Process Operatives (Finishing)

Process Operatives - Finishing - apply today
Closing date: 05.01.2026
  • • Permanent position
  • • 3-shift+ (12-hour shifts, Monday to Saturday)
  • • £15.14/hr
  • • Company profit share


Join our manufacturing team as a Process Operative – Finishing, working hands-on with industry-leading industrial production machinery to process high-performance technical fabrics in a safe, quality-driven manufacturing environment.
 

About us

Heathcoat Fabrics is a proud winner of The Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation. As part of our team, you will contribute to some of the most innovative technical fabric-making projects in the world. We are committed to ensuring our people have the skills and confidence to excel in their field, providing ongoing development opportunities that enable individuals to progress at all levels.

Our market-leading engineered textiles keep emergency services crews safe, help renewable energy industries combat climate change, protect our armed forces, safeguard the environment, enhance the lifespan and efficiency of road, rail and air transport, and even safely deliver a soft landing on distant planets.

The Role

We are looking to recruit several Process Operatives to join our Central Finishing department. This is a hands-on, production-focused role where you’ll operate a range of machinery to process fabric safely, efficiently, and in line with production plans and departmental standards.

You’ll be responsible for ensuring high-quality output by carefully monitoring machinery and production processes, identifying and responding to faults, and accurately recording production and quality data. You’ll also support fault mapping, measurement, and quality control activities, escalating any issues in accordance with established procedures.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a busy manufacturing environment where quality, safety, and teamwork are at the heart of what we do.

Key Responsibilities

  • Operate production machinery and equipment in a safe and competent manner
  • Monitor machinery performance and production processes
  • Identify, respond to, and accurately record faults
  • Collect and record quality control data, including measurements and fault mapping
  • Escalate issues in line with departmental procedures

Essential Skills and Experience

  • A logical and methodical approach to work
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Awareness of health and safety requirements in a production environment
  • Experience using electronic or automated machinery
  • Good hand–eye coordination and manual dexterity
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy
  • Effective communication skills
  • A positive, team-oriented attitude

Previous experience in a manufacturing or production environment is desirable but not essential, as full training will be provided

Shift Pattern

3-shift+ system – 12-hour shifts, Monday to Saturday (no night shift on Saturdays).

The Department

Our Central Finishing unit is responsible for applying special treatments and dyes to our fabrics before inspecting them in preparation for shipping. From parachute fabrics to protective apparel and aerospace to healthcare, we utilise innovative machinery that can process our fabrics to our customers’ exact requirements, before shipping them around the globe.

You’ll be fully supported by a knowledgeable and welcoming team who are committed to your success. This is a great opportunity to broaden your experience, gain insight into multiple production processes, and make a direct contribution to the future success of the business.

Take this chance to grow, learn, and make an impact – apply now and take the next step in your career.

By joining us as a Process Operative, you’ll become part of a purpose-driven company and an employer of choice, committed to building a world-class technical textiles business in a sustainable manufacturing environment. Apply today and play a pivotal role in the production of our pioneering products.

 

Reference: REC-256 (please quote this on all applications and correspondence)

Back to the main vacancy page

What you can expect from us

  • Engaging work culture
  • Environmentally conscious company
  • Company profit share scheme
  • Company contribution pension plan
  • Personal learning and development
  • Leadership development and mentoring programmes
  • Enhanced holiday entitlement
  • Canteen
  • On-site car and cycle parking
  • Health & wellbeing programme
  • Enhanced maternity benefits
  • Health & dental plans
  • Company sick pay and life assurance
  • Tech and Cycle Schemes
  • Discounts with participating local shops and businesses
  • Contribute to high-profile textile projects
  • Privately owned, debt-free company


For further information on this vacancy please contact:

Human Resources Team
Heathcoat Fabrics Limited,
Westexe, Tiverton EX16 5LL UK