Career & Apprenticeships

Vacancy – Purchasing Administrator

Salary: Competitive, depending on experience Terms: Permanent / Full Time

Hours: 38 hours per week Location: Newtown, Powys Reporting to: Senior Buyer

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About Us

Makefast is a leading UK engineering and manufacturing company, supplying innovative products to the luxury marine and safety industries. With over 100 employees across three sites in Mid Wales, we are committed to quality, innovation and investing in our people.

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About the Role

We’re looking for an organised and proactive Purchasing Administrator to support the day-to-day purchasing function, working closely with the Senior Buyer and internal departments to ensure materials, components and services are ordered and available in line with production requirements.

The role will also support the accuracy and maintenance of purchasing, stock and product data within our ERP/MRP systems. As the role develops, there will be an increased focus on supporting Production Manufacturing with purchasing activities and manufacturing data.

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Key Responsibilities

Purchasing Administration

· Support the Senior Buyer with day-to-day purchasing administration.

· Process purchase orders and purchasing actions within the ERP/MRP system.

· Issue purchase orders to suppliers and maintain accurate purchasing records.

· Monitor outstanding orders and follow up with suppliers regarding delivery dates.

· Maintain supplier lead times, pricing and other relevant purchasing information.

· Obtain quotations from existing suppliers when required.

· Support the setup and maintenance of purchased parts and supplier records.

Supplier & Order Support

· Liaise with suppliers regarding purchase orders, deliveries and routine queries.

· Monitor delivery dates and communicate potential delays or supply issues.

· Assist with expediting orders to support production requirements.

· Liaise with Stores, Planning and Production regarding stock availability and purchasing queries.

· Escalate significant supplier, pricing or delivery issues to the Senior Buyer.

ERP/MRP & Data Administration

· Maintain accurate purchasing, supplier, stock and product information within company systems.

· Check and validate information before system updates.

· Support the maintenance of purchased-part parameters, lead times and pricing.

· Assist with part information and manufacturing data updates as experience develops.

· Produce reports, spreadsheets and purchasing information as required.

· Identify and investigate data discrepancies and support corrective updates.

Production & Manufacturing Support

· Work closely with Production Manufacturing, Planning, Stores and other departments to support purchasing and material requirements.

· Develop an understanding of manufacturing processes, materials and components.

· Support the accuracy and maintenance of manufacturing information within the ERP/MRP system.

· Assist with system data updates affecting purchasing, stock, planning or production.

· Contribute to improvements in purchasing, data and administrative processes.

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Candidate Requirements

Education / Qualifications

· Good standard of general education, including Maths and English.

· Business Administration, Purchasing, Supply Chain or similar qualification (Desirable).

Knowledge / Skills / Experience

· Strong administrative and organisational skills.

· High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

· Confident using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Outlook and Word.

· Ability to organise and prioritise workload effectively.

· Good written and verbal communication skills.

· Comfortable working with numerical and system-based information.

· Ability to identify discrepancies and solve routine problems.

· Experience using ERP/MRP systems, particularly Epicor (Desirable).

· Experience within purchasing, procurement or supply chain administration (Desirable).

· Experience within an engineering or manufacturing environment (Desirable).

· Understanding of Bills of Materials, stock systems or product data (Desirable).

Behaviours / Competencies

· Reliable, organised and methodical.

· Proactive and willing to learn.

· Strong attention to detail.

· Good communication and teamwork skills.

· Able to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

· Works effectively independently and as part of a team.

· Flexible and adaptable to changing business requirements.

· Takes ownership of maintaining accurate information.

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What We Offer

· Competitive salary.

· Company sick pay after 2 years’ service.

· 30 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays) in your first year, increasing with length of service.

· Flexitime (where applicable).

· Employee Assistance Programme.

· Healthcare Scheme.

· Company Pension Scheme.

· Bike to Work Scheme.

· Training and development opportunities.

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How to Apply

If you have the relevant skills and experience and are interested in joining Makefast, please send your CV and a covering letter to HR@makefast.com.

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Makefast is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Vacancy – CNC Setter/Operator

Programming experience desirable – internal training provided

Salary: Competitive, depending on experience Terms: Permanent / Full Time

Hours: 38 hours per week Location: Newtown, Powys Reporting to: Manufacturing Manager

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About Us

Makefast is a leading UK engineering and manufacturing company, supplying innovative products to the luxury marine and safety industries. With over 100 employees across three sites in Mid Wales, we are committed to quality, innovation and investing in our people.

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About the Role

We’re looking for an experienced CNC Setter/Operator to join our Manufacturing team, setting and operating CNC turning equipment to produce high-quality components in accordance with engineering drawings and specifications.

You’ll maintain high standards of quality, safety and efficiency while helping to reduce setup times, scrap and machine downtime.

Programming experience is desirable but not essential. Internal training and support will be provided

Our CNC equipment includes Mazak QTS/SQT 250, Mazak QT-10, Star 32JII Swiss-type CNC and Doosan Puma TT1800SY machines.

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Key Responsibilities

CNC Setting & Operation

· Set up and operate CNC lathes and CNC turning centres.

· Set and adjust tooling, workholding, offsets, speeds, feeds and cutting parameters.

· Load and verify existing CNC programs, making controlled edits within your competence and seeking programming support where required.

· Operate bar feeders, sub-spindles, live/driven tooling and twin-spindle equipment where applicable.

· Monitor machine cycles and maintain efficient production rates.

· Change tools and adjust offsets to maintain product quality and dimensional accuracy.

Quality & Inspection

· Read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications and production instructions.

· Produce components to required dimensional and surface-finish standards.

· Complete first-off inspections and in-process quality checks.

· Use precision measuring equipment including micrometres, verniers, bore gauges, height gauges and thread gauges.

· Accurately complete production records, inspection documentation and job paperwork.

· Identify and report quality issues promptly.

Machine & Process Support

· Identify and resolve common machining issues including tool wear, chatter, dimensional variation and swarf control.

· Maintain machine cleanliness and carry out routine operator-level maintenance.

· Report machine faults, tooling problems and production delays promptly.

· Support continuous improvement activities to reduce setup times, scrap and machine downtime.

· Contribute to improvements in machining methods, productivity and manufacturing processes.

Health, Safety & Compliance

· Work safely at all times in accordance with company Health & Safety procedures.

· Correctly use required PPE and operate machinery in accordance with safe working practices.

· Maintain a clean, organised and safe working environment.

· Follow company quality, housekeeping and environmental procedures.

· Report hazards, defects and unsafe conditions promptly.

CNC Programming – Desirable

· Contribute to creating, modifying and optimising CNC programs using G-code, Mazatrol or offline CAD/CAM.

· Experience with Swiss-type or multi-channel programming is welcomed, including synchronisation, hand-offs, main-to-sub spindle transfers and back-working.

· Knowledge of post-processors, simulation and collision verification would be an advantage. Internal training and support will be provided as your programming responsibilities develop.

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Candidate Requirements

Education / Qualifications

· City & Guilds, NVQ, BTEC, Engineering Apprenticeship or equivalent qualification in CNC Machining or Engineering (Desirable).

Knowledge / Skills / Experience

· Previous experience setting and operating CNC turning machines.

· Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and tolerances.

· Competent in the use of precision measuring and inspection equipment.

· Good understanding of cutting tools, workholding, tool selection and machining parameters.

· Ability to identify and resolve common machining problems.

· Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.

· Experience with Mazak CNC equipment (Desirable).

· Experience with Swiss-type CNC machinery (Desirable).

· Experience with Y-axis, sub-spindle, driven tooling or twin-spindle turning centres (Desirable).

· Experience with Doosan Puma or similar CNC turning equipment (Desirable).

· Experience with Fanuc or other CNC control systems (Desirable).

· Experience machining stainless steel, aluminium, brass, plastics or other engineering materials (Desirable).

· Experience working within ISO 9001 or similar quality systems (Desirable).

· Experience creating, modifying or optimising CNC programs using G-code, Mazatrol or offline CAD/CAM (Desirable)

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Behaviours / Competencies

· Reliable, punctual and accountable.

· Practical and mechanically minded.

· Methodical with strong attention to detail.

· Quality-focused with pride in producing accurate work.

· Able to work to production requirements without compromising standards.

· Positive and proactive approach to problem solving.

· Works effectively independently and as part of a team.

· Willing to develop CNC programming skills through internal training and learn new machines, processes and manufacturing techniques.

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What We Offer

· Competitive salary.

· Company sick pay after 2 years’ service.

· 30 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays) in your first year, increasing with length of service.

· Flexitime (where applicable).

· Employee Assistance Programme.

· Healthcare Scheme.

· Company Pension Scheme.

· Bike to Work Scheme.

· Training and development opportunities.

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How to Apply

If you have the relevant skills and experience and are interested in joining Makefast, please send your CV and a covering letter to HR@makefast.com.

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Makefast is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Makefast Group work with a number of colleges and universities each year to offer apprenticeships for students.

An apprenticeship is a great way to get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time, many of our apprentices go on to build a rewarding career with Makefast.

As well as working with academic institutions we have also partnered with Myrick Training Services who offer a range of engineering and management apprenticeships. With funding support from the Welsh government opportunities are available from Intermediate Level 2, Advanced Level 3, to Higher Apprenticeships at levels 4&5.

What roles do we offer?

Makefast Group encourage apprenticeships throughout the company and, whilst engineering and design are at the heart of what we do, we can also accommodate apprentices in welding, toolmaking, planning, moulding, stores, finance, sales, IT and more. If you are interested in working for Makefast but unsure if we offer your preferred vocation, please contact us!

What’s in it for you?

Makefast will support you during and after your studies and give you the opportunity to earn whilst you learn. From foundation Level to a master’s degree.

Makefast always aim to pay a fair rate, above the national minimum wage, with periodical reviews and rewards for your efforts.

Why choose Makefast Group?

Makefast Group are a growing company delivering to over 64 countries and with offices in the UK, Italy and the USA. We operate in the luxury marine and safety hardware industries and our products can be seen on anything from life jackets, personal protection equipment and clothing to multi-million pound yachts.

It is a fast-paced exciting company with opportunities to grow and the potential for travel.