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Machine Shop Manager
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Machine Shop Manager
Chester
£50,000 - £60,000 + benefits (dependent on experience)
About the Company
This is an excellent opportunity for a Machine Shop Manager to join a successful, family-run design and manufacturing business operating within a rapidly expanding, high-growth technical sector.
The company has recently acquired an additional site and is investing significantly in its facilities, machinery, and people. With plans to achieve 40% growth and considerably increase production, this is an exciting time to join the business.
The Machine Shop Manager will play a key role in developing the new site, expanding the company's machining capabilities, and building a high-performing department that can support its future growth.
The Role of the Machine Shop Manager
The successful Machine Shop Manager must have a proven track record of building, setting up, or significantly developing a machine shop operation.
The Machine Shop Manager will take responsibility for developing the department, introducing effective CNC processes, and supporting the installation and commissioning of new machinery at the recently acquired site.
They need a Machine Shop Manager with a hands-on machine shop background who understands CNC machining, someone who is comfortable working on the shop floor and willing to get involved.
The Machine Shop Manager will initially manage a machine shop team of 6, with responsibility for people, machinery, materials, quality, and production performance. As the site develops, the department is expected to grow and eventually include an onsite maintenance team.
Responsibilities of the Machine Shop Manager
- Lead the development and continued expansion of the machine shop at the company’s newly acquired site
- Introduce effective CNC processes, procedures, and working practices to support increased production
- Manage, motivate, and develop an initial machine shop team of 6 employees
- Provide visible, hands-on leadership across the shop floor and support the team when required
- Oversee the installation, commissioning, and introduction of new CNC machinery
- Coordinate machine servicing, preventative maintenance, and breakdown support to minimize production downtime
- Manage the department’s machinery, tooling, consumables, and material requirements
- Work closely with the quality team to improve standards and promote a right-first-time approach
- Hold regular production meetings with the Planning and Production Managers
- Review production schedules, priorities, staffing levels, and machine capacity to ensure deadlines are achieved
- Identify bottlenecks and introduce improvements that increase output, efficiency, and machine utilization
- Develop processes that reduce waste, scrap, rework, and recurring production issues
- Ensure materials are available and effectively controlled to support production requirements
- Monitor employee performance and provide coaching, training, and development
- Support the future growth of the department, including the introduction of maintenance engineers
- Maintain high standards of health and safety, machinery compliance, and housekeeping
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Requirements of the Machine Shop Manager
- HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline
- A proven track record of building, setting up, or significantly developing a machine shop department
- Previous experience installing and commissioning machinery within a new or expanding manufacturing site
- A hands-on background within CNC machining
- Practical experience with XYZ machinery, including milling, turning, and vertical machining equipment
- Previous experience managing and developing a machine shop or CNC production team
- Leadership skills with the ability to motivate employees and build an effective department
- Experience developing CNC processes, procedures, and production standards
- A good understanding of machining quality, materials, tooling, and production requirements
- Experience managing machine servicing, maintenance requirements, and equipment performance
- The ability to work closely with planning, production, engineering, and quality teams
- A proactive approach with the willingness to get involved on the shop floor
- A recognised CNC machining or engineering qualification
- A management qualification such as ILM, CMI, or an equivalent would be beneficial
- IOSH Managing Safely (desired)
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Benefits of the Machine Shop Manager
- Salary of £50,000 – £60,000, depending on experience
- Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
- 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
- 5% company pension contribution
- Up to 20 days’ company sick pay
- Bonus scheme
- Profit share scheme due to be introduced
- Excellent career development and progression opportunities
- The opportunity to play a key role in developing a new manufacturing site and machine shop
- Join a growing business investing significantly in its facilities, equipment, and people
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, sponsorship is not available for this position.
If you would like to hear more about this opportunity, please apply today or contact Adele Lewis directly for a confidential discussion.
Mobile: 07537 163611
Phone: 0151 209 2050
Email: adele.lewis@aspion.co.uk
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