Process Manufacturing Operative at Sika Footwear · Preston

Company Description

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protection in the building sector and industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 103 countries around the world, produces in over 400 factories, and develops innovative technologies for customers worldwide. In doing so, it plays a crucial role in enabling the transformation of the construction and transportation industries toward greater environmental compatibility. Approximately 33,000 employees generated CHF 11.20 billion in sales in 2025.

Job Description

We are looking for a reliable and safety-focused Process Manufacturing Operative to join our manufacturing team on a permanent basis. This is a hands-on role within a busy production environment, where you will support the safe and efficient manufacture of products to agreed quality, output and housekeeping standards.

The successful candidate will work as part of a production team, operating plant, equipment and machinery, following standard operating procedures, completing process documentation and contributing to a positive safety and continuous improvement culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate process manufacturing equipment, machinery and associated systems safely and in line with site procedures.
• Follow standard operating procedures, work instructions, risk assessments and quality requirements at all times.
• Accurately weigh, load, mix, process, pack, label or transfer materials as required by the production schedule.
• Carry out routine quality checks, visual inspections and basic testing, recording results clearly and escalating any issues.
• Monitor process conditions and report equipment faults, deviations, safety concerns or production issues to the appropriate supervisor or team leader.
• Complete production paperwork, logbooks and electronic records accurately and in a timely manner.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping, hygiene and 5S within the production area.
• Support line changeovers, cleaning activities, basic maintenance checks and handovers between shifts where required.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across production, quality, maintenance, warehouse and supervision teams.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to improve safety, quality, efficiency and waste reduction.

About You

We are looking for someone who is dependable, practical and comfortable working in a structured manufacturing environment. You will have a strong awareness of health and safety, good attention to detail and a willingness to learn and follow agreed processes.

Qualifications

Essential Skills and Experience

• Previous experience in a manufacturing, production, process, warehouse or industrial environment.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately, high level of attention to detail
• Good basic numeracy, literacy and record-keeping skills.
• Strong commitment to health, safety, quality and environmental standards.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Can also work independently, demonstrating the ability to plan, prioritise workload, and multitask
• Flexible approach to work, including the ability to work shifts where required.
• Comfortable with manual handling and working in a physical production environment.

Desirable Skills

• Experience operating process plant, manufacturing machinery or production equipment.
• Forklift truck, manual handling or relevant site-based training certificates.
• Experience working to GMP, ISO, quality management systems or regulated manufacturing standards.
• Basic understanding of lean manufacturing, 5S or continuous improvement activities.

Additional Information

What We Offer

• A permanent role within an established manufacturing environment.
• Full training and ongoing development opportunities.
• A supportive team culture with a strong focus on safety and quality.
• Opportunities to develop wider process, production and operational skills.

How to Apply

If you are a motivated and reliable individual looking for a permanent opportunity in process manufacturing, we would like to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a short covering note outlining your relevant experience.

We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based skills relevant to the position, education and/or training. We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.