Production Operator

Location: Reading, RG30 1DZ
Type: Initially 6 month contract
Working hours: 4 days on and 4 days off shift pattern
Salary: £26,000 per annum

About BigSis
BigSis is a fast-growing UK start-up that provides chemical-free insect control to farmers. Central to the BigSis business model is its innovative approach of automated individualised insect rearing and processing, which ensures that it can scale output reliably by replication. The company has two sites in Reading and employs over 30 staff. BigSis was named by Bloomberg UK as one of 25 ‘startups to watch’ in October 2023 and has a Glassdoor rating of 5 out of 5.

We look to attract candidates who can demonstrate behaviours in sync with our company values:

1. Spirit – Having innovation, team and fighting spirit!
2. Fluid – Working in a flexible way and being open to change
3. Trustworthy – Includes honesty, integrity, respect and being approachable
4. Growth mindset – Learn and grow & embrace challenges
5. Succeeding together – Collaborate and celebrate success together

Purpose and responsibilities
The Production Operator will join a small but fast-growing team and make an important contribution in facilitating rearing of sterile insects with BigSis automated production system, from ensuring smooth operation of the production system and delivering on the production KPI and targets. In the New Year, we will be moving to a 11am-11pm and 11pm-11am shift pattern.

Qualifications and experience

Essential experience

1. Prior experience of working in a fast paced automated production environment
2. Ability to control the production equipment through computer controlled interfaces and also manual controls
3. Attention to detail and nimbleness to handle light weight and small objects
4. Comfortable working with live flies

Desirable experience

1. Previous work experience in an environment with hygiene and/or regulatory requirements, such as the food, cosmetics or medical sectors
2. Able to create work instructions and document the automation process
3. Experience of automated production line control and maintenance
4. Experience in a startup environment

Personal attributes
To thrive in the unstructured and fast-changing environment of a start-up, important personal qualities are:

1. Energy, ambition and commitment to ensure the job gets done;
2. Honesty, integrity and openness to ensure we build a great company culture;
3. Flexibility to changes in priorities and adaptability to new ideas.
4. Problem solving and communication skills

You need to be comfortable working with live insects, including spending time in the hot and humid insect storage/growth area. Insects and their growth cells are very small, so you need good fine work skills.

Given the time pressures of a start-up, the chosen person must be flexible, able to prioritise tasks to deliver on time solutions.

You may have experience in the following: Production Operator, Machine Operator, Process Technician, Assembly Line Worker, Manufacturing Operative, Production Assistant, Automated Systems Operative, Quality Control Operative, Food Production Operative, Packaging Operator, Production Technician, Factory Operative, Assembly Technician, Process Operative, Equipment Operator, Warehouse Operative, Sterile Production Technician, Line Operative, Materials Handler, Operations Technician, etc.

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