Print Assistant - Machine Operative

At Saica Group, we are more than an organisation; we are a community committed to delivering sustainable paper and packaging solutions while championing circularity and innovation in waste management. With over 10,000 colleagues across 11 countries and more than 80 years of history, we are proud to create sustainable solutions that make a lasting impact.

This opportunity is within our Saica Flex division, which manufactures a range of flexible plastic films for leading food manufacturers and retailers. Based at our Wigan site, we produce high-quality printed packaging using advanced flexographic printing technology.

About the role: 
We are currently looking for a Printer Assistant to join our team, to support the Lead Printer with the operation of flexographic print equipment.

Why Join Saica Flex?
Joining Saica Flex means becoming part of a global business that values innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement. We offer long-term career opportunities, ongoing development and the chance to work alongside experienced colleagues within a supportive team environment.

Print Assistant – Responsibilities: 
• Help set up and operate print machinery to optimum levels in a safe working manner, ensuring that the machinery and surrounding area are maintained in line with required health, safety, environmental, hygiene and housekeeping standards. Ensure that all spills are logged and cleaned immediately. Operate in line with site health and safety, environmental and quality standards.
• Work in line with site standards for BRC, ISO & A2 environmental.
• Operate processes in line with lean manufacturing techniques including SMED and the 5S principles. When required, participate in continuous improvement initiatives within Production.
• Maintain press consumables to ensure a continuous supply including loading/offloading of master reels and loading/offloading of inks on the print press.
• Manage and operate the press in the absence of the Lead Printer, including rest breaks.
• Spot and report any non-conformities to the Lead Printer or Shift Manager and support resolution as required.
• Support the training of colleagues as and when required.
• When required, contribute to shift handovers to ensure a smooth transition and continuous production. As a matter of routine, ensure the press is in an appropriate operational condition and in the absence of the Lead Printer, make sure that the next shift has been briefed on where production is up to and any other relevant production issues.
• Assist with general cleaning and maintenance of print equipment.
• Work with colleagues in other areas e.g. Ink Technicians, Mounters etc. to maintain production standards.
• Display flexibility to support other areas of Production as and when required, including operating other machinery such as Conversion/Slitting machinery.

Skills & Experience:
• Good level of literacy and numeracy, preferably GCSE level in English and Maths
• Previous print experience, preferably flexographic with experience of solvent based inks
• Experience of Fischer Krecke 126S, 20SIX CS colour printers or BOBST printers an advantage
• Experience in Mounting would be an advantage
• Background in manufacturing, either label or packaging printing
• Exposure to Lean Six Sigma or other continuous improvement techniques an advantage
• Considerable exposure to quality, health, safety and environmental standards and practices within a production setting

What We Offer
• Competitive salary.
• Friendly and supportive working environment.
• Full training and ongoing development.
• Opportunities for progression and further technical training.
• 22 days' holiday, inclusive of Bank Holidays, based on 11.5-hour shifts, plus an annual Christmas shutdown.
• Overtime opportunities at 1.5x your hourly rate.
• Refer a Friend Scheme of £500.
• Cycle to work and Home & Technology scheme. 
• Employee Discount Platform.
• Flu and eye test vouchers

The role operates across the following shift patterns:

12 hour rotating shift pattern, spread over a rotating 4 week cycle. This will typically be:
Week 1 – 4 nights, 3 off
Week 2 – 3 days, 1 off, 3 nights
Week 3 – 3 off, 4 days
Week 4 – 7 off

Saica Group is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Reasonable adjustments will be made throughout the recruitment process where required.

Saica Group offers sustainable paper solutions for the manufacture of corrugated board and flexible packaging, promoting circularity in waste management. With more than 12,000 employees and a presence in 11 countries (Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Turkey, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and the United States), Saica Group has four business lines: the production of recycled paper for corrugated cardboard (Saica Paper), waste management and environmental services (Saica Natur), the production of corrugated board packaging (Saica Pack), and flexible packaging (Saica Flex). You will enjoy working at Saica if you: Care: Are a team-player, support your colleagues and share your ideas It’s important that you want an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity Value: Have high standards, want to achieve good quality and great service Challenge: You are self-motivated to improve and achieve. You are open and transparent, tell it as it is. Specific skills or experience requirements will be shown in the job description.