Trim Operative

Lotus Cars; Hethel; Remote; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Lotus Cars is seeking a General Operator to join the Manufacturing – Trim team at Hethel. The role focuses on preparation, trimming, finishing and assembly of vehicle interior components in a hands-on environment.

You’ll work as part of a team to meet daily production targets while upholding Lotus quality and safety standards. Prior trimming or related manufacturing experience is desirable, with training provided as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing or production environment.
• Experience working with leather, fabric or other trim materials.
• Basic trimming, sewing, upholstery or similar practical skills.
• Good hand-eye coordination and attention to detail.
• Basic mechanical skills and confidence using hand and power tools.
• Ability to read and follow written instructions and standard work processes.
• Ability to work to defined production times and quality standards.
• Reliable, flexible and self-motivated approach.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, measure, mark and cut trim materials using patterns and templates.
• Operate sewing machines to join trim materials and perform stitching.
• Support embroidery processes for logos and branding.
• Remove and replace existing trim for retrimming.
• Apply adhesives to materials and components.
• Position, stretch and bond materials onto components.
• Trim and finish materials and ensure seams are correct.
• Assemble and fit completed trim components.
• Inspect finished work for defects and quality.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Reading instructions

Quality awareness

Education

Vehicle trimming qualification (City & Guilds/NVQ)

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

General Operator - Trim

Department: Manufacturing – Trim
Hours: 38 hours per week
Employment: Agency

The Role

We are looking for General Operators to join our Manufacturing team.

You will support the preparation, trimming, finishing and assembly of vehicle interior components. This is a hands‑on manufacturing role where quality, attention to detail and craftsmanship are essential.

You will work as part of a team to meet daily production targets while ensuring that every component is completed to the required Lotus quality and safety standards.

What You'll Do

Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing, measuring, marking and cutting leather, fabric, vinyl, foam and other trim materials using patterns and templates.

• Operating industrial sewing machines to join trim materials, including decorative and functional stitching.

• Supporting embroidery processes for logos, branding and decorative features.

• Removing and replacing existing leather, fabric and trim materials in preparation for retrimming.

• Applying adhesives correctly and accurately to materials and components.

• Positioning, stretching, wrapping and bonding leather, fabric, foam and other materials onto components.

• Trimming and finishing materials, including forming corners and edges and ensuring seams and joins are correctly positioned.

• Assembling and fitting completed trim components.

• Inspecting finished work for wrinkles, creases, stitching defects, adhesive marks, alignment issues and other cosmetic defects.

• Carrying out controlled rework and repairs where required.

• Following documented manufacturing processes and completing tasks within allocated production times.

• Handling materials, tools and equipment with care.

• Communicating any quality, material or production concerns to your Team Leader.

• Following all health and safety requirements and correctly using the Personal Protective Equipment provided.

What We're Looking For

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience within a manufacturing or production environment.

• Experience working with leather, fabric or other covering materials.

• Basic trimming, sewing, upholstery or similar practical skills.

• Good hand-to-eye coordination and attention to detail.

• Basic mechanical skills and confidence using hand and power tools.

• The ability to read and follow written instructions and standard work processes.

• The ability to work to defined production times and quality standards.

• A reliable, flexible and self‑motivated approach.

• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Previous vehicle trimming experience is desirable, and a City & Guilds, NVQ or similar qualification in Vehicle Trimming or a related discipline would be advantageous.

Candidates with limited previous trimming experience may also be considered, with training provided to help achieve the required standard.

This role isa temporary on‑going role, pay rolled on behalf of one of our supporting agencies.

Working Environment

This is a hands‑on role within a manufacturing workshop environment. You will be working to defined processes, production targets and strict quality standards.

The role can be physically demanding and includes periods of standing, lifting and the detailed manipulation of materials and components.

You will be responsible for the quality of your own work and for working safely at all times to protect yourself and those around you.

Please note: The site is in a rural location and is not served by regular public transport. You will therefore need to be able to reliably travel to and from work.

Our Company:

Group Lotus is a leading sports car manufacturer with over 75-year long history of iconic designs, groundbreaking engineering and legendary victories on the F1 track. Today we are transforming into a truly global performance car brand focused on the electrical future. In 2022 welaunched the Eletre, the world’s first all‑electric hyper‑SUV, and in 2023 our fully‑electric Hyper‑GT, Emeya.

As part of the Lotus team, you push boundaries. Those of the car industry and of your own. Every member of the Lotus family has some of the pioneering mindset of founder Colin Chapman in them.

Hethel, Norfolk, England has been the home of Lotus for over 60 years, ever since Colin Chapman, our founder, started making championship‑winning racing cars. In conjunction with production facilities in Norwich, and research facilities near Warwick, our UK sites offer a wide breadth of roles for all disciplines.

We're not just a car company; we're a diverse mix of talent from all walks of life. At Group Lotus, we firmly believe that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but essential pillars of a thriving and successful organisation. Read more here: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Lotus Cars.