Manufacturing Cell Leader (Machining Cell)

Vacgen Ltd; Wealden; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading vacuum technology company in the UK is seeking a Manufacturing Cell Leader to manage operations in the machining cell. The role involves overseeing production processes, motivating staff, and driving continuous improvements to meet quality and cost targets. Candidates should possess strong manufacturing knowledge and leadership skills. The position offers a competitive salary and a full-time contract in a supportive and dynamic work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Private medical insurance

25 days holiday

Salary sacrifice company pension

Life insurance

State-of-the-art working environment

Qualifications

• Excellent knowledge of manufacturing, fabrication, and production assembly processes.
• Experience in machining and managing a machine shop or department.
• Leadership and coaching experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage day-to-day operations in the machining cell.
• Motivate and develop the team, including training and performance management.
• Monitor quality, delivery, and cost targets.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support production planning and machine set-ups.

Skills

Manufacturing knowledge

Leadership

Coaching

Problem-solving

Education

HNC/HND Mechanical Engineering

ILM level 3 or above in leadership

Job description

Manufacturing Cell Leader (Machining Cell)

Location: Hailsham, BN27 4EL

Salary: Competitive, DOE

Contract: Full time, Permanent

Hours: Monday - Friday, 37 hours

• A competitive salary
• Private medical insurance
• 25 days holiday
• Salary sacrifice company pension
• Life insurance
• A state‑of‑the‑art working environment

Take Your Career to the Next Level with VACGEN! For over 60 years, VACGEN has been driving innovation in ultra‑high vacuum (UHV) technology, supporting cutting‑edge research across the globe. From NASA and the European Space Agency to CERN, our high‑precision products are trusted by world‑leading institutions and researchers to deliver results.

We are now recruiting for a Cell Leader to ensure that the Machining Cell achieves the day‑to‑day customer requirements in terms of Quality, Delivery and Cost. You will control all machining manufacturing and finishing from raw materials through to component finishing, developing and motivating all production staff to ensure that business targets are achieved.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage day‑to‑day operations in the machining cell, ensuring smooth production of components across multiple product lines.
• Motivate, support and develop the team, including training, performance management and cross‑skilling to maintain workflow and flexibility.
• Uphold and improve manufacturing standards, including standard work, one‑piece flow, cycle time adherence and 5S practices.
• Monitor quality, delivery and cost targets, taking proactive action to resolve issues and ensure customer requirements are met.
• Oversee visual management systems, performance boards and documentation, ensuring all information is accurate and up to date.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including CI projects, Kaizen, problem solving and process improvements.
• Ensure accurate use of manufacturing systems and transactions, including job completion, scrap, rework and reporting.
• Support production planning, staffing and machine set‑up to meet daily customer demand.
• Act as first point of contact for the team, coordinating resources and ensuring compliance with company policies and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Excellent knowledge of manufacturing, fabrication and production assembly and test processes preferably within a high technology industry. Knowledge of vacuum industry would be beneficial but not essential.
• Experience of machining and managing a machine shop/department.
• Leadership and coaching experience.

Preferred

• Experience in low batch high tolerance workshop environment.
• Good knowledge of current manufacturing practices including lean manufacture and continuous improvement methods.
• Previous experience of leading a team.
• Continuous Improvement and problem‑solving skills.
• HNC/HND Mechanical Engineering.
• Apprenticeship experience.
• ILM level 3 or above in leadership.

No agencies please.

Vacgen Limited is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other protected status under the Equality Act 2010.

Please Note: We cannot accept applications from Overseas.