Dean Turner

Experienced Technical Operator with almost 30 years of manufacturing and engineering experience across food production, furniture manufacturing, and hardware engineering. Skilled in operating and programming production machinery, maintaining high quality standards, and ensuring compliance with health, safety, and hygiene regulations. A reliable and adaptable team member with excellent problem-solving abilities, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Committed to maintaining high production standards, improving efficiency, and delivering quality products.

Technical Operator at Nestlé UK (2010-01 – Present)

Responsible for operating high-speed production lines manufacturing Quality Street, Matchmakers and After Eight products while ensuring production targets, quality standards and food safety requirements were consistently achieved.

• Operated and monitored automated production machinery.
• Carried out hourly production and quality checks to ensure products met company standards.
• Performed weight, appearance and packaging quality inspections.
• Verified product date coding and best-before dates for accuracy.
• Maintained accurate stock levels and production records.
• Supported engineers with planned weekly maintenance activities.
• Diagnosed production issues and carried out initial fault finding to minimise downtime.
• Ensured Health & Safety procedures and food hygiene legislation were followed at all times.
• Maintained a clean, safe and organised working environment.
• Worked closely with colleagues to maximise production efficiency and minimise waste.
• Consistently maintained high quality standards while working within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Developed strong technical and troubleshooting skills through supporting production reliability and continuous operation.

Technical Operator at Ellis Furniture (2006-01 – 2010-01)

Responsible for operating and programming CNC machinery within the manufacture of kitchen and bathroom furniture.

• Programmed and operated CNC machinery.
• Managed production from initial setup through to completed manufacturing runs.
• Created and modified programmes for bespoke and special customer orders.
• Ensured products met quality specifications.
• Maintained safe working practices and complied with Health & Safety regulations.
• Maintained a clean and efficient production environment.

Technical Service Engineer at Avocet Hardware (2004-01 – 2006-01)

Provided technical support and engineering services for window and door hardware products throughout the UK.

• Repaired and refurbished locking mechanisms for customers across the UK.
• Diagnosed faults and completed repairs to a high standard.
• Demonstrated products to customers, businesses and at industry trade exhibitions.
• Provided technical advice and product knowledge to customers.
• Built strong working relationships through excellent customer service.

Technical Operator at Ellis Furniture (1997-01 – 2004-01)

Worked within the manufacture of kitchen and bathroom furniture operating and programming CNC machinery.

• Operated and programmed CNC machinery.
• Managed end-to-end production runs.
• Produced bespoke customer orders.
• Maintained high quality standards.
• Followed Health & Safety procedures.
• Ensured machinery and work areas were kept clean and well maintained.