At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and polish automotive parts for a high-quality finish in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a leading automotive manufacturer with a commitment to quality and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, pension, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with overtime opportunities and a focus on safety and teamwork.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team and develop valuable skills in the automotive industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing or paint processes is a plus, but passion and willingness to learn matter most.
PO3 Portsmouth £31,040 + 20% shift premium, 33 days holiday, pension, life assurance, employee assistance programme, wellbeing support, and flexible benefits scheme.
Please note that the working pattern is double days (Week 1, 6am - 2pm and Week 2, 1.45pm - 9.45pm Mon-Thur, 1pm - 9pm Fri). Overtime hours are available most weeks and weekends.
About the Job
As a Paint Polisher / Prepper you will support our semi-automated paint line and paint booths by preparing parts ready to be painted and polishing finished parts to the required finish level. Polish and prep skills are desirable, however if you have experience in either area, your application will be considered.
As part of your key responsibilities you’ll:
- Prepare components, in line with directed priorities, to the required standard, within an expected time, and below a required scrap target, ready for spray painting.
- Polish painted components, in line with directed priorities, to a required standard, removing paint defects and achieving the required surface finish, within an expected time, and below a scrap and rework target.
- Support rework activities to help reduce department scrap levels and meet customer schedules.
- Meet departmental KPIs and support your team in resolving issues, when they cannot be met.
- Support your team with investigating quality concerns and process improvement opportunities.
- Support cleaning and maintenance activities to ensure the prep facility operates efficiently and safely.
- Complete administrative tasks accurately and in a timely manner.
- Ensure your equipment is maintained and kept in a safe and operational condition and that your work area is kept in a tidy condition in line with 5S principles and standards.
- Support the department when needed and other team members to ensure desired line efficiency and quality standards are met.
- Follow / adhere to all Health, Safety, Environmental and Wellbeing (HSEW) procedures, and challenge unsafe acts and behaviours.
- Report all incidents, hazards, near misses to minimise / eliminate the risk of potential further incidents occurring.
About You
We’d love you to have the following skills and experience, but please apply if you think you’d be able to perform well in this role!
- Experience of working in a manufacturing environment desirable.
- Ability to consistently prepare polymer and carbon components for spray painting.
- Ability to consistently polish components to desired gloss levels and remove paint defects where possible.
- Knowledge and/or experience of spray painting processes would be an advantage.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Use of pneumatic tools and manual hand tools and techniques for achieving desired surface finishes.
- Flexibility in being able to adapt to the changing demands and different parts and materials.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and interact with people and to follow verbal and written instructions.
- Ability to work well with others in a team environment, providing input and feedback in a helpful manner - willingness to learn, receive feedback and draw knowledge from other team members.
- Ability to prioritise and track own workload and work under direction.
Our recruitment and selection process has been developed to ensure that it is consistent, fair and provides equality of opportunity - all selection decisions are based solely on technical and behavioural competencies. We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, or nationality, ethnic or national origins, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, disability, religion or belief, age or any other current or future protected characteristic as defined in the current Equality Act of England and Wales. As an organisation we also promote an environment which encourages diversity of characteristics and thought, where you feel included, safe and confident to be the best version of yourself and do your best work every day.
You may have experience of the following: Paint Prepper, Automotive Paint Technician, Surface Preparation Operative, Paint Line Operative, Body Shop Prepper, Paint Finishing Operative, Vehicle Paint Polisher, Composite Prepper, Paint Process Operative, Manufacturing Paint Operative.
Paint Polisher / Prepper - Automotive Manufacturing in Portsmouth employer: Unipart
Join our dynamic team in Portsmouth as a Paint Polisher / Prepper, where we prioritise employee wellbeing with a comprehensive benefits package including 33 days of holiday, a generous pension scheme, and flexible benefits. Our supportive work culture fosters growth and collaboration, ensuring you have the opportunity to develop your skills in a state-of-the-art manufacturing environment while contributing to high-quality automotive production.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paint Polisher / Prepper - Automotive Manufacturing in Portsmouth
✨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 Unipart, 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 Paint Polisher / Prepper - Automotive Manufacturing in Portsmouth
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 Unipart 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 Unipart
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Unipart, 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 Unipart 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.
