Process Lead, Machine Shop - Rotating Shift

TAIT Towers; South Kirkby; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

TAIT, a leader in live experiences, seeks a Machine Shop Process Lead to direct a small shift, applying advanced knowledge of shop equipment and precise drawing interpretation to deliver quality parts on schedule.

You will coordinate tasks, train operators, and collaborate with other departments while maintaining safety and cost targets; no supervisory duties beyond shift leadership.

Qualifications

• Understanding of manufacturing practices and machine shop operations.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret mechanical drawings.
• Experience with manual machine shop equipment and safety awareness.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate shift team to meet project goals and deadlines.
• Organize workflow and clarify duties, priorities and expectations.
• Answer technical questions related to machining processes and equipment.
• Read and utilize mechanical drawings for production support.
• Apply quality control and identify non-conforming work.
• Maintain project schedules and communicate status and risks.

Skills

Leadership

Interpret drawings

Machine shop

Quality focus

Communication

Problem solving

Education

GCSE or apprenticeship

Tools

Epicor

Slack

Box

Job description

TAIT partners with artists, brands, IP holders and place makers to bring culture-defining, never-before-seen experiences to life. With a legacy of innovation spanning over 45 years, TAIT has grown from pioneering in rock ‘n’ roll concert staging to setting the global standard for extraordinary live events and experiences through cutting-edge technology, precision engineering, and creative design. TAIT’s 20 global offices have developed iconic productions and experiences in over 30 countries, all seven continents, and even outer space for renowned performers, theme parks, exhibits, and venues across the globe, including partnerships with Taylor Swift, Cirque Du Soleil, Royal Opera House, Nike, NASA, Bloomberg, Google, Beyoncé, and The Olympics

Position Purpose

The Machine Shop Process Lead helps organize, direct, and complete portions of projects with a small team, with guidance from the Machine Shop Operations Supervisor. This role serves as a primary technical contact within the department/shift, provides hands‑on support for day‑to‑day work, and helps ensure the team delivers quality products to clients on time and within budget. The role requires advanced knowledge of area‑specific equipment, strong mechanical drawing interpretation, and the ability to lead projects effectively and efficiently to successful completion. This role does not have supervisory administrative responsibilities.

Essential Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Coordinate shift team with varying skills to complete project goals by supporting collaboration and cooperation.
• Organize and manage workflow so team members understand their duties, delegated tasks, priorities, and project expectations.
• Answer technical questions from team members related to manufacturing tasks, machining processes, equipment, and assigned work.
• Share skills and knowledge with others to support department development and assist with training employees within the department.
• Read, understand, interpret, and utilize mechanical drawings to support accurate production and project execution.
• Apply quality control processes by identifying non‑conforming work, supporting rework, escalating concerns, and recommending improvements.
• Maintain awareness of project schedules and deadlines; raise concerns or recommend adjustments when goals are at risk.
• Interact with other departments to clarify requirements and provide suggestions, feedback, and progress updates.
• Manage materials, prints, and supplies, and assign team members to work based on priorities and requirements.
• Ensure product labeling requirements are accurately executed.
• Perform required maintenance and upkeep on equipment.
• Take initiative to improve methods, solve problems, and identify opportunities to improve departmental productivity.
• Communicate with management regarding project status, priorities, risks, and team performance.
• Manage changing priorities throughout a shift while maintaining safe and productive work practices.
• Keep a clean, organized, and safe workspace, including facility tools and equipment.
• Accurately capture labor hours and material issuing in Epicor.
• Ensure TAIT’s standards of care are coordinated into daily activities: Safety, Quality, Team, Schedule, and Cost.
• Take ownership for decisions, actions, performance, and behavior while adhering to company policies and expectations.
• Attend meetings, seminars, and training sessions as required and perform other assigned duties to meet business needs.

Qualifications/Experience

• GCSE, apprenticeship, or above certification program preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Thorough understanding of manufacturing practices and machine shop operations.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret mechanical drawings.
• Proficiency with manual machine shop equipment, including mills, lathes, industrial saws, and routers.
• Safety awareness of crane operations required.
• Ability to measure product using different measurement systems.
• Experience using Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, or similar programs preferred.
• Knowledge of Epicor, Slack, and/or Box preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Flexibility with work schedule based on operational demands.

Experience - Knowledge and Skills

• Leadership skills with the ability to guide a team in a machine shop environment.
• Strong technical proficiency with machine shop equipment, tools, machining processes, and assigned production workflows.
• Ability to identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, productivity, and quality.
• Problem‑solving skills to address machining, workflow, tooling, and production challenges.
• Sound decision‑making skills related to process adjustments, tooling changes, work priorities, and resource allocation.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work with team members and stakeholders to achieve production goals.
• Adaptability to changing production requirements, schedules, priorities, and machine configurations.
• Clear communication skills to provide expectations, instructions, updates, and feedback to team members and stakeholders.
• Safety awareness and commitment to promoting a safe machine shop culture.
• Continuous learning mindset to stay current on industry trends, new technologies, and best practices.
• Ability to meet PTE, OTC, utilization, quality, and safety expectations for self and team.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to work in a machine shop and manufacturing environment where standing, walking, bending, reaching, and moving throughout the facility may be required.
• Must be able to safely use, access, and work around manual machine shop equipment, tools, materials, and production areas.
• Must be able to use hand tools, power tools, measuring equipment, prints, computer systems, and shop‑floor systems as required for the role.
• Must be able to perform work requiring attention to detail, safe material handling practices, and awareness of active machinery and equipment.

Work conditions of the role are

• Work environment involves exposure to hazards or physical risks which require following company safety policies, procedures, and basic safety precautions.
• Must be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, ear protection, safety shoes, and other PPE as required by the location.

TAIT is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran or any other protected characteristic as outlined by international, national, state, or local laws.