Job description:
MELTING, FOUNDRY, PROCESS & CORESHOP OPERATIVES – IRON FOUNDRY
William Lee Ltd, Dronfield
William Lee Ltd, a long‑established and continually growing iron foundry in Dronfield, is seeking reliable, hardworking Operatives to join our expanding teams across Melting, Foundry, Process, and Coreshop operations. These roles are ideal for individuals who enjoy hands‑on, physical work and are looking to build a long‑term career in heavy industry.
Shift Patterns Available
- Regular night shift
- Regular day shift
- Days & nights rotation
- 4 on 4 off days (Process Operatives)
- 12‑hour shifts
Pay
- £13.48 to £13.97 per hour + shift allowance
- Overtime available and expected
About the Roles
You will play a vital role in the safe, efficient production of high‑quality iron castings used across a wide range of industries.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Operating a range of foundry machinery and equipment, including furnaces, moulding systems, grinding machines, and core‑making equipment
- Preparing and loading raw materials, moulds, and cores to support smooth production flow
- Monitoring process conditions such as temperatures, melt quality, machine performance, and product conformity
- Carrying out pouring, solidification monitoring, fettling, grinding, gauging, and removal of excess material from castings
- Producing and assembling sand cores, preparing tooling, and ensuring components meet dimensional and visual standards
- Performing visual and dimensional inspections to maintain high quality levels
- Recording production and quality data accurately and reporting issues promptly
- Maintaining a clean, tidy, and safe working environment, including machine housekeeping
- Handling, storing, and transporting materials, castings, and cores safely
- Supporting continuous improvement and working collaboratively to meet production and quality targets
What We’re Looking For
- Experience in a foundry, metals, or heavy manufacturing environment (preferred but not essential)
- Strong awareness of health & safety
- Ability to work in hot, noisy, and physically demanding conditions
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Willingness to learn and follow established processes
- Dependable, proactive attitude
Benefits
- Company pension scheme and life assurance
- 25 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays
- Free on‑site car parking
- Monthly production bonus
- Corporate Westfield Health Care plan
Additional Information
Full training will be provided for all roles, along with all necessary PPE. These are physically demanding positions and require passing a medical assessment. Ideal for candidates based in Chesterfield, Sheffield, Dronfield, and surrounding areas.
If you have experience with furnaces, molten metal, process operations, core‑making, or transferable skills from heavy industry, we’d like to hear from you.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £13.48 per hour
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Dronfield, Derbyshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
