At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate and optimise flexographic printing presses to deliver high-quality prints.
- Company: Join a leading packaging company focused on safety and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, health support, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Why this job: Be part of a skilled team making a real impact in the print industry.
- Qualifications: Experience with printing presses and a strong focus on safety and quality.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Salary: Starting £32,950, raising to £39,863 once trained
Hours: Working a 3-shift pattern (6am to 2pm, 10pm to 6am, 2pm to 10pm)
About the role
We are looking for an experienced and accomplished wide web flexographic printer to join our team at our Belper site. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled print professional who takes pride in producing high-quality work, maintaining excellent machine performance, and driving continuous improvement. You will play a key role in ensuring that customer requirements are met through the efficient operation of our flexographic printing equipment, delivering exceptional print quality while maximising productivity and minimising waste.
Health & Safety is our number one priority and therefore you will be accountable for your own health and the health and safety of others, operating in line with safe systems of work (SSOW) and company procedures, immediately raising any unsafe acts with those concerned and reporting health and safety incidents to management, to ultimately help create a safe working environment for all.
As part of a highly skilled production team, you will be responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, and maintaining the printing press to consistently achieve quality, efficiency, and performance targets.
Key responsibilities include:
- To be accountable for own and others health and safety whilst at work, operating in line with SSOW (safe systems of work) and company procedures to enable a safe working environment.
- To raise any unsafe acts seen immediately with individual(s) concerned and immediate reporting of health and safety incidents to management.
- Operate and optimise wide web flexographic printing presses safely and efficiently.
- Set up printing jobs, including inks, plates, sleeves, anilox rolls, substrates, and press settings.
- Ensure print quality meets customer specifications and company standards.
- Monitor colour consistency, print registration, and overall press performance throughout production runs.
- Troubleshoot print and mechanical issues to minimise downtime and waste.
- Complete routine maintenance, cleaning, and housekeeping activities to ensure equipment reliability.
- Work closely with colleagues across production, quality, and maintenance departments.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.
- Maintain accurate production records and documentation.
About you
Minimum requirements:
- Puts safety first
- Proven experience operating printing presses within a manufacturing or packaging environment.
- Strong understanding of print processes, colour management, and print quality standards.
- Experience with print fault finding and problem solving.
- Ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Positive, proactive, and safety-focused approach.
- Good understanding of production performance measures, waste reduction, and efficiency improvement.
Preferred requirements:
- Knowledge of CI flexographic presses.
- Mechanical aptitude and first-line maintenance experience.
- Experience working within Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement environments.
- Relevant print industry qualifications.
Benefits:
- DS Smith pension scheme
- Death in service life assurance
- Company sick pay scheme
- Income protection
- Employee assistance programme
- Occupational Health including physiotherapy, and virtual GP service
- Cycle to work scheme via salary sacrifice
- Shopping discounts
- Electric car scheme via salary sacrifice
- Free eye test and flu vaccines
- Employee recognition scheme
- Opportunities to progress within the business
- 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
- Discretionary bonus
- Free on-site car park parking
- On site canteen
Flexographic Print Operative employer: DS Smith
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Our Global Governance Assistant Secretary role offers not only competitive benefits but also ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic international environment. Join us in our commitment to sustainability and innovation, where your contributions will make a meaningful impact across our global operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Flexographic Print Operative
✨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 DS Smith, 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 Flexographic Print Operative
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 DS Smith 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 DS Smith
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with DS Smith, 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 DS Smith 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.
