3-Axis CNC Team Leader

Response Personnel Ltd; Dartford; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Response Personnel Ltd is seeking an experienced 3-Axis CNC Machinist (Heidenhain Control Preferred) to join our Dartford-based engineering team. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring active setting, operation and programming of CNC machines and senior staff support.

You will work closely with the Engineering Manager to coordinate workloads, mentor younger machinists, and drive continuous improvements in methods, tooling and productivity while maintaining high quality standards.

Qualifications

• 3-axis CNC milling experience is essential, Heidenhain control preferred.
• CADCAM experience is required or strongly favoured.
• Hands-on, proactive leadership for a machining team.

Responsibilities

• Set, operate and programme 3-axis CNC milling machines, including CADCAM programming when required.
• Coordinate workloads with Engineering Manager, assist with production scheduling and prioritise jobs to meet delivery requirements.
• Mentor and develop younger machining staff, sharing knowledge to improve skills.
• Identify and implement improvements to machining methods, programming strategies, tooling, and work holding.
• Develop improved fixtures and tooling solutions, recording photographs and documenting proven set-ups.
• Improve departmental systems, procedures, and practices for consistency and efficiency.
• Identify manufacturing issues and propose practical solutions and improvements.
• Monitor machine utilisation, workflow and production performance to optimise capacity.
• Promote high standards of quality, housekeeping and organisation in the 3-axis department.

Job description

3-Axis CNC Machinist (Heidenhain Control Preferred)

Location: Dartford

Our client, an established engineering and manufacturing business, is looking for an experienced and proactive 3-Axis CNC Machinist (Heidenhain Control Preferred) with CADCAM experience to join their engineering team.

Working closely with the Engineering Manager, the successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day operation of the 3-axis machining department, developing the skills of younger members of staff and driving continuous improvements in machining techniques, programming methods, tooling, and overall productivity.

This is a hands-on working leadership role, with the successful candidate expected to actively set, operate, and programme CNC machines alongside their team leadership and departmental responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Set, operate and programme 3-axis CNC milling machines, including CADCAM programming when required.
• Work closely with the Engineering Manager to coordinate workloads, assist with production scheduling, and prioritise jobs to meet delivery requirements.
• Support, mentor and develop younger members of the machining team, sharing knowledge and improving technical skills.
• Identify and implement improvements to machining methods, programming strategies, tooling, and work holding to increase productivity and reduce cycle times.
• Develop improved fixtures and tooling solutions, recording photographs, and documenting proven set-ups for future reference.
• Improve departmental systems, procedures, and working practices to achieve greater consistency, efficiency, and repeatability.
• Proactively identify manufacturing issues and bring forward practical solutions and improvement ideas.
• Help monitor machine utilisation, workflow, and production performance, identifying opportunities to make better use of available capacity.
• Promote high standards of quality, housekeeping, and organisation throughout the 3-axis department.

Salary

The rate of pay will be discussed at interview stage and will depend on experience and ability.