About the Role:
Our Machine Shop team is based at our manufacturing base in Send, Woking and this role works closely with our Quality, Production Engineering and Maintenance departments to support business objectives, New Product Introduction (NPI) activities and operational excellence initiatives.
The successful candidate will lead a team of CNC machinists, setters, operators and programmers, ensuring the safe, efficient and cost-effective manufacture of high-quality components. The role combines hands-on technical expertise with leadership responsibilities, driving continuous improvement, productivity, quality and employee development across the machining department.
Direct reports include; CNC Machinists (Turning & Manuals), Apprentice Machinists and Manufacturing Technicians (where applicable).
This position reports to the Group Machine Shop Manager.
What you will be doing:
Leadership & People Management
- Lead, motivate and develop a team of CNC machinists to achieve departmental objectives;
- Conduct daily team briefings and communicate production priorities;
- Monitor attendance, performance, training requirements and employee development;
- Support recruitment, onboarding and mentoring of new team members;
- Promote a positive culture of accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement;
- Conduct performance reviews and development discussions.
Production & Planning
- Ensure production schedules are achieved whilst maintaining quality and delivery targets;
- Coordinate workload and resources to maximise machine utilisation and efficiency;
- Monitor departmental KPIs relating to productivity, scrap, downtime, quality and delivery performance;
- Support capacity planning and workflow optimisation.
Technical Responsibilities
- Provide technical support for CNC programming, setting and machining activities within the turning dept;
- Oversee the manufacture of precision components using a variety of materials including aluminum, brass, stainless steel and engineering plastics;
- Support process development and optimisation for both existing and new products;
- Review engineering drawings and manufacturing methods to ensure efficient production;
- Assist with fixture design, tooling selection and process improvements;
- Work closely with the Design and Engineering teams during New Product Introduction projects.
Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Ensure all components are manufactured to specification and customer requirements;
- Lead root cause investigations and corrective actions for quality issues;
- Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities to reduce waste and improve productivity;
- Maintain high standards of housekeeping and workplace organization;
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all company Health & Safety policies and procedures;
- Promote safe working practices throughout the department;
- Ensure all team members are appropriately trained and competent.
This is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as required to meet the needs of the business.
What we are looking for:
Essential
- Proven experience in CNC Turning, programming, setting and operation;
- Previous experience leading or supervising a manufacturing team;
- Strong knowledge of Mazatrol controls and ISO CNC programming;
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications;
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities;
- Good understanding of machining practices, tooling, cutting parameters and process optimisation;
- Strong communication and organizational skills;
- Ability to motivate and develop others;
- Experience with Mazak Hyper Quadrex or similar multi-axis CNC machines;
- Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience;
- Understanding of production planning and scheduling;
- Supervisory or leadership qualification.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- On-time delivery performance;
- Production efficiency and machine utilisation;
- Quality and scrap reduction;
- Team training and competency development;
- Health & Safety compliance;
- Continuous improvement implementation.
What you will be getting:
This is a full time, permanent position, 40 hours per week and the standard working hours are applicable, Monday to Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm with half an hour lunch break, with flexibility on the start and finish times in line with the Company’s core working hours.
- Additional production bonus; linked to the value of goods invoiced from the UK factory base;
- Overtime available when agreed and authorised in advance at 1.5 times basic salary;
- Aviva private pension scheme, in line with Government legislation and guidelines. Currently 5% employee contribution and 3% employer contribution;
- 24 days holiday per annum (plus additional Bank Holidays);
- Benefits available on successful completion of a 6 month probationary period:
- BUPA, private medical insurance with minimal, monthly contributions;
- Simply Health Optimise Plus Plan, non-contributory cash back plan for claiming monies back for treatments;
- Group Life insurance (Death in Service scheme) equivalent to 2 years’ basic salary to next of kin;
- Sickness absence pay;
- Cycle to Work scheme;
- Administration of government childcare vouchers;
- Multi-cultural feast day celebrations and charitable opportunities;
- Excellent staff facilities;
- Free on-site parking, including access to EV car charging points;
- Transport to and from the local station;
- Free membership of an on-site gym;
- Free weekly on site yoga sessions with a celebrated local yogini;
- Free weekly on site boxercise sessions with an experienced martial artist & instructor.
Staff Development is key to our continued success and, as a result, we have a well-funded staff development budget, and dedicated Staff Development team. The Staff Development programme operates throughout the entire Company, and allows for professional, personal and tailored development and training to suit the individual needs and requirements of each staff member.
