Production Support Operator

Production Support Operator

Temporary 31500 - 38500 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Operate plant equipment and ensure top-notch quality and safety standards.
  • Company: Join UPM, a global leader in sustainable materials innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, gym access, and more.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with potential for permanent position after two years.
  • Why this job: Be part of a team making a real impact on sustainability.
  • Qualifications: Experience in high-speed manufacturing preferred; must be 18+.

The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.

Would you like to join a global, growing company that innovates for a more sustainable tomorrow? UPM could be the team for you. We are frontrunners in developing renewable alternatives to fossil-based materials. Besides enabling both businesses and consumers to make more sustainable choices, we strive to create a positive UPM experience for all our employees around the world. We live by our values – trust and be trusted, achieve together, renew with courage. Together we can renew the everyday, for a future beyond fossils!

We are now looking for a Production Support Operator to join our Caledonian Production team on a two-year temporary contract. Our Production Department plays a key role in the paper manufacturing process.

What you will do:

  • Play a key role in operating our plant and equipment and monitoring quality to the highest standards of accuracy, efficiency and safety.
  • Work a shift pattern comprising two 12-hour day shifts (6am to 6pm), two 12-hour night shifts (6pm to 6am) and six rest days.
  • You will be prepared to participate in a call-out rotation and to work a reasonable amount of overtime.
  • The role may involve working at height and in confined spaces. Applicants must be comfortable working in these environments and willing to undertake relevant training where required.

Who you are:

  • You have experience working in a high-speed manufacturing or processing industry (ideally).
  • You must be 18 years of age or older due to the requirement for night shift working.
  • You communicate clearly and enjoy working collaboratively with others.
  • You are reliable, flexible, and able to follow processes with attention to detail.
  • You take pride in working safely and maintaining high-quality standards.

This is what we offer to you:

  • Safety and well-being: We care about each other and the well-being of our colleagues. We prioritise the safety of all our employees, ensuring everyone returns home safely.
  • A meaningful job: We do our work with professional pride, producing high-quality, sustainable products for our customers globally. Our community is built on great team spirit and commitment.
  • Development opportunities: We offer you great opportunities to learn and grow throughout your career.
  • Caring for people and the environment: Responsibility is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to ambitious sustainability targets, and we keep aiming higher.
  • Attractive benefits package: We offer a competitive salary and a generous benefits package including bonus and pension scheme, 25 days holiday plus statutory days, free on-site gym, Employee Assistance Programme, on-site wellbeing room, employee retail discount scheme, canteen facilities, Cycle to Work Scheme and on-site electric vehicle charging facilities.

Together we can renew the everyday for a future beyond fossils!

Additional information: This role is offered on a two-year fixed-term contract basis. There may be the opportunity for the position to become permanent at the end of the 2-year period, subject to business requirements. Any permanent appointment would include a review of salary and benefits.

To apply, please submit your CV and Cover Letter by August 16, 2026. Please note that we accept only applications submitted through our online application system. We begin reviewing applications as they are received, and you may be contacted before the application deadline. For support with submitting your application, please contact the HR Service Center at careers@upm.com or tel. +4401723502550.

Part of the UPM-Kymmene group, Caledonian Paper is the UK's only manufacturer of magazine paper using the latest technology to produce high-volume, high-quality products for demanding markets at home and abroad. The Company has been established in Irvine, Ayrshire for more than 30 years and has a reputation for offering high-quality employment and development opportunities.

UPM is a material solutions company, renewing products and entire value chains with an extensive portfolio of renewable fibres, advanced materials, decarbonisation solutions, and communication papers. Our performance in sustainability has been recognised by third parties, including EcoVadis and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. We operate globally and employ approximately 15,800 people worldwide, with annual sales of approximately €10.3 billion.

UPM – we renew the everyday.

Production Support Operator employer: UPM Biochemicals

UPM is an excellent employer that prioritises sustainability and employee well-being, making it a great place for those looking to make a meaningful impact. With a strong focus on teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement, employees at our Caledonian mill benefit from a supportive community, ample development opportunities, and an attractive benefits package. Join us in renewing the everyday for a future beyond fossils, where your contributions truly matter.

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Contact Details:

UPM Biochemicals Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Production Support Operator

Get Your Hands Dirty in the Industry

For a temporary role in manufacturing, don’t shy away from physically visiting local factories and production sites. A friendly walk-in can often lead to spontaneous interviews or valuable connections, and can really help you get a sense of the workplace vibe.

Tap into Seasonal Hiring Windows

Manufacturing often sees spikes in hiring during particular seasons, like summer when production ramps up. Keep an eye on local job boards and community centres, or even visit seasonal job fairs—they’re golden for snagging those temporary roles we’re after.

Join Industry-Specific Communities

Consider joining online forums and social media groups specific to manufacturing. Sites like Reddit or even LinkedIn groups can give you insights into open positions and allow you to connect with current employees who might give you an edge in the hiring process.

Apply Directly Through Our Site!

With UPM Biochemicals looking for temporary talent, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s often the fastest way to get your foot in the door, so make the most of it. Plus, it shows you're proactive—always a win!

We think you need these skills to ace Production Support Operator

Plant Operation
Quality Monitoring
Safety Awareness
Attention to Detail
Collaboration Skills
Reliability
Flexibility

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Practical Skills:In manufacturing and production, hands-on skills are key! Make sure your CV showcases any relevant experience with machinery, quality control, or assembly line work. If you’ve got certifications related to operating specific equipment, don’t forget to include those too!

Focus on Flexibility and Adaptability:For a temporary role, employers are looking for candidates who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly and work well under pressure. Share any experiences where you've successfully adjusted to changing circumstances or tight deadlines.

Include Specific Measurements of Your Impact:Manufacturing roles often revolve around efficiency and productivity. If you’ve previously worked in similar roles, be sure to quantify your achievements. For example, mention how you improved production rates or reduced waste – numbers stand out and show you mean business!

Express Your Interest in the Industry:Temporary roles can be a great stepping stone for future opportunities! Take a moment in your application to express why you’re interested in manufacturing and production. Showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make a real difference and may keep doors open for upcoming positions!

How to prepare for a job interview at UPM Biochemicals

Showcase Your Hands-On Experience

In the manufacturing and production world, they want to see that you can actually handle the tools and machines. Bring along any certifications you have or even pictures of projects you’ve worked on. We want to demonstrate that you're not just a theory person but someone who can jump right in.

Emphasise Safety Knowledge

Safety's a huge deal in manufacturing, so make sure you’re clued up about health and safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've followed safety protocols in past roles. It's all about showing you can contribute to a safe working environment at UPM Biochemicals.

Flexibility is Key

Since this is a temporary role, highlight your adaptability and willingness to step into different roles as needed. Share examples of times you’ve adjusted quickly to new situations or tackled varied tasks. We want to show you're the go-to person when things get busy!

Ask About Team Dynamics

In any temporary role, fitting in quickly is vital. Ask about team dynamics and collaboration processes during the interview. This shows you’re not only ready to contribute but also keen to blend into UPM Biochemicals’s culture, making you a valuable asset.