Machine Shop Manager

Stirling Warrington; Rustington; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK manufacturer in aerospace and defence is looking for a Machine Shop Manager to oversee CNC operations in Rustington. The role involves leading a team, ensuring world-class quality, and implementing continuous improvement methodologies. Candidates should have significant engineering experience and hands-on CNC expertise. The position offers a salary of £60,000 to £75,000 per annum and a range of benefits including a company pension and private medical healthcare.

Benefits

Company pension

Private medical healthcare

Relocation assistance

Ongoing training and development

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years' engineering experience within a machine shop environment.
• At least 3 years' experience managing a machine shop team.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop manufacturing engineers, programmers, machinists and apprentices.
• Build strong collaboration with internal teams, customers and suppliers.
• Identify and deliver cost-reduction opportunities while protecting quality.

Skills

Leadership

CNC machining experience

Stakeholder management

Continuous improvement

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

5-axis milling and turning

Job description

Position Details

Title: Machine Shop Manager

Location: Rustington

Salary: £60,000 - £75,000 per annum

Shift: Days

Benefits

• Company pension
• Private medical healthcare
• Relocation assistance
• Ongoing investment in training and development

A market-leading UK manufacturer in the aerospace, defence and motorsport sectors is expanding again. Known for innovation and precision machining, the business continues to invest in new technology and people. It is now seeking a Machine Shop Engineering Manager to help drive performance and future growth.

This is a key leadership role overseeing a high-performing CNC operation. You will develop the team, optimise processes and ensure world-class quality and delivery for complex machined castings.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop manufacturing engineers, programmers, machinists and apprentices.
• Build strong collaboration with internal teams, customers and suppliers.
• Review new enquiries and orders, providing engineering input and accurate costing.
• Identify and deliver cost-reduction opportunities while protecting quality.
• Plan and manage production schedules to meet delivery targets.
• Oversee operating systems, processes and structures to ensure accurate planning and execution.
• Champion and implement 8D, 5S and Six Sigma improvement methodologies.
• Work closely with engineering and quality to report KPIs across quality, delivery, cost, value, safety and maintenance.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement in a safe, high-performance environment.

Requirements

• Minimum 8 years' engineering experience within a machine shop environment.
• At least 3 years' experience managing a machine shop team.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Hands‑on CNC machining experience including 5‑axis milling and turning (Mazak and/or Heidenhain preferred).
• Proven background delivering complex prototype machining to tight deadlines.
• Experience in Lean / Six Sigma / continuous improvement and ISO 9001.
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems.

For more information on the Machine Shop Manager position contact Ewan Smyth at Stirling Warrington.