Lead CNC Machinist (Turning)

Trades Workforce Solutions; Woking; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company in Woking seeks a skilled Lead CNC Machinist to oversee CNC operations and provide technical leadership. The successful candidate will program, set, and machine components while ensuring quality and efficiency. This permanent role offers a salary between £40,000 and £45,000, including benefits such as pension contributions, holiday allowances, and opportunities for professional development. Candidates should possess strong experience with CNC machine controls and a proactive mindset to drive continuous improvement.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Cycle to Work scheme

On-site gym

Development budget

Qualifications

• Strong experience with Mazak, Siemens, and Fanuc controls, including ISO programming.
• Proven ability to program, set, and operate CNC turning and mill‑turn machines.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings accurately.

Responsibilities

• Program, set, and machine CNC turned and mill‑turn components to a high standard.
• Act as technical lead within the CNC Turning section, supporting and guiding team members.
• Plan and implement reliable machining processes for new and existing parts.

Skills

Programming CNC machines

Technical leadership

Problem solving

Quality assurance

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Relevant technical certifications

Tools

Mazak

Siemens

Fanuc

Job description

Vision Engineering Ltd The Freeman Building Send Woking Surrey GU23 7ER

JOB SPECIFICATION

Lead CNC Machinist (Turning)

About the Role

Our Machine Shop team is based at our manufacturing base in Send, Woking and works closely with our Quality and Production departments to produce quality end‑products within set quality, tolerances and productivity time scales. We are seeking an experienced Lead CNC Machinist (Turning) who is hands‑on with programming, setting, and machining, while also providing technical leadership within the CNC Turning section. This role suits someone who leads by example on the shop floor and takes ownership of quality, output, and continuous improvement. The Machine Shop operates Mazak, Siemens, and Fanuc controls, and the successful candidate will have a strong machining background, ideally within a mill‑turn environment. You will be part of a skilled team that takes pride in producing high‑quality components and will have opportunities to support new projects. This position reports to the Group Machine Shop Manager.

What you will be doing:

• Program, set, and machine CNC turned and mill‑turn components to a high standard
• Act as technical lead within the CNC Turning section, supporting and guiding team members
• Prove programs, resolve machining issues, and support efficient job setups
• Plan and implement reliable machining processes for new and existing parts, including NPI
• Support daily production activities to meet delivery, quality, and efficiency targets
• Assist with workload planning, job prioritisation, and effective shift handovers
• Mentor less experienced machinists and promote best practice and skills development
• Machine a range of materials including aluminium, stainless steel, brass, and other alloys
• Use both online and offline programming methods
• Promote a strong quality culture and right‑first‑time manufacture
• Drive continuous improvement in productivity, tooling, and machining methods
• Liaise with Quality and Engineering departments to resolve technical and dimensional issues

This is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as required to meet the needs of the business.

What we are looking for:

• Strong experience with Mazak, Siemens, and Fanuc controls, including ISO programming
• Proven ability to program, set, and operate CNC turning and mill‑turn machines
• Recent experience with twin‑spindle and/or Y‑axis mill‑turn machines
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings accurately
• Natural leadership style with the ability to support and motivate others
• Strong problem‑solving skills with a practical, hands‑on approach
• Proactive mindset focused on productivity, quality, and continuous improvement
• Good communication and organisational skills
• Able to work independently while contributing to wider team objectives
• Previous experience as a senior machinist, lead machinist, or team leader is desirable

What you will be getting: This is a full time, permanent position, 40 hours per week and the standard working hours are applicable, Monday to Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm with half an hour lunch break, with flexibility on the start and finish times in line with the Company’s core working hours.

• Salary: £40,000 to £45,000 per annum depending on experience and background
• Overtime available when agreed and authorised in advance at 1.5 times basic salary
• Additional production bonus (variable but approx. 2% of basic salary payable monthly in arrears); linked to the value of goods invoiced from the UK factory base
• Aviva private pension scheme, in line with Government legislation and guidelines. Currently 5% employee contribution and 3% employer contribution
• 24 days holiday per annum (plus additional Bank Holidays)
• Benefits available on successful completion of a 6 month probationary period:
  • BUPA, private medical insurance with minimal, monthly contributions
  • Simply Health Optimise Plus Plan, non‑contributory cash back plan for claiming monies back for treatments
  • Group Life insurance (Death in Service scheme) equivalent to 2 years’ basic salary to next of kin
  • Sickness absence pay
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Administration of government childcare vouchers
  • Multi‑cultural feast day celebrations and charitable opportunities
  • Excellent staff facilities
    • Free on‑site parking, including access to EV car charging points
    • Transport to and from the local station
    • Free membership of an on‑site gym
    • Free weekly on‑site yoga sessions with a celebrated local yogini
    • Free weekly on‑site boxercise sessions with an experienced martial artist & instructor
• Staff Development is key to our continued success and, as a result, we have a well‑funded staff development budget, and dedicated Staff Development team. The Staff Development programme operates throughout the entire Company, and allows for professional, personal and tailored development and training to suit the individual needs and requirements of each staff member.

More about us:

Formed in 1958, Vision Engineering Ltd. (VE) is a multi‑national Group with a range of manufacturing and technology based divisions, as follows: Vision Engineering Ltd. At VE Group’s core is the development and manufacture of patented ergonomic stereo microscopes, digital camera viewers and measuring systems. VE’s market is global and the world’s leading manufacturing companies rely on VE products to improve quality control of their manufactured parts and products. From fault detection and rework to R&D and quality control, VE’s products are unrivalled when it comes to their ergonomic performance benefits.

VE has revolutionised the optical inspection industry with patented eyepiece‑less microscopes and measurement systems. Our comprehensive range of equipment finds application across a wide range of industrial applications including: aerospace, electronics, precision engineering, plastics and medical device manufacture.

Milturn Precision: Milturn www.milturn.co.uk provides anodising for components to suit specific, technical requirements; powder coating and painting finishing services; and laser engraving/etching to the highest quality standards. VE Manufacturing & Optical Services offers comprehensive design, manufacturing and commercialisation packages to other companies, coordinating customer requirements from bespoke designed prototypes, through to higher volume projects covering all aspects of purchasing, shipping and, if required, marketing.

Vision TriTeQ3 is a division of VE Ltd established to commercialise the stand‑alone and OEM marketing for VE’s globally patented disruptive digital technology. TriTeQ3 is stereoscopic 3D display technology offering ultra‑high resolution 3D viewing with outstanding depth perception without the need for dedicated glasses. TriTeQ3 is the latest in a long line of VE optical/digital innovation, all of which enables the viewer to see images in a unique and extraordinary display resulting in increased efficiency, accuracy and, ultimately, productivity.

VE Group currently employs over 250 people and includes Global HQ and manufacturing facilities in Send, Surrey and manufacturing in Connecticut, USA. Wholly‑owned sales and service subsidiaries are located in Germany, Japan, France, Italy and the USA, with additional representative offices in China, Malaysia and India. VE Group generates £38M turnover, of which approx. 90% is derived from export. VE products are at the premium end of the market and Company strategy concentrates on cutting edge technology and quality as competitive criteria. Vision Engineering, is now in its 67th year, has been honoured with three Queen’s Award’s to date and continues to pursue its strategic global objectives through exciting growth plans and innovative development projects. See www.visioneng.com for further product and company details.