Technical Operative

Are you a passionate and skilled machine operator who would like to contribute to the production of market-leading performance support for strength sports and powerlifting? If so, we would like to hear from you. At SBD Apparel, we are proud to champion British manufacturing - designing, engineering, and producing our products in our state-of-the-art facility in Sheffield. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in crafting equipment used by world-class strength athletes on global stages, and to be part of a team that upholds the highest standards of precision, quality, and innovation.

The Opportunity

To support our ambitions at SBD, you will be responsible for the foundational production stages of our world-class belts. You will be managing the physical transformation of raw leather, suede, and sole materials into high-performance equipment. Working with state of the art CNC machinery, precision splitting equipment and industrial bonding systems, you will ensure every belt blank meets the exact tolerances required by elite athletes globally.

You will be a vital part of a collaborative production pod, where teamwork is the priority. Our technicians work fluidly across multiple operations, whether it's cutting, splitting, or bonding, to support one another and ensure the line moves efficiently. We are looking for someone who takes pride in their individual craft but is equally driven to help their teammates succeed to hit our collective production goals.

Role and Responsibilities

• Operate CNC machinery to cut initial component blanks from raw leather, sole, and suede layers.
• Understand how different materials behave during the process and require different cutting parameters and depths.
• Process cut blanks through a splitting machine to reduce the leather or hide thickness to exact millimetre tolerances for the relevant belt specifications.
• Run the bonded blanks through a second CNC operation to extract the final, finished individual belts.
• Operate bonding and glue-spray machinery to accurately align and fuse the layers of material together.
• Move flexibly across the different stations (cutting, splitting, bonding) to support teammates and ensure a smooth flow of work through the pod.
• Maintain specifications and conformity by observing operations; taking measurements; detecting malfunctions; troubleshooting processes; adjusting and reprogramming controls; adhering to quality assurance procedures and processes.
• Perform essential upkeep on equipment, including regular cleaning, blade changes, filter replacements, and sectional bed maintenance.
• Monitor the condition of cutting tools and equipment, sharpening or replacing worn components to maintain precision.
• Maintain a safe working environment by strictly adhering to safety procedures, regulations, and PPE requirements.
• Complete production logs and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure full material traceability within the Quality Management System.
• Manage daily output to meet production targets, ensuring a consistent flow of work so that deadlines are met without compromising on quality.

The Skills Essential

• A high level of attention to detail with the ability to identify natural defects in leather or slight variations in thickness that could affect the integrity and finish of the final product
• Comfortable using digital interfaces and touch-screen controls to navigate machine software and input production data
• Strong hand-eye coordination for the precise alignment and bonding of multiple material layers
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a synchronised production pod
• Self-motivated with the ability to follow production schedules and hit deadlines consistently
• A flexible approach to changing production demands and a commitment to continuous improvement, both in your own skill set and in finding smarter, more efficient ways for the team to work

Desirable

• Prior experience operating CNC machinery or similar industrial equipment is a distinct advantage, though full training on our specific processes will be provided
• Previous experience in leatherwork, footwear, or heavy-duty textile manufacturing

Benefits

• New SBD Headquarters - Join us in our state-of-the-art building. A dynamic space designed for innovation, collaboration and sustainable growth
• Complimentary Breakfast and Lunch - Enjoy a delicious selection of food served fresh daily so you can save time & money and focus on your best work
• Casual Dress Code - Allowing you to work comfortably and be yourself!
• Free Onsite Parking - Priority spaces go to those who car share too
• Performance Related Bonus - Directly linking the success of SBD to your earnings
• 33 Days' Holiday including Bank Holidays - Providing flexibility for your personal life and well - deserved breaks
• Employee Assistance Programme - Your wellbeing matters to us, so our EAP provides a wealth of resources and professional support for any of life's challenges
• 40% Staff Discount - Letting you experience our quality firsthand for less
• Strength Sports Event Tickets - Help us to celebrate the power and dedication we admire across the disciplines, live!
• Employee Referral Scheme - Get rewarded handsomely through our generous employee referral scheme when you help us find more great talent
• Early finish on a Friday - this role finishes at 1pm on a Friday

Salary: £27,144 per annum

Hours: 40 hours per week (Monday - Thursday 7am - 4pm, Friday 7am - 1pm)

Location: Unit 2b Lanchester Way, Advanced Manufacturing Park, Waverley, S60 5FX

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our people, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. We are also dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of their background, beliefs, or any other protected characteristic.