Cut and Crease Operator in Gateshead

Join a global leader in sustainable packaging and build your future with us. At Graphic Packaging International (GPI), we create innovative, sustainable packaging solutions for some of the world's most recognised food, beverage, and household brands. Our Gateshead site is a key part of our global manufacturing network, delivering high-quality printed and converted paperboard packaging in a fast-paced, high-performing environment. Alongside this, our Newburn facility specialises in producing punnets for fresh food applications, offering tailored packaging solutions to our customers. Across both sites, you'll find a supportive, team-driven culture where safety, quality, and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything we do. We're proud to offer employees the opportunity to grow within a global business while making a meaningful impact locally.

The Role

Reporting to the Cut & Crease Manager, you will be responsible for setting up and operating Bobst cutting machines to produce high-quality cartons efficiently and safely, ensuring products are delivered to the next stage of the manufacturing process to the highest standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Achieving daily, monthly, and annual production targets and departmental KPIs.
• Setting up, making ready, and operating cutting machines in line with work order instructions, production schedules, and quality standards.
• Conducting quality checks at specified intervals throughout production runs.
• Ensuring compliance with all quality, hygiene, and health & safety requirements, including BRC, ISO, and customer-specific standards.
• Maintaining customer audit compliance at all times.
• Keeping machinery and work areas clean, organised, and operating efficiently.
• Following preventative maintenance programmes and accurately completing associated documentation.
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives and contributing to operational excellence.
• Carrying out any other duties as reasonably requested by the Cut & Crease Manager, Operations Manager, or Plant Manager.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Experience operating Bobst machinery, particularly Bobst 104/106, or similar equipment within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience of blanking processes.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement techniques.
• Strong communication skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• A positive attitude with a strong work ethic and willingness to take ownership and responsibility.
• The ability to understand and respond effectively to customer requirements.
• A strong desire to succeed and contribute to team performance.
• Good general educational standards, including English and Maths.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience using Avante or similar Management Information Systems (MIS).
• Understanding of production KPIs, including: Quality performance, Run rates, Downtime, Make-ready times, Operational averages.
• Experience entering, retrieving, and analysing production data.

Personal Attributes

• Reliable, punctual, and committed to maintaining high attendance standards.
• Flexible and able to adapt to changing priorities and business demands.
• Comfortable working to tight deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• A quick learner who can readily adopt new processes and systems.
• Calm, level-headed, and resilient under pressure.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and results-driven with a positive "can-do" attitude.
• Customer-focused, with a commitment to delivering a high-quality service to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Flexible in their approach to working hours when required.

Our Values

• Integrity: We do the right thing, keep our commitments and take pride in our work.
• Relationships: We communicate openly, collaborate effectively and support one another.
• Accountability: We take ownership, deliver results and continually improve.
• Teamwork: We work together to achieve shared goals and support our colleagues' success.
• Respect: We value diversity, recognise contributions and treat everyone with fairness and professionalism.

Join our team and help produce high-quality packaging solutions in a safe, quality-focused and rewarding manufacturing environment. We are a NO SMOKING site.