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 healthcare cash plans, pension schemes, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with exciting career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a vibrant workplace producing iconic treats like NOMO chocolate.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing leadership and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 38000 € 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: Friday 29th May 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.
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:
Please apply online via our careers portal: create your account, upload your CV, and answer all requested questions. You will then be contacted by our Talent Acquisition team and, if progressed, enter a two stage interview process at our Kinnerton Confectionery site, including a factory tour and the opportunity to meet the team. 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 employer: Zertus UK & Ireland
Kinnerton Confectionery is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Fakenham where innovation meets tradition. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to leadership training and growth opportunities while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package that includes a healthcare cash plan and pension schemes. Join a diverse team committed to safety and quality, and be part of a company that produces some of the UK's most beloved confectionery products.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cell Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Kinnerton Confectionery. Understand their products, values, and what makes them tick. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about the key responsibilities of a Cell Leader and prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to boost team performance. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your safety smarts! Since safety compliance is crucial in this role, be ready to discuss how you've championed safety in previous positions. Share specific examples of how you've trained teams or implemented safety measures to keep everyone safe and sound.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Cell Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Cell Leader role. Highlight your experience in leading teams and any relevant manufacturing background. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In your application, emphasise your leadership and coaching abilities. Share examples of how you've motivated teams or improved performance in previous roles. This will help us see you as a great fit for our team!
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application, keep your answers clear and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our careers portal! Create your account, upload your CV, and answer all the questions. This is the best way for us to get your application and start the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zertus UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand Kinnerton Confectionery's operations and values. Familiarise yourself with their production processes, especially in a fast-paced environment. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Cell Leader, you'll be supervising a large team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on boosting performance and ensuring safety compliance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Emphasise Safety and Quality
Safety is paramount in this role. Be ready to discuss how you've championed safety in previous positions. Highlight any experience with risk assessments or training others in safety protocols. This will show that you take safety seriously and can maintain high standards.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Ask about the team's current challenges or how success is measured in the role. This not only shows your interest but also gives you valuable insights into what the job entails.