CNC Team Leader

Adore Recruitment Ltd; Dartford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Adore Recruitment Ltd invites an experienced CNC Team Leader to Dartford to lead a busy machining cell. You’ll program, set up and operate 3-axis CNC mills, develop CADCAM programmes, and drive productivity across the department.

You’ll mentor junior machinists and apprentices, optimise tooling, and implement productive process improvements while working closely with the Engineering Manager in a hands-on, autonomous leadership role.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in CNC machining and programming.
• Strong 3-axis milling experience.
• CADCAM programming knowledge.
• Heidenhain controls experience preferred.
• Leadership, supervisory or mentoring experience.
• Proactive mindset with a passion for continuous improvement and problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Setting, operating and programming 3-axis CNC milling machines.
• Producing and optimising CADCAM programmes.
• Coordinating workloads and supporting production scheduling.
• Mentoring and developing junior machinists and apprentices.
• Driving improvements in machining methods, tooling and programming strategies.
• Developing fixtures and tooling solutions to improve efficiency and reduce cycle times.
• Identifying and implementing process improvements across the department.
• Monitoring workflow, machine utilisation and productivity performance.
• Promoting high standards of quality, organisation and housekeeping.

Skills

CNC machining

CADCAM programming

3-axis milling

Leadership experience

Mentoring

Tools

CADCAM software

Heidenhain controls

Job description

CNC Team Leader / Senior Machinist (CADCAM)

Lead. Innovate. Make an Impact.

Dartford, Kent

Competitive Salary (DOE) Negotiable + Career Progression + Long-Term Stability

Are you an experienced CNC Machinist with strong CADCAM programming skills looking to step into a senior leadership role? This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established and growing engineering business in Dartford, where you'll play a pivotal role in driving productivity, mentoring the next generation of machinists, and helping shape the future of the machining department.

Working closely with the Engineering Manager, you'll be trusted to lead by example in a hands-on role that combines technical expertise with team leadership and continuous improvement initiatives.

What You'll Be Doing

• Setting, operating and programming 3-axis CNC milling machines.
• Producing and optimising CADCAM programmes.
• Coordinating workloads and supporting production scheduling.
• Mentoring and developing junior machinists and apprentices.
• Driving improvements in machining methods, tooling and programming strategies.
• Developing fixtures and tooling solutions to improve efficiency and reduce cycle times.
• Identifying and implementing process improvements across the department.
• Monitoring workflow, machine utilisation and productivity performance.
• Promoting high standards of quality, organisation and housekeeping.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience within CNC machining and programming.
• Strong 3-axis milling experience.
• CADCAM programming knowledge.
• Heidenhain controls experience preferred.
• Previous leadership, supervisory or mentoring experience.
• A proactive mindset with a passion for continuous improvement and problem solving.

Why Join?

• Key leadership role within a respected engineering business
• Opportunity to influence processes and departmental growth
• Hands-on position with genuine autonomy and responsibility
• Supportive management team and collaborative culture
• Long-term career prospects and progression opportunities
• Competitive package based on experience and capability