Workshop Manager

SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™; Reading; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™ is seeking a hands-on Workshop Manager for its fast-growing precision engineering unit in Reading. You’ll oversee prototype and precision workshop activities, perform CNC machining, tooling decisions, safety, and maintenance, and lead the capability expansion to build a team as the business grows.

In this role you’ll shape workshop processes and select new machinery, aligning with high-precision tech projects and development

Qualifications

• Must be a time-served machinist or toolmaker with precision prototyping experience.
• Hands-on CNC programming and setup from drawings/CAD.
• Experience with Wire EDM / wire erosion and GD&T inspection.
• Experience running a workshop/toolroom and building capability.
• A background in aerospace, motorsport, automotive, robotics or high-precision engineering is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Machining prototype components using manual and CNC machines.
• Program, set up and run CNC work using CAM.
• Operate Wire EDM / wire erosion equipment.
• Create jigs, fixtures, tooling and bespoke parts.
• Use 3D printing to accelerate development.
• Inspect parts from drawings using GD&T.
• Select and commission new machinery and tooling.
• Oversee maintenance, calibration, consumables and suppliers.
• Maintain workshop safety and compliance.
• Develop workshop capabilities as production grows.

Skills

Time-served machinist

CNC programming

CAD CAM

GD&T

Hands-on leadership

Inspection & quality control

Problem solving

Education

Apprenticeship / Toolmaking apprenticeship

Tools

CNC machines

Wire EDM equipment

CAM software

3D printing tech

Measuring equipment

Job description

Workshop Manager – Precision Engineering / Prototyping

Reading| On-site | Permanent

I’m working with a fast-growing UK engineering business developing high-performance hardware for advanced technology applications.

They’re looking for an experienced Workshop Manager to take ownership of their in-house prototype and precision engineering workshop.

Initially, you'll be responsible for producing high-quality prototype components, tooling, fixtures and test equipment yourself, while also taking ownership of the machines, tooling, safety, maintenance and overall standards of the workshop.

As the business grows, you'll have the opportunity to develop the capability further and ultimately build and lead a workshop team around you.

What you'll be doing:

• Manual and CNC machining of prototype and precision components


• Programming, setting and operating CNC machinery using CAM


• Setting and operating Wire EDM / wire erosion equipment


• Producing jigs, fixtures, tooling and bespoke engineering components


• Using 3D printing and rapid prototyping to accelerate development


• Working from engineering drawings and GD&T, with responsibility for inspection and part quality


• Selecting and commissioning new machinery, tooling and workshop equipment


• Managing maintenance, calibration, tooling, consumables and external machining suppliers


• Taking ownership of workshop safety and ensuring machinery and processes are operated correctly


• Developing the workshop capability as engineering requirements and production volumes grow

What we’re looking for:

You'll ideally be a time-served machinist or toolmaker with substantial experience in a precision engineering, prototype or toolroom environment.

Importantly, we're looking for someone who is still genuinely hands-on. You should be comfortable programming and setting your own CNC work from drawings/CAD rather than simply operating pre-programmed jobs.

Experience with Wire EDM / wire erosion is particularly important, alongside strong knowledge of machining, tooling, workholding, tolerancing and inspection.

Experience running a workshop, toolroom or machining area would be highly relevant, although we'd also consider an exceptional senior machinist/toolmaker ready to take the next step into greater ownership.

This could suit someone from aerospace, motorsport, automotive, robotics, R&D, advanced manufacturing, special-purpose machinery or other high-precision engineering environments.

The opportunity is ideal for someone who wants more than a queue of machining jobs — you'll have the autonomy to shape how the workshop operates, develop its capabilities and eventually build a team around you.

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