Production Operator

Location: Duxford, Cambridgeshire Salary: £38,000 – £39,000 DOE + overtime Shift Pattern: Rotating 3-shift system (Mon–Fri) 6am–2pm | 2pm–10pm | 10pm–6am Hours: 40 hours per week

About the Company

a global leader in advanced chemical solutions, manufacturing high-performance epoxy, acrylic and polyurethane products used across industries including automotive, aerospace, construction, healthcare and technology.

The Duxford site is a key global manufacturing and distribution hub, employing around 200 people and producing over 350 products.

The Role

We are currently seeking a Production Operator to join our chemical manufacturing team at our Duxford site. This is a hands-on, varied role where no two days are the same. You will work across up to 18 different workstations, operating plant equipment and chemical processes safely and efficiently to maximise production output.

You’ll work as part of a flexible, motivated team on a rotating shift pattern, with full training provided on a wide range of processing equipment – from planetary mixers to reaction vessels – used in the manufacture of high-performance adhesives.

A Typical Shift

Start around 5:30am for coffee before shift

Attend a handover meeting to review the previous shift and current priorities

Rotate between different workstations during the week for variety

Operate equipment such as 1,000-litre mixers

Take samples to the onsite lab where required

Key Responsibilities

Operate plant machinery to manufacture, fill and pack products in line with SOPs

Set up batches, weigh, check and add raw materials

Carry out manual handling tasks, including moving batch materials

Complete all production documentation accurately and provide clear shift handovers

Clean vessels and machinery between campaigns to prevent cross-contamination

Report near misses, incidents and maintenance requirements

Maintain high standards of health & safety, quality and housekeeping (5S)

Work collaboratively to meet production targets and improve efficiency

Skills & Experience

Experience in a manufacturing environment (essential) – chemical manufacturing advantageous

Strong attention to detail and numerical ability

GCSE Maths and English (Chemistry or technical qualification beneficial)

Physically fit – role involves manual handling and being on your feet

Forklift licence or willingness to train

Computer literate

Reliable team player with a flexible, positive attitude

Strong awareness of Health & Safety

Career Progression

Huntsman offers genuine long-term career opportunities. You can progress into:

More technical operator roles (complex and reaction batches)

Cell Leader

Shift Manager

Salary & Benefits

£38,000 – £39,000 DOE

Overtime available (1.5x Saturday, double time Sunday & Bank Holidays)

Annual bonus (approx. 2% paid in March + possible Christmas bonus)

Pension contributions up to 12%

Private health insurance (company funded)

Employee Assistance Programme (online GP, mental health & physio support)

25 days holiday + Bank Holidays + day off for your birthday

Holiday increases to 28 days with service

Enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave

Cycle to work scheme

Free fruit & onsite parking

Training fully funded with access to 10,000+ e-learning courses