T

Lead Manufacturing Operator - VIS - 1784

icon building Company : Thorlabs
icon briefcase Job Type : Full Time

Number of Applicants

 : 

000+

Click to reveal the number of candidates who applied for this job.
icon loader
icon loader

Let AI Supercharge Your Job Hunt!

JobCopilot scans 500,000+ company career sites daily to find jobs for you

Never miss an opportunity Save hours by auto-filling applications forms Land more interviews with tailored applications
happy man
thunder iconActivate JobCopilot

Job Description - Lead Manufacturing Operator - VIS - 1784

What is the job?

As a Lead Manufacturing Operator, you will be very much ‘hands on’ in this physical role, working as part of the production team, expressing a can-do attitude and eye for safety, quality, delivery and cost. You’ll support the Value Stream Supervisor in setting the direction for the cell, closely supporting all operators to achieve adherence to safety requirements, high attention to quality and on time delivery of components or product.

Working Hours: Monday - Thursday 7:30am - 4:30pm and Friday 7:30am - 12:30pm

Department: Leg and Frame Production

Interview process: 2 stage process following shortlisting – First stage: 30-minute Teams interview; Second stage: Onsite 2-hour interview

Who we are?

Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture or a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.

 

Where you will be working?

Our purpose-built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful mediaeval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station.

What is essential to us…

  • Apprenticeship trained or equivalent experience or qualifications.
  • Minimum 3 years in a manufacturing environment.
  • An appreciation of LEAN manufacturing techniques and quality improvement systems.
  • Experienced in troubleshooting and finding root causes and solutions for technical problems.
  • Take pride in your work, that after a training period every product you build is to the required quality standard.
  • Ability to both follow and adapt Standard Operating Procedures
  • Mechanical aptitude.
  • Ability to take initiative and problem solve.
  • A positive approach to continuous improvement activities.
  • Respectful work ethic and work well with a diverse team.
  • Clear and collaborative communicator.
  • Positive contribution to multi-disciplinary initiatives.

 

What we would like you to do/ to see…

  • Ensure all operators are working safely, adhering to all PPE requirements and safe working practices.
  • Motivate, support, train and guide team members.
  • Support in leading an allocated team to achieve manufacturing targets.
  • Drive cross-training and team development to improve quality, output and flexibility within the team.
  • Ensure all team members have signed appropriate risk assessments, SSOW and competence forms for all the tasks that they are doing.
  • Effectively manage and distribute resources and tasks on a daily basis.
  • Work collaboratively with the tables team to collectively develop strategies to promote team member adherence to company and industry regulations.
  • Co-ordinate with other production line cell leaders, planning, logistics and quality to ensure that orders are tracked, and fulfilled in a timely manner to the quality standard expected.

What will you get?

At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.

 

And the benefits are?

Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

 

Job Reference: THOR-VC-1784

 

This is a rolling campaign, so we will actively interview applicants. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

 

We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old.

*This is a legal requirement, further information is here School leaving age - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 

This role does not currently meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria for obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa we are therefore unable to accept applications that require employer sponsorship in order to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa. 

 

All offers of employment are subject to eligibility to work in the UK.

 

We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.

-Contributed Pension Scheme -Group Life Cover -Private Health Care -Group Income Protection & more.

Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e-mail [email protected].

We are Disability Confident Committed

In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.

Original job Lead Manufacturing Operator - VIS - 1784 posted on GrabJobs ©. To flag any issues with this job please use the Report Job button on GrabJobs.
Share Job
Share Job

Auto-Apply to Lead Manufacturing Operator Jobs with your AI JobCopilot

thunder icon Auto-Apply with AI

Similar Lead Manufacturing Operator Jobs in the UK

GrabJobs is the no1 job portal in the UK, connecting you to thousands of jobs fast! Find the best jobs in the UK, apply in 1 click and get a job today!

Mobile Apps

Copyright © 2026 Grabjobs Pte.Ltd. All Rights Reserved.