At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in a fast-paced production environment and boost performance.
- Company: Join Kinnerton Confectionery, a leader in innovative confectionery production.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, healthcare cash plan, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth in a vibrant and diverse workplace.
- Why this job: Make an impact by leading a motivated team and ensuring product quality.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing leadership and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Kinnerton Confectionery are seeking a Cell Leader where you will coordinate your shifts day to day activities, including boosting team performance, ensuring strict safety compliance, and guiding your team’s development in a fast-moving production environment.
Position type: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: 40.25
Shift Pattern: Monday - Sunday, 4 on 4 off, 18:00 - 06:00
Pay range: £38,000
Breaks: 30 minutes paid and 30 minutes unpaid
Key Benefits: Healthcare cash plan via paycare (Dental, Optical, Chiropody, Professional Therapy, Counselling) with a value over £400 each year.
Closing date: 09/10/2026
Responsibilities:
- Reporting to the Area Shift Manager to supervise teams of 70-80 Team Leaders, Process Operatives, Mixers and Production Operatives.
- Develop your team through training plans, performance reviews, and effective absence management.
- Oversee and supervise multiple production lines, ensuring products meet agreed specifications and performance targets.
- Champion a Safety First culture by completing risk assessments and ensuring your team is trained and competent.
- Maintain high standards of food safety and quality by following SOPs and GMP.
- Monitor KPIs and take proactive steps to keep production on track.
- Support your Shift Manager in achieving business objectives, continuous improvement initiatives and deputise when needed.
- Act as a cover manager in the Shift Managers absence.
Success in this role means meeting production targets, maintaining safety standards, and leading a motivated team.
Qualifications:
- Experience in leading or supervising in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong communication skills to engage and lead a team effectively.
- Experience in coaching or training others to support development.
- Solid literacy and numeracy skills for accurate documentation and reporting.
- Ability to stay calm under pressure and keep production on track to meet deadlines.
- Confidence in motivating and managing a team to drive performance.
(If you have relevant experience and leadership skills, we’d love to hear from you.)
Rewards Benefits:
- Opportunities to develop leadership skills and progress within a growing business.
- 4% employer and 5 % employee pension plan.
- Life assurance plan x4 basic salary.
- Various salary sacrifice schemes including pension payments, cycle to work and electric car (subject to meeting minimum criteria).
- Healthcare cash plan via paycare (Dental, Optical, Chiropody, Professional Therapy, Counselling) with a value over £400 each year.
About Us:
Our Fakenham site operates across three key production areas - Novelty, Nut, and Moulding, each led by a Plant Manager and supported by dedicated Shift Managers working on a 4 on 4 off pattern across days and nights. The Fakenham site is a 11,000m² facility producing over 8,500 tonnes of confectionery annually, including NOMO – the UK’s #1 free‑from chocolate brand. With advanced technology and a nut‑safe promise, we supply major retailers and co‑manufacture for some of the world’s biggest confectionery brands. Every year, we produce over 5 million advent calendars and 30 million Easter eggs – making this a fast‑paced, innovative environment where no two days are the same.
Application & Interview Process:
Kinnerton Confectionery is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Please let us know if you require any special arrangements or adjustments to be made for your interview by speaking with the Talent Acquisition team at application stage.
Cell Leader in Fakenham employer: Kinnerton Confectionery
Kinnerton Confectionery is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Fakenham. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to food safety, we provide our engineers with opportunities for growth and skill enhancement while enjoying a competitive salary and a balanced work-life schedule on a 4-on-4-off rota. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to producing high-quality confectionery products in a supportive and innovative atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cell Leader in Fakenham
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Kinnerton Confectionery, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Cell Leader in Fakenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Kinnerton Confectionery specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kinnerton Confectionery
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Kinnerton Confectionery, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Kinnerton Confectionery value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.