Machine Minder in Manchester

Established in 1994, The Fragrance Shop is the UK's leading independent fragrance retailer. Our aim is to make mainstream and luxury fragrance affordable and accessible to everyone — showcasing over 700 brands across 216 stores and online, with a mission to Spray a Little Happiness.

The role

We currently have two vacancies available, one on Shift A and one on Shift B. The Machine Minder is responsible for the safe and effective day-to-day operation of the CMC Genysis automated packing line. The role keeps the machine available for production, responds to routine stoppages, completes operational checks and escalates technical faults promptly so customer orders continue to flow through packing and despatch.

This is an operational role with first-line machine responsibility. It is not an engineering position and does not carry responsibility for specialist repairs, electrical work or wider ownership of the site automation strategy.

Key responsibilities

CMC operation and performance

• Complete start-up, shut-down and routine operational checks in line with the approved procedures.
• Operate and monitor the CMC throughout the shift, maintaining a safe and consistent flow of orders.
• Monitor the machine interface, consumables, product flow and output quality, taking prompt action when performance falls outside the expected standard.
• Support product and material changeovers and confirm the machine is ready before production resumes.
• Work with the end-of-line and marshalling team to prevent avoidable stops, congestion and loss of throughput.

First-line recovery and escalation

• Respond to routine stoppages using trained reset, recovery and restart procedures.
• Carry out basic visual checks and safe first-line fault finding within the limits of training and authorisation.
• Escalate recurring, unsafe or technical faults promptly to the Shift Manager and the approved technical support route.
• Provide clear information when escalating, including the fault shown, time of failure, actions attempted and operational impact.
• Never bypass guards, safety systems or approved isolation procedures, or undertake repairs outside the role’s competence.

Machine care records and standards

• Complete operator cleaning, care and inspection routines to the agreed frequency.
• Maintain accurate records of downtime, faults, recoveries, quality issues and escalations.
• Identify repeat issues and share them with the Shift Manager so corrective action can be followed through.
• Maintain excellent housekeeping around the CMC, keeping access points, walkways and work areas safe and organised.
• Check that consumables and operating materials are available and raise shortages before they interrupt production.

People and operational support

• Support the safe training and coaching of approved CMC operators using current SOPs and work instructions.
• Challenge unsafe or incorrect operating practices and upscale concerns where required.
• Communicate machine status, outstanding faults and required actions clearly at shift handover.
• Remain flexible and support other appropriate warehouse duties when the CMC is not required, subject to operational priorities and training.

Health safety and quality

• Follow all company health and safety requirements, machine safety controls and safe systems of work.
• Stop and elevate any activity that presents a risk to people, equipment, product or customer quality.
• Complete required quality checks and respond immediately to packing, labelling or presentation defects.
• Wear the required PPE and maintain the agreed warehouse and housekeeping standards.

Skills and experience

• Experience operating machinery or automated equipment in a warehouse, manufacturing or production environment.
• Good practical and mechanical aptitude.
• Confidence using machine screens, digital systems and standard work instructions.
• Calm, methodical problem-solving and the ability to follow escalation processes.
• Strong attention to safety, quality and detail.
• Clear communication and reliable shift handovers.
• Ability to work the 4-on/4-off pattern and remain active for a 12-hour shift.
• Experience of automated packing equipment, conveyors, sensors or similar systems.
• Experience of the CMC Genysis or another automated packing line.
• Experience recording downtime or supporting first-line fault recovery.
• Experience coaching colleagues in an operational environment.

Expected standards

• The CMC is started safely, monitored consistently and made available in line with the operating plan.
• Routine stoppages are recovered quickly and technical faults are escalated without delay.
• Downtime, faults and handovers are recorded accurately.
• Packing quality, machine care and housekeeping meet the required standard.
• The Machine Minder works constructively with operators, managers and technical support.

Working environment

The role is based within a busy distribution centre and involves extended periods of standing, walking and working around automated equipment. The postholder may be required to handle packing materials and move items within the limits of training and safe handling guidance. Appropriate PPE must be worn at all times.

Scope of the role

The duties above describe the main requirements of the role and may be adjusted reasonably to meet operational needs. Any work involving specialist repair, electrical intervention, guarding, safety circuits or formal engineering maintenance must be completed only by appropriately trained and authorised personnel.

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