Lead Machinist / Cell Leader

Client of MM Management Consultant; Medina; On-site; SAR 201,000 - 357,000; Full time

Job summary

Client of MM Management Consultant seeks a Lead Machinist Cell Leader in Saudi Arabia to drive daily machining operations for Oil & Gas components with a focus on FPY and on-time delivery.

You will lead a skilled team, coordinate across Planning, QA, Engineering and Maintenance, and ensure safe, efficient production using CNC and conventional machines. Remote relocation to Saudi Arabia is required.

Qualifications

• Strong 8-15 years of machining experience in Oil & Gas, precision manufacturing, aerospace, or related sectors.
• Minimum 3-5 years in a Lead Machinist, Cell Leader, Senior Machinist, or shop floor leadership role.
• Experience in manufacturing and remanufacturing critical components with CNC and conventional machining.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily machining cell operations to meet production targets and schedules.
• Allocate jobs and resources based on priorities and monitor workflow.
• Coordinate with Planning, Quality, Engineering and Maintenance to resolve issues.
• Set up and operate CNC Turning, milling, VMC, HMC, and horizontal boring machines; guide tooling selection and setup.
• Ensure first-piece approvals, dimensional checks, and FPY improvements with QA teams.
• Drive Lean, 5S, cycle time reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Mentor and develop machinists, monitor performance, and manage shift deployment.
• Maintain safety, housekeeping, and compliance with HSE requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Technical problem solving

Decision making

Communication skills

Planning & organizing

Accountability & ownership

Quality mindset

Customer focus

Continuous improvement

Education

ITI / Diploma in Machinist

Manufacturing / Mechanical Eng background

Tools

ERP systems

Production reporting systems

Basic CNC programming

Lean manufacturing tools

Root cause analysis techniques

Job description

Position Lead Machinist Cell Leader

Location Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Department Production Manufacturing Reporting To Production Supervisor Operations Head

Key Responsibilities

Machining Operations Leadership

• Lead daily operations within the assigned machining cell
• Allocate jobs and resources based on production priorities
• Monitor machine loading and workflow to maximize productivity
• Ensure smooth execution of machining activities while maintaining delivery commitments
• Coordinate with Planning Quality Engineering and Maintenance teams to resolve production issues

CNC Conventional Machining Support

• Setup and operation of CNC Turning Centers Vertical Machining Canters VMC Horizontal Machining Centers HMC and Horizontal Boring Machines
• Provide technical guidance on machining methods cutting parameters tooling selection and setup optimization
• Support machining of critical Oil & Gas components and remanufactured products
• Verify first-piece approvals and critical dimensions before batch production
• Assist operators and machinists in troubleshooting machining issues

Production Management

• Ensure daily production targets are achieved
• Monitor machine utilization and productivity performance
• Minimize downtime setup losses and production delays
• Ensure proper job tracking and production reporting
• Support urgent customer requirements and priority jobs

Quality Management

• Ensure compliance with engineering drawings GD amp T requirements process specifications and customer requirements
• Monitor dimensional accuracy and surface finish requirements
• Support root cause analysis for quality issues and non-conformities
• Work closely with Quality teams to improve First Pass Yield FPY
• Promote a zero-defect manufacturing culture

Team Leadership

• Lead train mentor and support machinists and machine operators
• Ensure proper deployment of manpower across shifts
• Monitor operator performance and identify training needs
• Foster teamwork discipline accountability and continuous learning
• Support employee skill development and cross-functional training programs

Continuous Improvement

• Drive Lean Manufacturing 5S and productivity improvement initiatives
• Identify opportunities for cycle time reduction
• Improve tooling utilization and process efficiency
• Support Kaizen and operational excellence projects
• Participate in problem-solving and process improvement activities

Health Safety Environment

• Ensure compliance with company HSE requirements
• Promote safe machine operation practices
• Conduct daily workplace safety checks
• Ensure proper use of PPE and adherence to safety procedures
• Maintain housekeeping standards within the machining cell

Experience Requirements

• strong 8-15 years of machining experience in Oil & Gas Precision Manufacturing Aerospace Heavy Engineering or Energy industries
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in a Lead Machinist Cell Leader Senior Machinist or Shop Floor Leadership role
• Experience in manufacturing and remanufacturing critical components
• Strong exposure to CNC and conventional machining operations

Technical Competencies

Machining Technologies

• CNC Turning
• CNC Milling
• Horizontal Boring
• Deep Hole Drilling
• Gun Drilling
• Conventional Machining

Manufacturing Knowledge

• GD amp T Interpretation
• Engineering Drawings
• Tool Selection amp Optimization
• Cutting Parameters
• Material Machining Practices
• Fixture Setup amp Alignment
• Process Planning

Material Knowledge

• Carbon Steel
• Alloy Steel
• Stainless Steel
• Duplex Stainless Steel
• Super Duplex Stainless Steel
• Inconel
• Titanium

Systems amp Tools

• ERP Systems
• Production Reporting Systems
• Basic CNC Programming Knowledge
• Lean Manufacturing Tools
• Root Cause Analysis Techniques

Behavioral Competencies

• Leadership amp Team Management
• Technical Problem Solving
• Decision Making
• Communication Skills
• Planning amp Organizing
• Accountability amp Ownership
• Quality Mindset
• Customer Focus
• Continuous Improvement Orientation

Key Performance Indicators

• Production Target Achievement
• On-Time Delivery OTD
• Machine Utilization
• First Pass Yield FPY
• Setup Time Reduction
• Productivity Improvement
• Rework amp Rejection Reduction
• Tool Consumption Optimization
• Safety Compliance
• Housekeeping amp 5S Audit Scores
• Team Skill Development

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to relocate to Saudi Arabia
• Ability to support shift operations whenever required
• Experience in remanufacturing and repair of critical Oil & Gas components is highly preferred
• Exposure to API ISO and customer-specific manufacturing requirements will be an advantage
• Ability to lead multicultural teams in a high-performance manufacturing environment

Educational Qualification

• ITI / Diploma in Machinist, Turner, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or equivalent.

Additional certifications in CNC Programming, Lean Manufacturing, or Production Management will be an added advantage.