Senior Extrusion Operator

Location: Sunderland, Tyne & Wear
Department: Extrusion
Reporting to: Extrusion Team Leader
Salary: £35,461.22 per annum (including shift allowance)
Hours: Continental Shift Pattern – 42 hours per week

The Role

An established manufacturing business based in Sunderland is looking to recruit an experienced Senior Extrusion Operator to support the day-to-day running of its extrusion department. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled operator with strong extrusion knowledge to take on additional responsibility, supporting team performance, product quality, and operational excellence within a fast-paced production environment.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring production targets are achieved safely and efficiently while supporting colleagues, troubleshooting process issues, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, operate and optimise high-speed extrusion lines, drying and blending equipment.
• Monitor production performance and make process adjustments to maintain product quality and output.
• Support and mentor Extrusion Operators, providing guidance and technical expertise when required.
• Assist the Extrusion Team Leader with daily production activities and shift coordination.
• Carry out quality inspections, testing and measurements in line with product specifications.
• Investigate and resolve routine process issues, escalating where necessary.
• Ensure accurate completion of all production, quality and traceability documentation.
• Support offline granulation processes and material handling activities.
• Coordinate the safe movement of raw materials and finished goods using FLT equipment.
• Maintain excellent housekeeping standards across the department.
• Participate in audits, continuous improvement projects and operational reviews.
• Promote a strong health, safety and quality culture at all times.

Candidate Requirements

Qualifications & Skills

• Good standard of general education.
• Strong numeracy and literacy skills.
• Current Counterbalance Forklift Licence.
• Good understanding of manufacturing KPIs and production reporting.

Experience

• Minimum 3 years' experience within an extrusion manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of extrusion processes, process control and product quality requirements.
• Experience supporting machine setup, changeovers and fault finding.
• Ability to identify process improvements and support operational efficiency initiatives.
• Previous experience supporting or mentoring team members is highly desirable.

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership and teamwork skills.
• Positive, proactive and hands-on approach.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet production deadlines.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement.
• Reliable, organised and capable of leading by example.

What's on Offer

• £35,461.22 annual salary including shift allowance
• Overtime paid at 1.5x Monday to Saturday
• Overtime paid at 2.0x on Sundays
• 23 days holiday, increasing to 25 days with length of service
• Continental shift pattern averaging 42 hours per week
• Stable, long-term opportunity with a growing manufacturing business
• Supportive team environment with opportunities for progression
• Safety-focused and quality-driven workplace

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced extrusion professional looking to step into a senior-level position with additional responsibility while remaining hands-on within production operations.