At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a production cell, ensuring quality and efficiency while supporting your team.
- Company: SolidCor, a fast-growing company focused on fire door safety and compliance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, unlimited holiday, personal development plans, and team socials.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to community safety and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in safety-critical production while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in joinery or production, with a passion for quality and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 30285 - 37015 £ per year.
Production Cell Lead
Department
Factory
Employment Type
Full Time
Location
Chesterfield
Reporting To
- Danielle Barratt
- Description
Solid Cor is on a mission to make volume fire door replacement possible within days — enabling the industry to rapidly achieve compliance and community safety in every building.
Born out of the urgent need for change following the Grenfell disaster, we have built the fastest production times in the industry and the widest range of primary-tested fire door configurations.
We are growing fast and we are looking for A-players to help us get there.
We are passionate about getting things right and obsessed with quality.
Our products are safety-critical — when a fire door fails, the consequences are real.
We are building out our production cells as we scale, and we need strong leads to set the standard within them.
We are looking for a Production Cell Lead to take ownership of a dedicated production cell within our Chesterfield factory — leading a small team of operatives, maintaining output and quality to specification, and acting as the first point of accountability on the floor.
This is a hands‑on leadership role: you will be working alongside your team, setting the pace, and making sure every doorset that leaves your cell is right.
If you are an experienced joiner or production operative who is ready to step up, lead a team, and take real ownership of your area — this is the role for you.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead your production cell — managing a small team of operatives, allocating work, maintaining pace, and holding the team to Solid Cor’s quality and output standards throughout the shift.
- Work hands‑on alongside your team, demonstrating best practice in assembly, machining, or finishing operations and supporting operatives to develop their skills.
- Monitor cell output in real time, identifying and resolving bottlenecks, quality issues, or resource constraints before they impact the wider production programme.
- Carry out quality checks on work produced within the cell, ensuring all products meet specification and are fully compliant before leaving your area.
- Report shift output, quality, and any issues accurately to the Production Shift Manager at handover.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and well‑organised cell at all times — leading by example on H&S standards and ensuring all team members follow safe working practices.
- Support the onboarding and training of new operatives joining your cell.
- Identify opportunities to improve cell efficiency, quality, and ways of working, feeding ideas back to the Shift Manager or Plant Director.
- Act as a positive, visible leader within the factory — contributing to a high performance, team-first culture across the site.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- An A-player mindset — high standards, extreme ownership and the drive to do things properly, the first time.
- Proven experience as a bench joiner, production operative, or similar role within a manufacturing or joinery environment.
- A natural leader — confident directing and motivating a small team while maintaining your own hands‑on contribution.
- Strong quality consciousness — an eye for detail and a genuine commitment to right first-time production.
- Able to read and work accurately from technical drawings, cut lists, and production specifications.
- Good understanding of H&S requirements in a factory environment, with a lead‑by example approach to safe working.
- Reliable, consistent, and self‑motivated — someone who takes pride in the performance of your team and your area.
- Experience in fire door or door set manufacturing (preferable).
- Previous team leadership or supervisory experience (preferable).
- Job Benefits
- competitive salary
- a Personal Development Plan with ongoing training and mentoring
- unlimited holiday
- a bonus scheme paying up to 50% of annual salary
- enhanced maternity and paternity
- lunch, snacks and refreshments on us every day (fresh fruit and Takeaway Friday included)
- a team social budget
- cycle to work
- an auto‑enrolment pension
- two major company events a year
- our Reward and Recognition scheme — including European mini breaks for those who go above and beyond
Solid Cor is an equal opportunity employer.
We consider all applicants for employment regardless of age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief.
We want everyone who works with us to feel valued and to make a difference.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Production Cell Lead in Chesterfield employer: Solidcor
Solidcor in Chesterfield is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where quality and innovation are at the forefront of manufacturing operations. With a commitment to employee well-being, the company provides a competitive salary, unlimited holidays, and a bonus scheme, fostering a culture of growth and collaboration. Join us to be part of a team that values your expertise and encourages proactive problem-solving in a supportive atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Cell Lead in Chesterfield
✨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 Solidcor, 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 Production Cell Lead in Chesterfield
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 Solidcor 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 Solidcor
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Solidcor, 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 Solidcor 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.
