Heat Treatment Operator

I. Purpose of the Role

The Ebner Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and consistent processing of material through the Ebner heat treatment process during permanent night shifts. The role ensures high-quality output through effective furnace operation, product testing, and downstream processing, while adhering to lean manufacturing principles, quality standards, and health & safety requirements.

Working Pattern
• Permanent Nights
• Shift Pattern 4 x night/ 4 off 
• Flexibility required to meet operational demands

II. Roles and Responsibilities

Operational Delivery
• Operate heat treatment (Ebner) furnaces, including loading and unloading, in line with production schedules and safety procedures
• Monitor, control, and adjust heat treatment cycles to ensure compliance with process specifications
• Ensure continuous flow of material in line with production requirements and shift targets

Quality Assurance
• Conduct final product testing, including visual, mechanical, and metallographic inspection
• Identify, segregate, and report non-conforming material in line with company procedures
• Maintain high standards of product quality and ensure right-first-time delivery

Process & Continuous Improvement
• Adhere to Kanban systems and lean manufacturing principles to support efficient workflow and stock control
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, waste reduction, and efficiency gains
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across the department

Material Handling & Processing
• Process materials through oil dipping in accordance with operational and safety standards
• Package finished goods to required specifications, ensuring product protection and traceability

Systems & Reporting
• Accurately record production data, testing results, and material movements within SAP and other systems
• Maintain full traceability of materials and processes

Teamwork & Communication
• Work collaboratively with team members to ensure effective shift performance
• Provide clear and accurate shift handovers, highlighting issues, risks, and priorities
• Escalate any operational, quality, or safety concerns in a timely manner

Health & Safety
• Comply with all health, safety, and environmental standards and procedures
• Operate all equipment safely, including furnaces, FLTs, and overhead cranes
• Actively contribute to a safe working environment, identifying and reporting hazards

III. Skills & Competencies

Essential
• Experience within a manufacturing or industrial environment
• FLT Licence 
• Overhead crane operation experience
• IT literacy, including Microsoft Office
• Strong attention to detail and quality focus
• Ability to work independently and take accountability on night shifts
• Good communication skills

Desirable
• Experience with heat treatment furnaces or heat treatment processes
• Knowledge of mechanical and metallographic testing
• SAP system experience
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles (e.g. Kanban, continuous improvement)

Competencies & Behaviours
• Safety First Mindset – Consistently prioritises safety in all tasks
• Accountability – Takes ownership of responsibilities and delivers to standard
• Attention to Detail – Maintains accuracy in processing, testing, and reporting
• Problem Solving – Uses a logical and methodical approach to resolve issues
• Continuous Improvement – Actively seeks opportunities to improve processes
• Team Collaboration – Works effectively with others to achieve shared goals