Machine Shop Supervisor

Beagle Aircraft; Christchurch; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Beagle Aircraft is seeking a hands-on Machine Shop Supervisor to lead our machining team in Christchurch. You will bring a strong CNC background and combine it with people management to ensure safety, quality, delivery and performance.

Reporting to the Manufacturing Manager, you will oversee day-to-day operations, manage workload and capacity, and drive improvements across 3-, 4- and 5-axis machining for aerospace programs.

Qualifications

• Time-served CNC machining background.
• Strong CNC machining experience in precision engineering.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Experience leading, supervising or coordinating people in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of 3, 4 and 5-axis machining.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop the Machine Shop team and set daily priorities.
• Manage production schedules, workload and capacity to support OTIF customer delivery.
• Oversee CNC machining operations across 3, 4 and 5-axis equipment.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Quality to resolve machining issues and improve performance.
• Drive improvements in productivity, efficiency and equipment utilisation.
• Support tooling, maintenance, TPM and equipment requirements.
• Champion 5S, Kaizen and continuous improvement across the Machine Shop.
• Maintain high standards of Health & Safety, quality and traceability.

Skills

CNC machining

Leadership

Reading drawings

Lean manufacturing

Problem solving

Education

Engineering apprenticeship

Tools

ERP/MRP

Job description

At Beagle Aircraft, we manufacture precision-engineered components and assemblies for some of the world's leading aerospace programmes.

Due to continued growth we're now looking for an experienced Machine Shop Supervisor to lead our machining team in Christchurch.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who understands CNC machining from the shop floor and can combine that technical knowledge with strong people management.

If you're a time-served CNC Engineer, Machinist, Team Leader or Machine Shop Supervisor ready to take ownership of safety, quality, delivery and performance, we'd love to hear from you.

The Role

Reporting to the Manufacturing Manager, you'll lead the day-to-day operation of the Machine Shop, ensuring production priorities are achieved safely, efficiently and to demanding aerospace quality standards.

You'll manage people, workload, capacity and machinery while working closely with Engineering, Quality and Planning to resolve technical issues and improve manufacturing performance.

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Company pension and healthcare benefits
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Holiday Purchase Scheme and Birthday Leave
• Long service awards and free onsite parking

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead, motivate and develop the Machine Shop team, setting clear daily priorities.
• Manage production schedules, workload and capacity to support OTIF customer delivery.
• Oversee CNC machining operations across 3, 4 and 5-axis equipment.
• Work with Manufacturing Engineering and Quality to resolve machining and production issues.
• Drive improvements in productivity, Right First Time, efficiency and equipment utilisation.
• Support tooling, maintenance, TPM and equipment requirements across the department.
• Champion 5S, Kaizen and continuous improvement across the Machine Shop.
• Maintain high standards of Health & Safety, quality, traceability and manufacturing discipline.

About You

We're looking for someone with a strong hands-on CNC machining background who has progressed into leadership or is ready to take the next step.

You'll ideally have:

• A time-served engineering apprenticeship or equivalent practical engineering background.
• Strong CNC machining experience within precision engineering or manufacturing.
• Knowledge of 3, 4 and 5-axis machining, including milling and/or turning.
• Experience leading, supervising or coordinating people within a manufacturing environment.
• The ability to confidently read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Strong manufacturing problem-solving and continuous improvement capability.
• A practical understanding of 5S, Kaizen or other Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Previous aerospace manufacturing experience, knowledge of AS9100/ISO9001, HNC/HND qualifications and ERP/MRP experience would be advantageous.

Why Join Beagle Aircraft?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a key manufacturing area within an established aerospace business.

You'll be close to the operation, leading people and solving real manufacturing challenges while having the opportunity to influence how the Machine Shop develops and performs.

If you're a time-served CNC professional with leadership experience and you're ready for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.