Lead People. Improve Processes. Make an Impact.
Are you an experienced fabrication or machining professional who enjoys developing people, solving technical challenges and improving workshop performance?
Consortium Professional Recruitment are pleased to be partnering with an established UK manufacturing business to recruit a Fabrication & Machine Shop Manager. This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of a busy production department, lead a skilled team and help shape efficient, high-quality manufacturing operations.
Combining hands-on technical knowledge with supportive leadership, you'll have the opportunity to introduce improvements, develop your team and make a meaningful contribution to manufacturing performance.
The Opportunity:
- Production Planning and Scheduling: Coordinating daily workloads across laser cutting, press braking, MIG/TIG welding, laser welding and machining, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and production deadlines are achieved.
- Team Leadership and Development: Leading, supporting and developing workshop colleagues through effective communication, coaching, training and performance management, creating a positive and collaborative working environment.
- Quality and Health & Safety: Maintaining high standards of workmanship, supporting ISO 9001 quality processes and promoting a proactive safety culture through inspections, reporting and continuous improvement.
- Operational Efficiency: Identifying opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste and streamline manufacturing processes through practical problem-solving and Lean manufacturing principles.
- Stock Control and Collaboration: Overseeing inventory accuracy, supporting effective stock management and working closely with other departments to resolve challenges and maintain smooth production workflows.
Your work will directly contribute to a safer, more efficient and productive manufacturing environment, supporting colleagues, improving operational performance and ensuring consistently high standards for customers.
About You:
- Practical Manufacturing Experience: A strong background in metal fabrication, welding and machining, alongside previous experience supervising or managing a workshop or production team.
- Technical Knowledge: Confidence reading and interpreting engineering drawings, CAD documentation and technical specifications, with experience of equipment such as laser cutters, press brakes and welding machinery.
- Leadership Skills: An approachable and supportive management style, with the ability to motivate colleagues, delegate effectively, develop skills and manage changing production priorities.
- Quality and Safety Awareness: A sound understanding of manufacturing quality standards, workplace health and safety requirements and the importance of accurate reporting and compliance.
- Organisation and Problem-Solving: The ability to plan workloads, resolve operational challenges, maintain accurate records and communicate effectively across departments.
- Relevant Qualifications: An NVQ Level 3 qualification or above in a relevant engineering or manufacturing discipline. Lean Six Sigma and IOSH certifications would be advantageous.
You’ll also bring a collaborative mindset, a commitment to fairness and respect, and the confidence to challenge existing processes constructively.
We recognise that experience can be gained through different career paths. If you have a strong technical background and the ability to lead and develop others, we'd welcome your application, even if you don't meet every desirable requirement.
The Benefits and Package:
In return, you’ll enjoy:
- Salary: £42,000 - £46,000 per annum
- A varied leadership position combining technical expertise, people development and operational improvement.
- The chance to make a genuine difference within a business that values teamwork, innovation, quality and continuous improvement.