Job Information
West Pharmaceutical Services Senior Toolmaker in Cornwall, United Kingdom
Senior Toolmaker
Requisition ID: 71703
Date: Apr 19, 2026
Location:
Cornwall, CON, GB
Department: Operations
Description:
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Up to £36,000 per year + annual bonus
Benefits: Pension (8% employer contribution), 25 days holiday entitlement (plus 8 public holidays), Life Assurance, paid Sick Leave, employee discount platform + more
Hours: Days - 7.45am – 3.20pm + early Friday finish (36 hour week)
At West, we’re a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life-saving and life-enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West’s indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will yours help write our future?
There’s no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families.
We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts.
Job Summary:
In this role, you will set and operate various Toolmaking activities including various CNC, NC and manual machines in the manufacture, assembly, maintenance and repair of plastic injection & elastomer moulds, press-tools and other tooling components. You will demonstrate and use a proactive mindset in order to actively develop processes to increase automation and utilisation of equipment. Responsible for supporting and contributing to Lean Sigma programs and activities, whilst supporting Technical Leaders and Managers to meet quality, delivery and cost objectives. You would also be expected to Mentor and share best practices with less experienced colleagues. You will comply with the company’s safety, environmental and quality policies at all times.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Set & operate CNC/NC grinders including surface, centerless, cylindrical and jig grinders
Set & operate NC and manual lathes and mills
Set & operate EDM and WEDM machinery
Final assembly activities and processes for new plastic and elastomer injection/compression moulds and press-tools
Problem solving, repair, maintenance and modification of existing tooling
Provide technical support to design & production contractors and site CADCAM & production staff
Comply with all corporate and local site Health & Safety, Environmental and Quality policies, procedures and regulations
Define and comply with appropriate process control plans
Comply with all machine instructions and ensure proper use of equipment and assets
Comply with process work instructions, maintenance and safety schedules
Read, understand & be able to challenge Engineering drawings
Act in accordance with the Company’s Code of Conduct and Guiding Principles
Carry out HSE and Workplace Inspections
Report and resolve any near miss accidents, incidents or HSE irregularities and prevent future occurrences
Ensure that your work area(s) are always kept clean and tidy
Ensure your PPE is used and maintained correctly
Demonstrate and use a proactive mindset in order to actively develop processes to increase automation and utilization of equipment.
Ensure maximum machine efficiency through effective prioritization and use of machine automation
Responsible for supporting and contributing to Lean Sigma programs and activities
Support the business in meeting all quality, delivery and cost objectives
Actively resolve reported issues, problems or irregularities within your area of control and escalate matters where required via the LDMS escalation process
Other duties as assigned
Basic Qualifications:
Required: Formal engineering apprenticeship to NVQ3 level/City and Guilds or equivalent relevant work experience
Desirable: Higher National Certificate in Engineering Discipline
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Required:
Extensive experience in plastic injection mould and press-tool manufacture
Extensive experience in NC & conventional Toolroom machinery
Mills, Lathes, Surface Grinders & Cylindrical Grinders
Extensive experience of use of measuring equipment
Extensive experience of modern cutting tools and techniques
Extensive experience of interpreting Engineering drawings
Experienced and conversant PC user
Desirable:
Experience in elastomer injection/compression moulds
Experience in on-machine programming, setting and operation of CNC Toolroom machinery
Mills, Lathes, Surface Grinders, Cylindrical Grinders, EDM & WEDM
Experience in setting and operation of CNC Jig Grinders
Experienced in offline programming & part verification
Experience in operation of CMMs (Co-Ordinate Measuring Machines)
Familiarity and experience of tool-design (mould & press-tool)
Experience of “Lean Manufacturing” techniques
Travel Requirements:
- There are no regular travel requirements for this role
Physical Requirements:
- Medium – exerting up to 22kg of force occasionally and/or up to 9kg of force frequently, and/or up to 4kg of force constantly to move objects
West embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We foster an environment where all individuals are safe, treated fairly, valued and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Where permitted by law, employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of post-offer background screening and/or drug screening. #LI-AS1