Machine Shop Manager

SA Metal Group; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

provident fund

Medical aid – hospital plan

Life cover at 4x annual salary

Funeral cover

15 x paid leave days per annum

Long service leave

Job summary

SA Metal Group in Cape Town is seeking a seasoned Machine Shop Manager to oversee daily production in the machine shop, optimise CNC operations, and lead a skilled team to meet quality and safety standards. You will develop SOPs, manage maintenance, programming with Mastercam and G-Codes, and liaise with suppliers.

A relevant trade qualification and at least 5 years of management experience are essential. This permanent role offers on-site work with potential overtime and a comprehensive

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ Management experience.
• Minimum 10 years post trade test working experience in a manufacturing / production environment.
• Valid Driver’s license and own reliable transport.
• Be fully competent and able to program with Mastercam (Milling and Laths).
• Be fully competent and able to program with G-Codes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and workflow of the Machine Shop.
• Plan and schedule machine shop jobs and coordinate team activities to meet production targets.
• Develop and maintain SOPs for machine shop processes.
• Use CMMS to plan, track, and record tasks and raise work requests.
• Maintain compliance with safety regulations and company policies.
• Mentor and coach team members on tooling and job planning.
• Program and support CNC machining using Mastercam for milling and turning operations.
• Liaise with suppliers and internal stakeholders to support operations.

Skills

Management experience

OHSA knowledge

Communication skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Education

Relevant tertiary Qualification

Relevant Trade Test Certificate

Tools

Mastercam

G-Codes

Job description

SA Metal Group is proud of the high quality of people it has attracted. Our employees are committed to our mission of providing the best possible service to all our valued suppliers and customers, with enthusiasm and integrity.

We believe that our people are our biggest asset. We aim to provide all staff members with all possible opportunities to realize their full potential within optimum working conditions. The process starts with selecting the right people for the job, after which we ensure continuous skills development, assisting the SA Metal Group to grow and develop.

We strive to conduct all our business with integrity, professionalism and a positive attitude.

Training, Empowerment & Development

SA Metal Group’s Human Capital Development Policy states:

“SA Metal Group values its people above all other assets and strives to develop all staff members to their full potential. To this end the Company provides excellent human capital development programmes and rewards staff members who strive to improve themselves and show commitment to the Mission of the Company.”

We offer many development programmes, including our Supervisory Development Programme, Artisan Development Programme and Adult Basic Education and Training Programme. We have on-site computer training facilities countrywide where these courses are held.

These programmes are aimed to develop, motivate and upskill our employees, providing them with an opportunity to progress to their full potential within SA Metal Group.

The Group has a Machine Shop Manager position available. The Machine Shop Manager will be responsible for overseeing and managing the daily production, ensuring CNC and conventional machines run efficiently to meet quality, productivity and safety standards. This role requires strong technical knowledge and leadership. He/she will also be required to:

• Manage the daily operations and workflow of the Machine Shop
• Plan and schedule machine shop jobs and coordinate team activities to meet production targets
• Ensure work is completed to required quality standards, drawing tolerances, and timelines
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for machine shop processes
• Use the CMMS (Computer Maintenance Management System) system to plan, track, and record tasks and raise work requests
• Monitor team productivity, manpower utilization, and work quality
• Provide technical guidance, coaching, and support to the team, including tooling and job planning
• Program and support CNC machining using Mastercam for milling and turning operations
• Program and set up Siemens-controlled CNC machines, guiding team members in programming and setup
• Liaise with suppliers, contractors, and internal stakeholders to support operations
• Ensure preventive maintenance and calibration of machines and equipment
• Maintain compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and health & safety regulations
• Manage attendance, timekeeping, leave, overtime planning, and related administrative processes
• Prioritize urgent and breakdown jobs in coordination with internal customers
• Manage tooling selection, inventory, and tool life monitoring
• Optimize machining processes, feeds, speeds, and setups to improve efficiency
• Ensure correct coolant management, lubrication, and housekeeping standards
• Perform other duties appropriate to the role

Qualifying Experience:

• Minimum 5 years’ Management experience
• Minimum 10 years post trade test working experience in a manufacturing / production environment
• Relevant tertiary Qualification
• Relevant Trade Test Certificate
• Working knowledge of OHSA
• Good written, verbal and listening skills with the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of personnel
• Valid Driver’s license and own reliable transport
• Excellent computer skills (MS Office)
• Be fully competent and able to program with Mastercam (Milling and Laths)
• Be fully competent and able to program with G-Codes
• Have expertise on material characteristics

Qualifying Attributes

• Attention to detail and an analytical approach to troubleshooting
• Ability to prioritise workload and perform effectively in a pressurized environment
• Excellent team player – able to balance team and individual responsibilities
• Ability to maintain professional working relations with diverse personalities
• Hard-working and self-motivated
• Time and priority management
• Excellent communication skills on all levels
• Logical and detail orientated
• Excellent standards of execution
• Clear leadership ability
• Critical thinking and conflict resolution potential
• Commitment to a strong business ethic and integrity
• Excellent planning, organisational, and decision-making skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills on all levels

Job title: Machine Shop Manager

Reporting to: Senior Engineering Manager & Divisional Directors

Job type: Permanent position

Benefits include

• Provident fund
• Medical aid – hospital plan
• Life cover at 4x annual salary
• Funeral cover
• 15 x paid leave days per annum
• Long service leave after five years of employment

Standard hours

07h30–17h00: Monday – Thursday
07h30–16h00: Friday
May be required to work overtime as per operational requirements

Salary

We offer a highly competitive package depending on the extent of the applicant’s qualifications and experience.