5-Axis CNC Milling Team Leader

EMBS Engineering; Northampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

EMBS Group in Northampton is seeking a 5-Axis Milling Team Leader to mentor and manage a workshop team while partnering with the Workshop Manager. The role combines hands-on leadership with active performance coaching to develop skills and capabilities across the milling department.

You will lead process improvements, oversee inspections, and support ongoing stability and growth. The position offers a challenging environment with diverse controls and opportunity to shape the team’s future.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading CNC milling teams.
• Proven ability to improve processes and quality.
• Experience with FANUC, Heidenhain, Mazak controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead the milling team through training plans and 1:1s.
• Drive productivity and quality by maintaining efficient processes.
• Use 3-5 axis programming to troubleshoot issues and improve methods.

Skills

Team leadership

CNC milling

FANUC controls

Heidenhain controls

Mazak controls

GD&T

Root cause analysis

Tools

CAM software

Measuring tools

Job description

5-Axis Milling Team Leader

Location: Northampton

Permanent

Overview

EMBS Talent is working with a precision engineering business, located in Northampton, that is currently looking to appoint a 5-Axis Milling Team Leader to join their workshop team.

This is a key role within the milling department, combining hands-on technical leadership with day-to-day team management. You will work closely with the Workshop Manager to keep the department running efficiently, while developing the skills and capability of the wider milling team.

Our client is seeking an experienced and driven individual who can lead by example, drive continuous improvement, and support the business as it grows.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Team Management: Lead the development of the milling team through training plans and skills matrices, while supporting day-to-day management, including absence management and 1:1s.
• Operational Excellence: Drive productivity and quality by maintaining efficient processes, overseeing inspections, and supporting the Workshop Manager in achieving departmental objectives and plant upkeep.
• Technical Support & Improvement: Use programming experience (3-5 axis) to troubleshoot technical issues, carry out root cause analysis, and improve milling methods and standardised documentation.

What's in it for you?

• Stability / Longevity: Join a well-established precision engineering business in a role central to the milling department's success
• Competitive salary: Competitive salary available depending on experience
• Hours: Days
• Leadership & Growth: A genuine leadership role with a supportive management structure and the scope to shape team development and continuous improvement.
• Technical Variety: Opportunity to work with a wide range of controls and tackle diverse technical challenges.

Successful applicants must be able to demonstrate:

• Technical Expertise: Extensive background in CNC milling and turning, including setting, operating, and inspecting using FANUC, Heidenhain, and Mazak controls.
• Leadership & Communication: Proven ability to motivate a team and communicate effectively with stakeholders across the business.
• Advanced Skills: Proficiency in reading technical drawings (GD&T), using various measuring equipment, and supporting CAM fault-finding and program improvements.

About us:

EMBS Group is a dedicated talent specialist that partners with some of the UK's most prestigious, advanced, precision engineering companies within the Aerospace, Automotive / Motorsport, Nuclear, Oil & Gas, Green, Environmental, and FMCG industries.

We'll offer you expert support and advice throughout the process to ensure you select and secure a career-defining role.

Please note, due to the nature of the markets our client supplies into, all candidates must be UK residents; we cannot offer visa sponsorship for overseas candidates