Machine Shop Team Leader

Jackie Kerr Recruitment Ltd; Poole; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client in Poole, a designer and service provider of advanced fluid and motion control products, seeks a Machine Shop Team Leader to lead machining teams and drive performance. You will oversee shifts, training, and lean initiatives to ensure on-time delivery and world-class quality.

Responsibilities include managing performance, safety, COSHH/compliance, and continuous improvement projects with a strong focus on TPM and RCA. The role requires hands-on machining leadership and strong teamwork.

Qualifications

• Experience leading Machinists/Engineers and driving continuous improvement.
• Proven CNC programming, setting and operating CNC machines.
• Strong communication and organisational skills; proficient in MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Manage shift patterns to meet KPIs and ensure high machine shop performance.
• Ensure risk and COSHH assessments are up to date and communicated.
• Onboard, set targets, conduct appraisals and identify training needs.
• Oversee absence management, discipline and grievances with HR input.
• Identify training needs and implement TPM/Lean improvements with measurable results.
• Coordinate with Planning to meet weekly targets and maintain on-time delivery.
• Maintain Health and Safety standards and First Aid coverage.
• Lead Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives; conduct RCA investigations.
• Lead by example in machining best practices and problem-solving.

Skills

Leadership

CNC programming

Lean manufacturing

Total Productive Maintenance

Communication

Organisational skills

Microsoft Office

Tools

Total Productive Maintenance

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our client located in Poole that design, build and service highly engineered products within fluid and motion control applications are currently recruiting for an experienced and competent Machine Shop Team Leader to join their growing and experienced team!

Machine Shop Team Leader Roles and Responsibilities

• Managing colleagues working shift patterns ensuring that the business is delivering a high level of Machine shop performance to achieve business KPIs
• Ensure that all risk and COSHH assessments are in place and up to date and that employees are informed of, and understand, those which are relevant to their area of responsibility
• Onboarding, setting targets and objectives, conducting appraisals and performance reviews to identify and support training needs
• Handle employee relations matters such as overseeing absence management with timely return-to-work interviews and leave authorisation aligned with company policy. Managing underperformance, disciplinary and capability issues, and addressing grievances, ensuring appropriate communication and collaboration with line management and HR throughout
• Where training is required identify needs and liaise with line manager taking responsibility to ensure that appropriate training is delivered. Ensuring that training matrixes are in place and up to date
• Work closely with Planning to ensure weekly targets are met and world class on time delivery (OTD) is maintained
• Ensure Health and Safety and wellbeing of the team is managed
• Ensure First Aid cover is provided at all times
• Attend and support meetings when required as directed by management
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of Lean tools and how they link to KPIs
• Fully support/lead Continuous Improvement and Lean program, demonstrating initiatives with consistent improvements and measurable results
• Carry out and support investigation with root cause analysis, such as accidents or near misses
• Lead by example. Demonstrate best practice machining knowledge and problem solve machining issues
• Take responsibility for site opening, closing and attend emergency call out when required
• In conjunction with Production Engineers look to assist in best practice and Continuous Improvement of manufacturing methods/processes
• Ensure daily start of shift team meetings are undertaken, and conduct toolbox talks
• Fully understand and analyse Key Performance Indicators, and their impact on the business performance and how to put improvements in place. Communicate/cascade to the team
• Co-ordinate the work of the team to ensure that daily/weekly/monthly targets are achieved
• When required, attend management meetings providing concise and accurate information for management reports
• In cooperation with line manager, take responsibility for the recruitment of employees ensuring best practice and Company policies are adhered to. Build a winning Team
• Monitor time and attendance and job bookings. Identify any issues and resolve. Ensure employees are working full shifts, starting, and finishing on time
• Ensure all equipment, machines and areas are maintained to a high standard, employing Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) for all major/critical items
• Ensure quality targets are met and take the lead in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) events to understand cause and prevent re-occurrence. Evaluate the data for further improvements
• Compile, maintain and ensure employees understand and adhere to all Standard Operating Procedures

Machine Shop Team Leader Ideal Candidate

• Previously managed, influenced and lead teams of Machinists / Engineers. Providing direction to drive the team and processes forward to manufacturing standards
• Demonstratable experience programming, setting and operating CNC Machines
• Excellent organisational, time management and planning skills
• Strong PC skills, able to use Microsoft office suite, including but not limited to Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written (in English). Thorough understanding of Health and safety requirements in the workplace.
• Possess a sound understanding of modern (Lean) manufacturing methods and assembly techniques with demonstrable experience of utilising Continuous Improvement tools and techniques eg VSM, SMED, TPM, Kaizen, 5S, Error proofing, Kanban

Working Hours – Double Days

2 Weeks of earlies: Monday to Thursday 6am – 14:15pm, Friday 6am-12pm

2 Weeks of lates: Monday to Thursday 2:15pm – 10:15pm, Friday 12pm – 7:30pm