Operator

James Walker Cockermouth has a vacancy for an Operator
James Walker is part of the James Walker Group of Companies, who are a successful global Industrial organisation supplying high performance sealing products and solutions. With state-of-the-art material technology skills, the James Walker Strategic Business Unit (SBU) of the James Walker Group specialises in the provision of sealing solutions (elastomers, polymers, composites, engineering plastics, high nickel alloys).
Our worldwide group of companies has operations, sales and service entities across Europe, Middle East, India, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South Africa and North and South America
Based at the Manufacturing Business Unit in Cockermouth we are currently looking to recruit into a number of Operator roles, some of these roles require qualified forklift truck drivers; however, candidates who do not currently hold a licence but are willing to work towards obtaining one will also be considered. There are various roles on both permanent and fixed term contracts (fixed term for 12 months) and on the Two Shift and Three Shift patterns (as detailed below). These roles attract a starting salary of £26,058.14 per annum with the ability to progress to £28,802.42 per annum, shift premiums are paid in addition (as detailed below).
Two Shift Pattern – average of 37 hours per week worked over two 2 weeks. Shift premium £6,082.02 per annum.
Week One – Monday to Thursday 05.55 hrs – 14.00 hrs and Friday 05.55 hrs – 12.00 hrs
Week Two – Monday to Thursday 13.55 hrs – 23.00 hrs and Friday off
Three Shift Pattern –37 hours per week. Shift premium £9,455.51 per annum.
Week One, mornings – Monday to Thursday 05.55 hrs – 14.00 hrs and Friday 05.55 hrs – 11.00 hrs
Week Two, nights – Monday to Thursday 21.55 hrs – 06.00 hrs and Friday 15.55 hrs – 21.00 hrs
Week Three, backs – Monday to Thursday 13.55 hrs – 22.00 hrs and Friday 10.55 hrs – 16.00 hrs
Preparing products including make-up and trimming.
Batch and critical inspection of all products.
Liaising with other teams to ensure appropriate specifications are selected.
Accurate transaction of stock and materials.
Issuing and replenishment of stock.
Use of all measuring equipment including vernier’s, diameter tapes, micro vu’s to inspect finished products to dimensional specification/quality.
Maintaining details and accurate records relating to specific company/customer specifications.
Responsibility for quality of own work.
Contributing towards company and department success including the achievement of KPI’s.
Any other reasonable management request.

Previous experience of working within a manufacturing environment would be preferred but is not essential.
A forklift truck licence would be an advantage for these roles or a willingness to work towards this if candidates do not currently hold a licence.
A conscientious and flexible approach to duties.
The ability to pay particular attention to detail and quality of work.
Have a willingness and enthusiasm to embrace change, look at new ways of working and support continuous improvement initiatives and projects.
Have a resilient approach and go the extra mile to improve standards and performance.
Have excellent communication skills along with the ability to build great relationships.
Have a pro-active approach to work and getting things done.
Have the ability to problem solve and see tasks through to completion with a right first time attitude.

In addition to the remuneration package detailed above we offer

33 days annual holiday or the equivalent in hours (including Bank Holidays).
Enrolment into the James Walker Pension Plan.
Access to the Employee Assistance Scheme and on site physio.
Plus various other benefits (subject to eligibility) for example a holiday buy and sell scheme, reduced gym membership fees, cycle to work scheme.

Part of the James Walker Group © 2026 James Walker.