Manufacturing & Production

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity for a Design Engineer to join a well-established company, with nearly 60 years of experience. The business is a growing company, who design and manufacture specialist handling equipment, across many different sectors. 

The role will be primarily office based, however it may involve some travel to suppliers and customers as required.

The main function will be to design and modify materials handling machinery. Collaborate on new product development and implement value engineering and DFM principles to enhance production efficiency.

Design Engineer Package and Benefits

• Salary £30,000 - £40,000, dependant on experience 
• Hours 8:30am – 5:00pm, 4pm finish on Friday’s (flexi-hours are available)
• 30 days holiday, increasing to 33 days with service
• 4x salary – Death in service

Commutable From: Boston, Peterborough, Stamford, Bourne, Wisbech, Grantham, Melton Mowbray

Person Specification

• The Design Engineer should have significant demonstrated experience in an engineering and manufacturing environment – preferably with engineered metal fabricated equipment.
• The highest levels of quality standard are needed and required for this role. The Design Engineer will be expected to help implement changes leading from internal quality issues or engineering changes. 
• Experience in utilising appropriate lean methodologies in variability of specifications.
• Be able to maintain accountability for the accuracy of the system information relating to the Bill of materials for every part assembly and contract job.
• Be proficient in Microsoft office products - Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint
• Have experience in Autodesk Inventor (or similar) 3D CAD, AutoCAD.2D CAD & Vault.
• Be able to liaise with other departments to ensure timely completion of projects.

Key Responsibilities (but not limited to)

• The Design Engineer will design core machinery using 3D CAD (Autodesk Inventor or similar).
• Designs/modifications to standard machinery to suit the clients particular site requirements and/or engineering changes as required.
• Creation of bills of materials for entry into the company’s ERP system.
• Working with sales and development engineers to create new products from initial concept through to full production units.
• Value engineering of current designs. Use of DFM best practices to meet the needs of the production facility.
• Working with the production operatives to increase production efficiency through better machine design and the design of jigs and fixtures.
• Enhancing the customer satisfaction levels to be the major focus. Be forward thinking and raise new ideas and working methods to increase the departments throughout.

Probe Technical are looking to recruit a full time and permanent Production Operative to join a very busy manufacturing facility.  This is an excellent time to join due to business growth, with opportunities for career progression. 

The role will involve working as part of a team, requiring excellent communication and willing to take part in problem solving and continuous improvement exercises. Flexibility with a willingness to learn and embrace new skills will also form a fundamental requirement of the role.

You must be flexible to work 12-hour shifts, covering days and nights. 

The package details for the role of Production Operative:

• Salary £34,500 (inc shift allowance) 
• Mix of 12-hour day and nights 4 on 3 off. 
• Company pension matched (will be disclosed at interview)
• Enhanced Holiday 23 + 8 – Holiday increases with service 
• Life Assurance 
• Discretionary company bonus (% discussed at interview) 

Some duties for the Production Operative role include: 

• Ensure all equipment is in a safe and serviceable condition.
• Enforce and promote safety and housekeeping in your area of work.
• To report safety and hazard faults.
• Adhere to all health, safety, environmental, and quality regulations during product manufacturing.
• Document process activities completely and promptly.
• Oversee the operational state of equipment during production.
• Notify supervisors when raw materials are required or finished products are ready for transfer to the warehouse.

The role of Production Operative is commutable from Derby, Burton on Trent, Swadlincote and Ashby-de-la-Zouch. 

Due to enormous growth my client is in need of a number of production technicians to join them on a continental shift rota. As production technician you will be hands-on with the machinery, spotting faults and preventing downtime. So, we are looking for technically minded candidates who would like to be part of an amazing progressive company. You will start on a salary of £33,773 for the first 12 weeks of training, this rise will to £37,500 and then after 6-12 months will rise to £41,200. 

My client is investing millions every year into new technology, automation and progressive new projects. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please apply now to avoid missing out. 

Production Technician Benefits: 

• £33,733 - £41,200
• Premium OT (x1.5/x2) 
• 13% pension (5%/8%). 
• 23 days holiday. 
• Health cash plan. 
• Health and life insurance. 
• Tech schemes. 
• Real training and development opportunities. 

Production Technician Duties include:

• Continental shift rota. 
• Ensure 100% compliance with industry standards. 
• Fault finding, investigating issues and problem solving. 
• Machinery start-ups and changeovers. 
• Leading a line of machine operators and driving performance. 
• Drive continuous improvement. 
• Liaise with engineering teams on improvements. 

Production Technician Requirements include: 

• Engineering qualifications would be a massive advantage. 
• Technically minded. 
• Competent to solve problems and issues. 
• Worked previously on machinery or in an engineering environment. 
• An effective communicator. 
• Experience within a food environment would be beneficial. 

Please apply find out more about this fantastic role. 

This Production Technician position is commutable from: Telford, Shrewsbury, Market Drayton,  Wolverhampton, Bridgnorth, Newport,  and surrounding areas. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic and strategic Head of Operations to join a European leading business, where making a difference to people’s lives through the products that they design, manufacture and install is a daily occurrence. With 40 years’ experience under their belt, they are a leading provider in the UK, a market leader in Europe and have a presence in many other countries worldwide. They continue to expand rapidly in the UK and internationally, a business that has doubled in size these last few years.

They are proud of their fast-paced and dynamic manufacturing environment, where customer satisfaction and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything that they do.

Head of Operations, Salary, Hours and Benefits

• £80,000 - £90,000+
• Car allowance
• Management Bonus Scheme
• 37.5 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 7:00am – 3:00pm (with some flexibility)
• 23 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Life insurance cover
• Employee Assistance Programme

Essential Requirements

• Proven Head of Operations / Operations Director experience within Manufacturing.
• Experience of working for a business circa 50 million+ turnover.
• An Engineering background, someone who has risen through a business.
• Very much hands-on, but also strategic.
• A business qualification would be advantageous. 
• Deep understanding of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Commercially astute with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.

Head of Operations Key Responsibilities

• The Head of Operations will provide strong, strategic leadership across operational functions to drive high performance and collaboration.
• Championing a proactive Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality culture.
• Maintaining profitability during rapid business expansion.
• Using data-driven KPIs and metrics to guide planning and decision-making.
• Driving Lean Manufacturing and operational efficiency - championing a zero-defect mindset to improve overall quality standards.
• Leading and developing the Engineering function.
• Managing growth across international operations.
• Implementing effective production workflows to boost productivity and minimise waste.
• Taking ownership of the post-sales process to enhance cross-team collaboration and service delivery.
• Identifying cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality - embedding a culture of continuous improvement across all teams.

We’re working with a market-leading manufacturer and supply chain partner specializing in reusable plastic container systems — a growing segment at the heart of sustainable logistics and circular economy initiatives.

The company operates across the UK and international markets, supplying reusable packaging solutions to some of the world’s most recognizable retailers and food producers. It combines innovative product design with a strong operational footprint and a commitment to reducing single-use packaging waste.

Toolmaker Hours, Pay and Benefits

• Salary £40,000 (including shift allowance)
• Working hours. There are two options: 10:00am – 6:00pm Monday to Friday or 2:00pm -10:00pm Monday to Friday
• 25 days holiday, plus statutory
• Sick pay based on length of service, up to 24 weeks

Toolmaker Role Purpose 

The Toolmaker will repair and service the moulding machine tools, and related equipment, in a timely and efficient manner.

Commutable From: Leicester, Corby, Peterborough, and Grantham. 

Candidate Requirements

• Time served toolmaker – for insurance purposes, Apprenticeship / Qualifications have to be from the UK
• Proven Injection Mould / Plastics experience. 
• Electrical experience is an advantage but not a necessity.
• Experienced in the operation of toolmaking equipment, eg grinders, lathes, machining.
• CNC Machining centre experience an advantage.
• A base understanding on pneumatics and hydraulics.
• Ability to understand technical drawings.
• Computer literate.

Toolmaker Key Responsibilities

• Build, repair and maintain tooling
• Work to fine tolerances
• Prove tooling and troubleshoot until running acceptably - target to enable the tools to run "right first-time" in a production environment
• Able to understand technical drawings
• Liaise with operational staff to understand tooling related issues
• Maintenance of machinery on site
• General tool making tasks
• To be flexible in a “breakdown” scenario

Company

With nearly 50 years of experience behind them, this is a global company that continues to grow, having doubled in size over the last five years. They consider themselves to be agile and highly innovative, embracing the technology associated within the industry.  The business has a strong family culture which provides a positive working environment where employees feel valued and trusted. They are big advocates of personal development, growth and progression, with many success stories of this across the company. 

Salary, Hours and Benefits

• £35,000 - £40,000
• 37.5 hours per week, with some flexibility and an early Friday finish
• The chance to join a very successful, hypergrowth company that offer realistic progression and growth
• Up to 10.5% company pension
• Company bonus
• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• Cash health plan
• A modern, forward-thinking place to work

Commutable From: Wolverhampton, Walsall, Telford, Shrewsbury, Birmingham

Buyer Role Overview

This is an important role within the Supply Chain Team - it requires a committed and customer focused individual with a supplier centric approach to global multi-site manufacturing. There will be opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of the company products and the Supply Chain. This will involve gaining knowledge of Suppliers, Products, and Global Operational activity. 

You will be proactive and driven to support the business units to generate growth through your pragmatic and imaginative approach to their Procurement and Supply Chain activity. The Buyer – Manufacturing position reports directly into the Purchasing Manager, operating within a team covering all procurement processes for the organisation. 

As part of a small team, the business requires an experienced Buyer - Manufacturing to bring professionalism and critical thinking to the Purchasing Department. A critical part of the company growth strategy will be focused on the ability of the department to evolve the existing supply chain and remain agile.

The right candidate is expected to be confident in buying for all areas but will specifically need to be familiar and confident with manufacturing procurement. 

You will be expected to work with many stakeholders including Production, Stores, Engineering and Project Management to achieve the best business outcomes.

Buyer – Manufacturing Candidate Requirements 

• Proven experience of a fast-paced manufacturing procurement, including a familiarisation of working with BoMs and ability to interpret technical drawings.
• Ability to work, tactically and operationally, with commercial and financial acumen, including sound analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Proven negotiation skills, contract management and the ability to forge relationships across all levels of the business. You will also have a proven track record of being accountable across a variety of roles within Procurement.
• High work ethic with strong focus on excellent customer service.
• Good presentation and communication skills, with a high level of Excel competency. 
• Able to interpret technical / safety regulatory information.
• Clean UK driving license require with a willingness to travel (not too frequently). 
• A strong culture fit – with a bias for action, accountability and teamwork.
• Unphased by working with a lack of information / ambiguity.

Buyer – Manufacturing Key Responsibilities

• Manage spend on various categories across multiple manufacturing sites taking a sustainable supplier centric approach.
• Negotiate stock holding agreements or other methods to enable smooth materials flow.
• Identify and mitigate risks in the supply chain to maximise customer order delivery success.
• Effective communication of any parts availability risk ensuring that all options to resolve any availability concern is fully explored and appropriate action taken.
• Purchase Order placement for both system driven manufacturing materials and requisitioned parts.
• Identify and implement process improvements in conjunction with cross-functional project teams.
• Supplier development to support achievement of KPIs.
• Manage vendor performance including involvement with supplier audits.
• Identify potential new suppliers and negotiate best terms from all suppliers.
• Interaction with stakeholders at all levels both internally and externally.
• Involvement with NPD, NPI and engineering change activity and effective co-ordination of suppliers and stock requirements