Senior Machine Shop Leader – Precision, CNC & Growth

Rubicon Recruitment; Southampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Pension

Cycle to work

Electric car scheme

Dog-friendly workplace

Gym membership allowance

Recharge days

Flexible hours

Job summary

Rubicon Recruitment is seeking a Machine Shop Manager to lead a precision machining facility with CNC 3-axis, 5-axis and manual capabilities, including a 6-metre travel ARES centre. You will steer strategy, investment and production pace to meet performance targets.

You will drive delivery of high-precision components, manage capability development, QA and stock control, and champion continuous improvement to reduce lead times while maintaining quality.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership of machine shop teams in a high-tech, precision-driven environment.
• Strong background in metallic manufacturing processes and CNC operations.
• Experience with titanium and exotic metals preferred.
• Commercial awareness of manufacturing financial drivers.
• Ability to plan investments and capability development.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across machining functions and align with business objectives.
• Oversee delivery of high-precision metallic and composite components with quality and efficiency.
• Lead investment planning across CNC and composites, fixturing and QA.
• Direct quality assurance and inspection for precision compliance.
• Manage procurement and stock control within budget.
• Drive continuous improvement to reduce lead times and tooling costs.

Skills

Machining leadership

Metallic manufacturing

CNC programming

Titanium experience

Production scaling

Commercial awareness

Job description

Rubicon Recruitment is seeking a Machine Shop Manager to lead a precision machining facility with CNC 3-axis, 5-axis and manual capabilities, including a 6-metre travel ARES centre. You will steer strategy, investment and production pace to meet performance targets.

You will drive delivery of high-precision components, manage capability development, QA and stock control, and champion continuous improvement to reduce lead times while maintaining quality.