Senior Toolmaker/Grinder

Senior Toolmaker/Grinder

Full-Time 36900 - 45100 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Set and operate CNC machines to create essential medical tools and components.
  • Company: Join West, a leader in healthcare innovation with a century-long legacy.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health benefits, and opportunities for personal growth.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to sustainability and community support.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in patient lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in toolmaking and a passion for engineering are essential.

The predicted salary is between 36900 - 45100 £ per year.

At West, we’re a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life‑saving and life‑enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West’s indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will yours help write our future? There’s no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families. We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts.

Job Summary

In this role, you will set and operate various Toolmaking activities including various CNC, NC and manual machines in the manufacture, assembly, maintenance and repair of plastic injection & elastomer moulds, press-tools and other tooling components. You will demonstrate and use a proactive mindset in order to actively develop processes to increase automation and utilisation of equipment. Responsible for supporting and contributing to Lean Sigma programs and activities, whilst supporting Technical Leaders and Managers to meet quality, delivery and cost objectives. You would also be expected to Mentor and share best practices with less experienced colleagues. You will comply with the company’s safety, environmental and quality policies at all times.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Set & operate CNC/NC grinders including surface, centerless, cylindrical and jig grinders
  • Set & operate NC and manual lathes and mills
  • Set & operate EDM and WEDM machinery
  • Final assembly activities and processes for new plastic and elastomer injection/compression moulds and press-tools
  • Problem solving, repair, maintenance and modification of existing tooling
  • Provide technical support to design & production contractors and site CADCAM & production staff
  • Comply with all corporate and local site Health & Safety, Environmental and Quality policies, procedures and regulations
  • Define and comply with appropriate process control plans
  • Comply with all machine instructions and ensure proper use of equipment and assets
  • Comply with process work instructions, maintenance and safety schedules
  • Read, understand & be able to challenge Engineering drawings
  • Act in accordance with the Company’s Code of Conduct and Guiding Principles
  • Carry out HSE and Workplace Inspections
  • Report and resolve any near miss accidents, incidents or HSE irregularities and prevent future occurrences
  • Ensure that your work area(s) are always kept clean and tidy
  • Ensure your PPE is used and maintained correctly
  • Demonstrate and use a proactive mindset in order to actively develop processes to increase automation and utilization of equipment.
  • Ensure maximum machine efficiency through effective prioritization and use of machine automation
  • Responsible for supporting and contributing to Lean Sigma programs and activities
  • Support the business in meeting all quality, delivery and cost objectives
  • Actively resolve reported issues, problems or irregularities within your area of control and elevate matters where required via the LDMS escalation process
  • Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

Required: Formal engineering apprenticeship to NVQ3 level/City and Guilds or equivalent relevant work experience

Desirable: Higher National Certificate in Engineering Discipline

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required:

  • Extensive experience in plastic injection mould and press-tool manufacture
  • Extensive experience in NC & conventional Toolroom machinery Mills, Lathes, Surface Grinders & Cylindrical Grinders
  • Extensive experience of use of measuring equipment
  • Extensive experience of modern cutting tools and techniques
  • Extensive experience of interpreting Engineering drawings
  • Experienced and conversant PC user

Desirable:

  • Experience in elastomer injection/compression moulds
  • Experience in on-machine programming, setting and operation of CNC Toolroom machinery Mills, Lathes, Surface Grinders, Cylindrical Grinders, EDM & WEDM
  • Experience in setting and operation of CNC Jig Grinders
  • Experienced in offline programming & part verification
  • Experience in operation of CMMs (Co‑Ordinate Measuring Machines)
  • Familiarity and experience of tool‑design (mould & press‑tool)
  • Experience of “Lean Manufacturing” techniques

Travel Requirements

There are no regular travel requirements for this role

Physical Requirements

Medium – exerting up to 22kg of force occasionally and/or up to 9kg of force frequently, and/or up to 4kg of force constantly to move objects

West embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We foster an environment where all individuals are safe, treated fairly, valued and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Where permitted by law, employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of post‑offer background screening and/or drug screening.

Senior Toolmaker/Grinder employer: West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc

At West, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of our employees. Located in beautiful Cornwall, our team enjoys competitive salaries, generous benefits including a robust pension plan and ample holiday entitlement, as well as continuous learning and development opportunities to foster professional growth. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry while enjoying a balanced work-life with early finishes on Fridays and a commitment to sustainability.

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Contact Details:

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Toolmaker/Grinder

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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Toolmaker/Grinder

CNC Machining
NC Machining
Manual Machining
Plastic Injection Mould Manufacture
Press-Tool Manufacture
Surface Grinding
Cylindrical Grinding

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 West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc 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 West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc

Know Your Manufacturing Processes

Before you walk into the interview with West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc, 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 West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc 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.