Position Details
Job Title: Cell Leader (Shift Manager)
Location: Telford
Employment Status: Permanent, Full-Time
Salary: £39,000 - £41,000 per annum (inclusive of shift allowance)
Shift Pattern: Rotating Shifts – Monday to Friday (07:00–15:00 / 15:00–23:00)
Company Overview
Our client is a leading global automotive manufacturer, recognised for innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. Operating within a fast-paced manufacturing environment, they are committed to developing their people while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, delivery, and performance.
Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced Cell Leader (Shift Manager) to oversee a production department and lead high-performing manufacturing teams.
Position Summary
The Cell Leader (Shift Manager) is responsible for leading and managing a production department, ensuring operational targets for Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People are consistently achieved.
Working closely with Team Leaders and senior management, you will drive operational performance, develop teams, champion continuous improvement, and ensure effective communication across all levels of the business.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & People Management
- Lead, motivate, and develop Team Leaders and production associates.
- Provide coaching, mentoring, and ongoing support to build team capability.
- Lead by example in relation to Health & Safety, operational standards, and company values.
- Manage attendance, performance, disciplinary, grievance, and development processes in line with company procedures.
- Ensure effective communication through daily shift briefings and departmental meetings.
- Manage employee hours using the Time & Attendance system and coordinate additional staffing where required.
Production & Operational Performance
- Oversee daily production activities to ensure operational targets are achieved.
- Prioritise production output and respond effectively to operational issues and equipment downtime.
- Ensure effective handovers between shifts.
- Monitor departmental performance and escalate issues where appropriate.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and Kaizen methodologies.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Promote a positive Health, Safety, and Environmental culture throughout the department.
- Ensure compliance with all company policies, procedures, and legislative requirements.
- Carry out daily safety inspections and regular workplace audits.
- Prepare and review Risk Assessments and Safe Systems of Work (SSoW).
- Investigate accidents and incidents, ensuring corrective actions are implemented.
- Ensure COSHH, manual handling, and environmental requirements are consistently met.
Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Support internal quality system audits and compliance activities.
- Ensure escalation procedures are followed and quality concerns are addressed promptly.
- Drive continuous improvement across production processes.
- Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to improve operational performance and efficiency.
Skills & Experience Required
Essential
- Previous management experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Minimum of 3 years' experience managing people.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong analytical and numerical ability.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
- Strong presentation and communication skills.
- Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing or Kaizen methodologies.
- Proven ability to motivate, engage, and develop teams.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload effectively.
- Good understanding of Health & Safety legislation and risk assessment processes.
- Ability to delegate effectively and manage multiple priorities.
Desirable
- Previous experience within the automotive manufacturing sector.
- Experience managing Team Leaders within a high-volume manufacturing environment.
- Knowledge of continuous improvement tools including TPM, 5S, and SQDCP.
- IOSH or NEBOSH Health & Safety qualification.
- Experience supporting internal or external quality audits.
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary of £39,000 - £41,000 per annum (inclusive of shift allowance).
- Rotating Monday to Friday shift pattern (07:00–15:00 / 15:00–23:00).
- 31 days annual leave (including bank holidays), increasing with length of service.
- Company pension scheme.
- Life Assurance.
- Healthcare plan.
- Ongoing training and development.
- Career progression opportunities within a global automotive manufacturer.
- Supportive and collaborative working environment.
PERM1
Pay: £39,000.00-£41,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Managing People: 3 years (required)
- Microsoft Office: 2 years (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
