Machine Shop Manager 6931

First Base Employment; Stroud; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-related bonus scheme

Early finish every Friday

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

First Base Employment is looking for a Machine Shop Manager in Stroud, Gloucestershire. In this role, you will oversee the management of a busy CNC machine shop, ensuring production targets and operational performance are achieved. You will lead a team of engineers and machinists while driving continuous improvements.

The ideal candidate has a recognised engineering qualification and extensive experience in CNC machining processes. The position offers a salary between £55,000 and £60,000 per annum along with performance-related bonuses and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Apprentice trained with a recognised Engineering qualification.
• Proven experience managing a CNC machine shop within a precision engineering environment.
• Strong technical understanding of CNC machining processes including milling and turning.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a busy CNC machine shop with 25 machine tools.
• Drive improvements in machine utilisation and operational performance.
• Support recruitment, training, and workforce development.

Skills

CNC machining processes

Leadership

Problem-solving

Production planning

Continuous improvement

Education

Recognised Engineering qualification

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Office applications

Job description

Machine Shop Manager

Location: Stroud, Gloucestershire

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

• Monday to Thursday: 8:00am – 4:30pm
• Friday: 8:00am – 1:30pm

Salary: £55,000 – £60,000 per annum

Bonus: Performance-related bonus scheme to be agreed

Key Responsibilities of a Machine Shop Manager

• Lead and manage a busy CNC machine shop operating 25 machine tools across multiple shifts.
• Manage and develop a team consisting of Team Leaders, Production Engineers, a Tooling Engineer and approximately 40 machinists.
• Ensure production targets are achieved safely, efficiently and in line with customer delivery requirements.
• Drive improvements in machine utilisation, labour efficiency, productivity and overall operational performance.
• Work closely with Production Engineering teams to optimise manufacturing methods, tooling strategies and machining processes.
• Monitor production output, machine utilisation, downtime, labour performance and operational costs.
• Support production planning and capacity management to ensure customer delivery commitments are achieved.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on OEE, productivity and manufacturing efficiency.
• Investigate manufacturing issues, conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Support the introduction of new machinery, technologies and manufacturing processes.
• Manage tooling and fixture expenditure in line with departmental budgets.
• Maintain high standards of health and safety, quality, housekeeping and 5S practices.
• Support recruitment, training, mentoring and workforce development, including apprenticeship programmes.
• Prepare and present operational performance reports to senior management.
• Work collaboratively with Planning, Purchasing, Quality, Sales and Engineering teams to support wider business objectives.

Key Skills

• Apprentice trained with a recognised Engineering qualification.
• Proven experience managing a CNC machine shop within a precision engineering or advanced manufacturing environment.
• Strong technical understanding of CNC machining processes including milling, turning, EDM, wire erosion and machining of high‑strength materials.
• Experience managing large production teams within a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of production planning, manufacturing KPIs, capacity management and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience monitoring and improving machine utilisation, labour efficiency and OEE performance.
• Excellent leadership, communication and people management skills.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to balance quality, cost and delivery objectives.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with a proactive and hands‑on management approach.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Benefits

• Performance‑related bonus scheme
• Early finish every Friday
• Opportunity to join a highly respected precision engineering manufacturer
• Leadership role with significant influence on operational performance and future growth
• Professional development and long‑term career progression opportunities