Heat Treatment Operative Forge/Foundry

At Sheffield Forgemasters we have an exciting opportunity for a Heat Treatment Operative to join our team.

Based at our 64-acre site in the heart of Sheffield, this role works across both our Forge and Foundry Heat Treatment departments, supporting the manufacture of some of the world's largest and most technically demanding castings and forgings.

Our Forge department uses comprehensive techniques to create hollow, solid and near-net shape forgings, operating two open-die forging presses of 4,500 and 10,000 tonnes respectively. The department also incorporates large gas-fired furnaces and quenching facilities capable of processing components weighing up to 300 tonnes.

Our Foundry produces castings up to 15 metres in length, 8.5 metres in diameter and 350 tonnes in weight. Supported by state-of-the-art inspection facilities and specialist NDT capabilities, the Foundry delivers products for critical applications across a range of industries.

As a Heat Treatment Operative, you will play a key role in the safe loading, unloading and processing of castings, forgings and test materials. You will ensure heat treatment operations are completed in accordance with customer specifications, quality requirements and company procedures while maintaining the highest standards of safety and housekeeping.

What you'll be doing:

• Loading and unloading castings, forgings and test materials using overhead cranes. 
• Preparing and loading furnace bogies, quench trays and support equipment.
• Monitoring furnace operations and reporting faults or alarms.
• Recording process and quench data accurately. 
• Attaching and managing thermocouples for heat treatment cycles. 
• Maintaining high standards of housekeeping, quality and safety. 
• Supporting foundry activities, including packing, painting and stencilling castings. 

About You: 

• Experience in a heavy engineering, foundry, forge or manufacturing environment.
• Ideally you will have experience of slinging, lifting and overhead crane operations.
• You will have good basic IT skills and excellent communication skills. 
• Reliable, flexible and willing to work shifts, including weekends. 
• Keen to learn and develop new skills. 

As well as having the skills, knowledge and experience for this role, we're looking for someone who embodies our core values of Customer Focus, Working Together, Trust & Respect, Quality & Innovation and Safety & Wellbeing.

The Working Pattern

A mixture of 12h days and night shifts on a 42h p/w basis which will include some weekend work. 

Why Sheffield Forgemasters?

Sheffield Forgemasters is an iconic steel production and engineering company, with a history that can be traced back to the 1750s, starting life as a small blacksmith forge. We have since gone through many evolutions and gone by several different names and guises, whilst consistently being at the forefront of innovation and new process development in the steel industry.

Recognising Sheffield Forgemasters as a global leader in the designing, manufacturing and delivering of world-class steel forgings and castings, we were acquired by the UK Ministry of Defence in 2021. The acquisition has secured our role as a critical supplier to the next generation of UK defence programmes. As part of this programme of work, £1.3bn is being invested in modernising our plant and equipment, creating new opportunities for the business and our colleagues.

What We Offer

• Stability, with large-scale & long-term investment and orders already secured into the 2040s. 
• A programme of redevelopment that will include state-of-the-art new machinery and facilities on site.
• Up to 9% employer pension contribution.
• Life Assurance Scheme as part of the pension programme, 4 x annual salary.
• All Employee Bonus Scheme, up to £1000 paid annually, dependent on company performance.
• Onsite canteen.
• Free onsite parking and available EV chargers.
• Multi-Faith Room.
• Long service award scheme.
• Free Sheffield Forgemasters branded coat upon joining, with other branded workwear available to purchase online.
• You at Work – Access to online discounts portal.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Discounted Westfield Health Plan Scheme.
• Onsite Occupational Health Team, providing health screening and wellbeing initiatives and support, including but not limited to:
  • Availability to confidentially discuss any physical or mental health concerns.
  • Referrals and access to Physiotherapy sessions, when required.
  • Ear irrigation.
  • Flu Vaccinations.
  • Blood Pressure management clinics.
  • Weight management clinics.
  • Occupational Health checks in line with health promotion and wellbeing events. e.g. Cholesterol, Blood sugar, Icle tests, etc.
  • Health promotion campaigns, utilising outside companies / charities, such as Andy’s Man Club.
  • Access to Zest Fit – Lifestyle Coach.
  • Skills for life sessions offered to all, including CPR, managing bleeds, burns etc.
  • Financial Wellbeing Sessions – Pension providers coming on site to talk to colleagues and offering advice.
  • Chaplain Service.

• Support for ex-military and reservists in employment as a bronze accredited participant in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.  

Equality and Diversity

Our people are at the heart of everything we do at Sheffield Forgemasters. It’s vital that our workforce reflects the diversity of both our local catchment area and the wider society in the UK, so we’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and we actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds and communities.

Flexible Working

We recognise the importance of work-life balance and are open to discussing flexible working arrangements that align with our policies. Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office-based and remote working.  Applicants can request further information regarding the policy and how this may work in their role, from our People & Culture Team and / or the line manager for the applicable role.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. People working with government / MOD assets must complete Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks.

Nationality limitations

Please be aware that many roles at Sheffield Forgemasters are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 - 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

For additional information or if you would like to discuss working for Sheffield Forgemasters or a specific role in more detail, please email Recruitment@sfel.com .