Machine Cell Leader

Sammons Group; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Sammons Group in Eastbourne is seeking an experienced Machining Cell Leader to oversee a busy manufacturing cell. You will coordinate operations from raw material to finished components, ensuring quality, delivery and cost targets are met while leading a hands-on team.

The role emphasizes strong leadership, continuous improvement, and collaboration with planning and procurement to optimize workflows. Salary is competitive and DOE for a permanent, office-based position.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a manufacturing team in a machining environment.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing, machining and production processes.
• Hands-on leadership style with ability to coach and develop others.
• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement knowledge are essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop the manufacturing team, providing guidance and training.
• Coordinate daily machining activities to meet production targets and schedules.
• Collaborate with Planning and Purchasing to manage priorities and workflow.
• Monitor production performance and resolve issues to maintain quality and delivery.
• Ensure materials, tooling, programmes and equipment are prepared ahead of scheduled work.
• Maintain accurate production records and traceability; drive lean improvements.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Machining processes

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Communication skills

Education

HNC/HND Mechanical Engineering or apprenticeship

ILM Level 3 Leadership

Job description

• Job Title: Machine Cell Leader
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
• Job Base: Office based
• Reference: V-139574
• Contact Phone: [phone]
• Job Published: 11/11/2026 15:17

Job Description

Machine Cell Leader

Are you an experience manufacturing team leader, ready to hit the ground running?
Our client is seeking an experienced and hands-on Machining Cell Leader to oversee the day-to-day operations of a busy manufacturing cell.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong manufacturing background and proven leadership skills to motivate a team, drive production performance and support continuous improvement.
You will take responsibility for coordinating machining operations from raw material through to finished components, ensuring that customer requirements for quality, delivery and cost are consistently achieved.
What’s on Offer
Job type: Full-time, permanent
Location: Eastbourne
Salary: £competitive, DOE

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop the manufacturing team, providing guidance, training and support
• Coordinate daily machining activities to ensure production targets and schedules are met
• Work closely with Planning and Purchasing teams to manage priorities, resources and workflow
• Monitor production performance, identifying and resolving issues to maintain quality and delivery standards
• Ensure materials, tooling, programmes and equipment are prepared ahead of scheduled work
• Maintain accurate production records, job tracking and component traceability
• Promote a strong quality culture, ensuring procedures and standards are consistently followed
• Support root cause analysis, rework and problem-solving activities where required
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean Manufacturing, 5S and Kaizen
• Monitor team performance, attendance, training and skills development
• Maintain a safe, organised and efficient working environment

Are you an experience manufacturing team leader, ready to hit the ground running?
Our client is seeking an experienced and hands-on Machining Cell Leader to oversee the day-to-day operations of a busy manufacturing cell.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong manufacturing background and proven leadership skills to motivate a team, drive production performance and support continuous improvement.
You will take responsibility for coordinating machining operations from raw material through to finished components, ensuring that customer requirements for quality, delivery and cost are consistently achieved.
What’s on Offer
Job type: Full-time, permanent
Location: Eastbourne
Salary: £competitive, DOE

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop the manufacturing team, providing guidance, training and support
• Coordinate daily machining activities to ensure production targets and schedules are met
• Work closely with Planning and Purchasing teams to manage priorities, resources and workflow
• Monitor production performance, identifying and resolving issues to maintain quality and delivery standards
• Ensure materials, tooling, programmes and equipment are prepared ahead of scheduled work
• Maintain accurate production records, job tracking and component traceability
• Promote a strong quality culture, ensuring procedures and standards are consistently followed
• Support root cause analysis, rework and problem-solving activities where required
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean Manufacturing, 5S and Kaizen
• Monitor team performance, attendance, training and skills development
• Maintain a safe, organised and efficient working environment

Skills and Experience Required

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing, machining and production processes
• Previous experience managing or leading a manufacturing team or department
• A hands-on leadership style, with the ability to motivate, coach and develop others
• Experience working in a low volume, high precision manufacturing environment would be advantageous
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methods
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work effectively at all levels
• Good numerical and IT skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering or relevant engineering apprenticeship - desirable
• ILM Level 3 or above in Leadership - desirable