should understand their own strengths and weaknesses and how they can positively contribute to meet business goals.
Work Environment:
- The post works within a demanding, yet informal, English-speaking inclusive environment where there is an ongoing expectation and responsibility to maximise productivity time and productivity levels to ensure targets are met.
- The immediate work area is open plan with lots of moving equipment with team members in proximity.
- Controlled manufacturing environment with a clean room area with required gowning procedures e.g. all hair covered, no make-up and no heels.
- The work can be physically demanding, and a significant proportion of the shift will require the employee to stand and be active.
- Some of our work areas can have a high level of noise. Where this is above prescribed limits, noise cancelling is provided and must be worn.
- PPE is supplied and must be always worn.
- In some roles you may be required to handle chemicals. Full PPE and training will be provided to those who will do so.
- May be required to undergo annual surveillance health checks.
Experience:
- Ideally one year\'s experience of working in a result driven manufacturing environment.
- Experience within a high-volume manufacturing area would be advantageous.
- Experience in the use of handling handheld tools.
- Prior experience of working in a Technical role and/or relevant Technical Qualifications would be advantageous.
- Previous experience working with medical devices.
Education:
- High degree of Verbal, Numerical and Mechanical reasoning ability.
- A high standard of written and spoken English.
- Educated to GCSE standard or equivalent.
What we offer:
You\'ll receive competitive compensation and a fantastic benefits package including; 25 days holiday, pension scheme, healthcare cover, life assurance, access to our Wellness Platform to support you in mental health and wellbeing, a discounted contact lens scheme and much more
We are committed to our employees\' personal and professional development and offer extensive training to support your career growth and help every individual to reach their full potential. To help us achieve our goals, we\'ll give you everything you need to help you achieve yours.
We also provide access to LinkedIn Learning to help you develop in you career and grow with CooperVision
What you can expect:
As a CooperVision employee, you\'ll be welcomed into a diverse and progressive global business. We appreciate how important fostering an inclusive culture is and how different perspectives add value and contribute to our success.
If you like what you see, take the first step towards your Brighter Future and apply today All suitably qualified applicants will receive equal consideration and opportunities from CooperVision.
We operate a candidate referral scheme, so if you know anyone who could be a perfect fit for this role, please email their CV to quoting the job reference code to enjoy a £100 voucher reward if they are successful
Please view our careers page at to view all other opportunities.
LI-JH1
Production Operative in St Leonards employer: CooperVision
CooperVision is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture in Hastings, where employees are empowered to grow both personally and professionally. With competitive benefits such as 25 days of holiday, healthcare cover, and access to extensive training and development resources, we prioritise the well-being and career advancement of our team members, ensuring they thrive in their roles as Production Operatives while contributing to a brighter future for lens wearers worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Operative in St Leonards
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like CooperVision, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Operative in St Leonards
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to CooperVision specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at CooperVision
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with CooperVision, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like CooperVision value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.