Workshop & Maintenance Supervisor

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious academic institution in Oxford is seeking an experienced mechanical engineering professional to supervise the workshop and maintenance team. This role involves managing building repairs, operating CNC machinery, and ensuring adherence to health and safety standards. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in high-precision machining and excellent supervisory skills. Full-time, permanent position with flexible working arrangements available.

Benefits

Excellent contributory pension scheme

38 days annual leave

Comprehensive childcare services

Cycle and electric car loan schemes

Employee Assistance Programme

Membership to social and sports clubs

Discounted bus travel

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in manual and CNC machining.
• Experience supervising staff in a workshop or maintenance environment.
• Good knowledge of health and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the workshop and maintenance team, allocate tasks and schedule work.
• Manage building maintenance and repairs according to health and safety regulations.
• Operate CNC and manual machinery to manufacture components.

Skills

High-precision machining

Supervisory skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Education

BTEC Higher National Certificate/Diploma in Mechanical or Production Engineering

Job description

Responsibilities

• Day-to-day supervision of the workshop and maintenance team, including task allocation, prioritisation, and scheduling of routine and reactive work.
• Management of building maintenance and repairs, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations and University policies.
• Programming, setting up, and operating CNC and manual workshop machinery to manufacture high-precision bespoke components for teaching and research.
• Acting as the primary point of contact for fabrication requests and providing technical advice on mechanical design and production.
• Coordinating with Estates Services, contractors, and internal stakeholders to resolve building and maintenance issues, including logging and tracking faults via facilities management systems.
• Managing workshop inventory, equipment maintenance, and waste disposal in line with environmental and safety standards.
• Promoting a strong culture of health and safety, overseeing risk assessments, training, and safe working practices across all activities.

Key Qualifications

• A BTEC Higher National Certificate/Diploma in Mechanical or Production Engineering or equivalent qualification, or substantial relevant experience.
• Extensive experience in high-precision machining, including proficiency in both manual and CNC machining.
• Experience of supervising staff, preferably within a workshop or maintenance environment.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise workload effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex mechanical concepts to non-specialist staff and students.
• Good working knowledge of health and safety regulations relevant to workshops and building maintenance.

Commitments

Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

About the Role

The ideal candidate will be an experienced mechanical or production engineering professional with strong supervisory skills, a hands‑on approach, and a commitment to high standards of safety and workmanship. This post is available immediately and is offered on a full-time, permanent basis (with consideration given to part‑time or flexible working arrangements).

About the Department

At the Department of Physiology Anatomy & Genetics (DPAG) we undertake discovery science where we reassemble physiological processes at the molecular, cellular, tissue and systems level of organisation. In so doing we provide a bridge to translational medicine, and interface between physical and life sciences. We are committed not only to innovative research and the highest standard of teaching, but also to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment.

Benefits

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle and electric car loan schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans