General Operative - Paint - Temporary

Lotus Cars; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay via agency

Temporary contract (week-by-week)

Immediate start

Overtime available at enhanced rates

Job summary

Group Lotus is seeking General Operatives – Paint to join a fast-paced manufacturing environment in the UK. You will support paint preparation, finishing, and inspection of components to meet strict cosmetic standards.

This temporary, week-by-week role offers an immediate start with weekly pay via agency and a £12.71/hour base rate, with overtime opportunities. You will work as part of a safety‑driven team at our Hethel facility.

Qualifications

• Eye for detail and quality control in paint operations.
• Good manual dexterity for precise work.
• Clear communication within team and adherence to SOPs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare components and panels for paint, including cleaning, masking, and surface preparation.
• Support paint application processes, including priming and finishing where trained.
• Inspect painted components for defects and ensure high-quality standards.

Skills

Attention to detail

Manual dexterity

Communication skills

English language

Education

NVQ/C&G in Automotive Paint or similar

Job description

Immediate Start Opportunity – General Operative (Paint)

We are currently recruiting General Operatives – Paint to support high-quality paint preparation and finishing activities within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals with an eye for detail who are looking to start immediately and gain hands‑on experience in automotive paint operations.

These roles are offered on a temporary, week-by-week basis, with potential to support wider production areas depending on business needs.

Summary

As a General Operative, you will support the preparation, finishing, and inspection of components to ensure they meet required quality and cosmetic standards. Working as part of a team, you will contribute to a safe, efficient, and high-performing paint operation.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare components and panels for paint, including cleaning, masking, and surface preparation
• Support paint application processes (where trained), including priming and finishing
• Inspect painted components for defects, ensuring high-quality standards are met
• Carry out rectification or rework activities as required
• Follow all paint shop processes, standards, and safety procedures
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of work areas, tools, and equipment
• Report defects, material shortages, or process issues to team leaders
• Work to daily production targets while maintaining quality and consistency
• Demonstrate flexibility to support other production areas if required

What You’ll Bring

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to follow written instructions and standard operating procedures
• Good manual dexterity and hand–eye coordination
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, target-driven environment
• Reliable, proactive, and team-oriented attitude
• Good communication skills
• Physical capability to stand for long periods and perform manual tasks
• Ability to understand and communicate in English

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience in paint, prep, finishing, or automotive/manufacturing environments
• Knowledge of paint processes, surface preparation, or defect identification
• Experience using hand tools or working with technical processes
• Relevant qualifications (e.g. NVQ/C&G in Automotive Paint or similar)

Additional Information

• Pay: From £12.71 per hour (overtime available at enhanced rates)
• Payment: Weekly via agency
• Contract: Temporary (week-by-week)
• Duration: on-going
• Start Date: Immediate
• Eligibility: Must have the right to work in the UK (no sponsorship available)

About Us

Group Lotus is a world‑renowned sports car manufacturer with over 75 years of innovation, engineering excellence, and racing heritage. As we transition towards an electric future, with models such as the Eletre and Emeya, we continue to push boundaries in performance and design.

Based in Hethel, Norfolk, alongside our wider UK facilities, we offer exciting opportunities to be part of a forward‑thinking and pioneering team.

At Lotus, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our culture—we are proud to bring together talent from all backgrounds.