Chemical Production Operator Trainee

About the Role

We are looking for a motivated and adaptable Trainee Plant Operator to join our manufacturing team in Harlow. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with previous manufacturing or plant experience who is looking to develop a long-term career within a production environment.

During your first 8–10 months, you will complete a structured training programme across our Alcotex and Specialities plants. This period will give you exposure to a variety of production processes, equipment and operational responsibilities, allowing you to build a broad understanding of our manufacturing operations.

Following successful completion of the training programme, you will be positioned to move into a permanent Shift Operator role when vacancies arise.

Location: Harlow, Essex
 

Hours: Initial Training Phase (8–10 months):

Rotating Days

• Week 1: 7:00am – 4:00pm (Fridays 7:00am - 3:00pm)

• Week 2: 1:00pm – 10:00pm (Fridays 14:00 - 10:00pm)

Future Progression: Shift Operator Role, will be on full day/night shifts with a shift allowance

What You'll Be Doing

As part of your training, you will gain experience in:

• Packing operations across Alcotex, LHA, Specialities and Tower areas

• Alcotex bead operation

• K9 and K10 operations

• Supporting Tower operational checks when in operation

• Supporting LHA and MAM tanker offloading activities

• Maintaining production and batch documentation

• Assisting with housekeeping, labelling and 5S activities

• Providing support across both Harlow production plants as business needs require

You may also be required to provide additional operational support or cover for long-term absences within the production shift teams.

Safety, Health & Environment

Safety is our highest priority. You will be expected to:

• Follow all Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) policies and procedures

• Adhere to standard operating procedures and work instructions

• Comply with COSHH assessments and safe working practices

• Support continuous improvement initiatives relating to quality, safety and environmental performance

• Report accidents, incidents and non-compliances promptly

• Participate in root cause investigations where required

• Wear appropriate PPE at all times

• Maintain excellent housekeeping standards

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Minimum of 2–3 years' experience working in a manufacturing, production or plant environment

• GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English

• Positive attitude and willingness to learn

• Flexibility to work across different production areas and shift patterns

• Strong commitment to safety and quality standards

• Desire to develop into a Shift Operator role and build a long-term career within manufacturing

Desirable

• FLT (Fork Lift Truck) licence

• Experience within a chemical, process manufacturing or industrial production environment

What We Offer

• Structured training programme across multiple plant operations

• Hands-on experience with a variety of manufacturing processes

• Opportunity to develop your technical and operational skills

• Clear progression pathway into a permanent Shift Operator position

• Supportive and experienced team environment

If you're looking for a role where you can learn, grow and develop a career in plant operations, we'd love to hear from you.