Manufacturing Cell Leader - Late Shift

Chemring Countermeasures; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Chemring Countermeasures is seeking a Manufacturing Cell Leader in Salisbury to lead a production area and a team of operators, delivering safe, high-quality products worldwide. You will drive performance, coach staff and champion lean improvements on the shop floor.

Applicants should have previous manufacturing management experience, A-Level education, and be able to work on-site with BPSS security clearance requirements. This role focuses on safety, quality and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a manufacturing team on the shop floor.
• Strong Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement background.
• Excellent communication and people management skills.
• Experience with employee relations and performance matters.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team to meet production targets.
• Ensure health, safety and environmental compliance.
• Deliver production plans and monitor KPIs.
• Coach and train employees for career progression.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean tools and problem-solving.
• Manage attendance, training records and personnel issues per procedures.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality and Planning teams to improve delivery.

Skills

Team leadership

Lean manufacturing

Problem solving

Communication

Safety compliance

Education

A-Level

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Employment Type

Full Time, Permanent

Application Start Date

18-09-2026

Application End Date

02-10-2026

Location

Salisbury

State/County

Wiltshire

SP46AS

Country

United Kingdom

Work Style

On-site

Aerospace and defence

Category

Operations

Position

Assembly/assembly line

Experience

Previous manufacturing management experience

Education

A-Level

Description

Manufacturing Cell Leader

Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire
Department: Operations
Security Clearance: BPSS required within 6 months

Shift Pattern:

Week One: Monday-Friday 14:30-23:15

Week Two: Monday-Thursday 14:30-23:15

Lead. Inspire. Deliver.

Are you a passionate people leader with a background in manufacturing? Do you thrive on driving performance, developing teams, improving processes, and ensuring world-class safety standards?

At Chemring Countermeasures, we're looking for a Manufacturing Cell Leader to take ownership of a production area, lead a team of operators, and play a key role in delivering safe, high-quality products that support our customers around the world.

What you'll be doing

As a Manufacturing Cell Leader, you'll be responsible for leading and developing a team while ensuring production targets, quality standards, and safety expectations are consistently achieved. You'll:

• Lead and motivate a team of production operatives to achieve operational excellence.
• Drive a strong culture of health, safety and environmental compliance.
• Deliver production plans and manage performance against key operational KPIs.
• Coach, mentor and develop employees, supporting training and career progression.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean methodologies and problem-solving techniques.
• Manage performance, attendance, training records and employee issues in line with company procedures.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality and Planning teams to optimise efficiency and delivery.
• Use data, reporting and visual management tools to identify opportunities and drive results.

What we’re looking for

We're interested in engaging leaders who can bring energy, accountability and a solutions-focused mindset to a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

You’ll ideally have:

• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience in manufacturing or production
• Experience of Lean Manufacturing techniques and continuous improvement
• Strong communication and people management skills
• Experience handling employee relations and performance matters
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• A commitment to safety, quality and operational excellence
• The ability to influence, coach and develop others effectively

What makes you stand out?

You’ll be a visible leader who enjoys being on the shop floor, solving problems, supporting your team and driving positive change. You’ll be confident making decisions, challenging the status quo and creating an environment where people can perform at their best.

• Opportunity to lead a skilled manufacturing team
• Structured leadership and technical development programmes
• Exposure to continuous improvement and Lean projects
• A business that places safety, quality and innovation at the heart of everything it does
• The chance to make a real impact in a highly specialised manufacturing environment
• Minimum three years' UK residency
• Right to work in the UK
• Ability to wear full PPE as required within the operational environment

Ready to step up and lead from the front?

If you're an ambitious manufacturing leader looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.

Join us and help drive safety, quality, performance and continuous improvement across our operation.