Machining Cell Leader – Precision Manufacturing

About the role

We are seeking a hands‑on leader to run a precision machining cell that produces high‑tolerance components for advanced scientific and high‑technology applications. You will keep the team, priorities and production flowing while driving improvements in quality, delivery and cost.

Key responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day operation of the machining cell from raw material to finished component.
• Set daily priorities, run team briefings and coordinate with Planning and Purchasing.
• Train, coach and motivate staff; manage attendance, work rate and cross‑training.
• Assess workload, optimise batching, tooling, set‑up and programme readiness.
• Monitor production, resolve shop‑floor issues and ensure right‑first‑time manufacturing.
• Maintain traceability, accurate job clocking and visual management.
• Support KPI setting and reporting for quality, delivery and cost.
• Drive 5S, TPM, Kaizen, continuous improvement and structured problem solving.
• Collaborate with Quality on root‑cause analysis, rework and remanufacture of non‑conforming parts.

Required profile

• Strong practical knowledge of machining and experience supervising a machine shop or production cell.
• Proven leadership and coaching ability with a visible, hands‑on approach.
• Experience in low‑volume, high‑tolerance manufacturing environments.
• Good understanding of lean manufacturing, 5S, TPM and continuous improvement.
• Confident in planning workloads and working across Planning, Purchasing, Quality and Engineering.
• Excellent organisation, communication and numeracy skills, able to work accurately under pressure.

Required skills

• Machining
• Lean manufacturing
• 5S
• TPM
• Kaizen
• Continuous improvement
• Root‑cause analysis
• Production planning

What we offer

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Company pension, life insurance and private medical cover
• Occupational health checks, eye‑care vouchers and workwear
• Flexible working hours in a modern manufacturing environment