Tool Setter

Location: Haydock, St Helens
Salary: £30,660 - £43,800 per annum (£14.00 - £20.00 per hour, dependent on experience) plus shift premiums, First Aid, Fire Marshal, and HACCP Level 2 premiums
Hours: Continental Shift Pattern - 4 x 12-hour day/night shifts followed by 4 rest days (flexibility required)
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Start Date: Immediate
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Thermoforming Tool Setter to join our manufacturing team in Haydock. This hands-on role is responsible for the setup, changeover, operation, and optimisation of thermoforming production lines, ensuring products are manufactured safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. Working with WM, Kiefel, and Sencorp thermoforming machinery, you will be a key member of the production team, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, maintaining tooling performance, and troubleshooting production issues. You will also provide guidance and training to operators and may occasionally deputise for supervisors or managers to support shift operations. This opportunity is ideal for a technically skilled individual with experience in FMCG manufacturing environments who thrives in a fast-paced production setting.
Key Responsibilities
Tool Setting & Production
Carry out product changeovers, machine setups, and tool installations to meet production schedules. Set and operate tooling on thermoforming machine lines and ancillary equipment. Complete pre-production tooling inspections and support routine maintenance activities. Assist with commissioning and validation of new tooling. Diagnose and resolve tooling, machinery, and production issues to minimise downtime. Optimise machine performance and line speeds to maximise efficiency. Train and support machine operators on tooling and production best practices. Maintain accurate setup records and ensure tooling is prepared for future production runs. Quality Assurance
Conduct quality inspections to ensure products meet customer specifications and company standards. Support investigations into non-conformances and customer complaints. Identify root causes and implement corrective actions where required. Maintain quality documentation and production records. Ensure compliance with BRCGS, HACCP, GMP, and internal quality standards. Health, Safety & Compliance
Promote and maintain a safe working environment at all times. Adhere to company Health & Safety procedures and regulatory requirements. Support compliance with BRCGS certification standards and company KPIs. Ensure safe operation of machinery, tooling, and production equipment. Leadership & Communication
Work closely with Production, Maintenance, Tooling, and Quality teams. Support supervisors and provide guidance to operators during shifts. Communicate production performance, concerns, and improvement opportunities. Deputise for supervisory roles when required. Foster a positive and collaborative team culture. Skills & Experience
Essential
3-5 years' experience setting tooling on Form-Cut-Stack thermoforming machinery within FMCG packaging or processing environments.
Experience processing APET, RPET, and PP materials. Strong understanding of thermoforming processes and associated equipment. Engineering qualification or time-served engineering background. Ability to diagnose faults and implement practical solutions. Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality standards. Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience working with BRC, ISO, HACCP, Lean Manufacturing, and Continuous Improvement methodologies. Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills. Desirable
CNC/NC milling machine operation experience. FLT Counterbalance Licence. Health & Safety qualifications. Quality Management System accreditation (e.g. Internal Auditor). Experience within vacuum forming operations. Personal Attributes
Self-motivated and proactive approach to work. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills. Positive team player with excellent interpersonal skills. Flexible and adaptable with a willingness to work overtime when required. Reliable, professional, and focused on achieving results. Patient, supportive, and capable of working under pressure. Benefits
Competitive salary of £30,660 - £43,800 per annum. Additional shift premiums and skill-based allowances. 5.6 weeks annual holiday entitlement (inclusive of bank holidays, pro-rata to shift pattern). Stakeholder pension scheme with auto-enrolment. Costco membership after 6 months' continuous service, including discounted fuel benefits. Modern, clean, safe, and well-maintained working environment. Long-term career opportunity within a growing manufacturing business. Apply Today
If you have a strong background in thermoforming, tooling setup, and FMCG manufacturing, and are looking to join a business that values quality, safety, and continuous improvement, we'd like to hear from you.
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