Machine Shop Manager

Global Recruitment Group; Tranent; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Global Recruitment Group is recruiting an experienced Machine Shop Manager to oversee a 30-machine CNC manufacturing operation in the UK. The role reports to the Head of Manufacturing and requires delivering safe, efficient production aligned with schedules and customer requirements.

The ideal candidate will have proven machine shop leadership, strong CNC knowledge, and experience driving continuous improvement, with capability in planning and ERP/MRP systems.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing a machine shop or CNC manufacturing operation.
• Strong CNC machining/manufacturing knowledge.
• Experience leading a production team.
• Experience managing machine capacity, utilization and performance.
• Good understanding of quality, HSE and continuous improvement.
• Experience working with production planning and ERP/MRP systems.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Structured, hands-on problem solving and operational management.

Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for day-to-day performance of the Machine Shop.
• Lead and develop Supervisors, Chargehands and teams.
• Manage performance of a 30-machine facility.
• Ensure targets, quality and delivery are met.
• Plan and optimise machine utilisation and downtime.
• Identify and resolve bottlenecks and issues.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Planning, Maintenance, Quality and other departments.
• Monitor machine availability and drive improvements.
• Report performance and risks to Head of Manufacturing.

Skills

CNC machining knowledge

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

HSE & continuous improvement

ERP/MRP systems

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Machine Shop Manager

£55,000 - £60,000 | Monday to Thursday | 30 Machines

Global Recruitment is currently recruiting for an experienced Machine Shop Manager on behalf of our client, a well-established and growing manufacturing business.

This is a key management position with responsibility for the overall performance, safe and efficient operation, and continuous improvement of a 30-machine Machine Shop.

Reporting directly to the Head of Manufacturing, the Machine Shop Manager will lead the operational team and ensure the department has the capacity, capability, equipment, skills and processes required to meet production schedules and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day performance of the Machine Shop.
• Lead and develop Supervisors, Chargehands and operational teams.
• Manage the performance of a 30-machine manufacturing facility.
• Ensure production targets, quality standards and delivery requirements are achieved.
• Manage machine utilisation, capacity, labour efficiency, productivity and downtime.
• Identify and resolve production bottlenecks and operational issues.
• Ensure effective planning and resource allocation across the Machine Shop.
• Work closely with Engineering, Planning, Maintenance, Quality and other departments.
• Monitor and improve machine availability and reliability.
• Drive continuous improvement, Lean Manufacturing and process optimisation.
• Ensure CNC programming, tooling, set-ups and changeovers are continually reviewed for efficiency.
• Monitor and manage departmental KPIs.
• Support recruitment, training, development and succession planning.
• Maintain high standards of health, safety, housekeeping and operational discipline.
• Ensure machining activities meet required quality standards, specifications and customer requirements.
• Identify future equipment, tooling and technology requirements.
• Report Machine Shop performance, risks, capacity requirements and improvement activity to the Head of Manufacturing.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will have proven experience managing a machine shop, CNC manufacturing operation or similar production environment.

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience in a Machine Shop Manager, Production Manager or similar senior manufacturing role.
• Strong CNC machining/manufacturing knowledge.
• Experience managing a team within a production environment.
• Experience managing machine capacity, utilisation and production performance.
• Strong understanding of quality, HSE and continuous improvement.
• Experience working with production planning and ERP/MRP systems.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• A structured, hands‑on approach to problem solving and operational management.
• The ability to work effectively with senior management and cross‑functional teams.

Package & Working Hours

• Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 per annum
• Working pattern: Monday to Thursday
• Machine Shop: 30 machines
• Reporting to: Head of Manufacturing

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Machine Shop Manager looking to take responsibility for a substantial manufacturing operation and play a key role in driving performance, efficiency and continuous improvement.