At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a busy CNC workshop, ensuring smooth operations and team coordination.
- Company: Cwm Engineering Ltd, a family-owned precision engineering business.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days leave, pension scheme, and early finish on Fridays.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a high-precision engineering environment.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a dynamic workshop and drive continuous improvement in a growing company.
- Qualifications: Experience in CNC machining and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Salary from £45,000 per year, depending on experience.
47 hours per week: Monday to Thursday 7:00am–5:30pm, Friday 7:00am–2:00pm.
Do you see yourself as the person who brings structure, momentum, and control to a busy CNC workshop? Are you someone who naturally takes ownership, keeps work moving, and leads from the shop floor? We are looking for a CNC Workshop Manager to take ownership of the day-to-day running of our workshop and help create a well-organised, productive, and efficient machining environment. This role would suit an experienced CNC team leader or supervisor ready to step into a workshop manager position. Candidates with previous workshop management experience in a CNC machining environment will be especially well suited.
About Us
Cwm Engineering Ltd is a family-owned precision engineering business serving demanding sectors including aerospace, defence, and general engineering. We operate in a high-precision machining environment with a strong focus on quality, reliability, and continuous improvement. As we continue to invest in new equipment, tooling, and capability, we are looking for the right person to play a key role in helping our workshop perform at a consistently high level.
The Role
This is a hands-on leadership role focused on keeping the workshop running smoothly day to day. You will lead a team of six across milling, turning, and setter/operator activity, taking responsibility for planning and prioritising work, maintaining visibility of jobs throughout the process, and coordinating workflow across machining, inspection, packing, and subcontract operations. This role is primarily focused on workshop leadership and production control, but you will also be expected to support with practical machining problem-solving on the shop floor when needed.
Key Responsibilities
- Take ownership of the day-to-day running of the CNC workshop.
- Plan, prioritise, and manage daily and weekly production activity.
- Maintain and update the in-house ERP and scheduling system to ensure accurate visibility of job progress.
- Monitor workflow through the workshop and keep production moving in line with priorities and delivery requirements.
- Coordinate effectively with programming, inspection, packing, and admin to ensure smooth job progression.
- Manage production flow involving subcontract processes such as plating and heat treatment.
- Identify bottlenecks, delays, or missing information early and take action to keep work on track.
- Support machine utilisation by planning work effectively and responding to changing priorities.
- Provide clear day-to-day direction to the shop floor team and help maintain high standards of organisation, focus, and follow-through.
- Monitor progress, timekeeping, and overtime requirements in conjunction with management.
- Support operators and setters with practical machining problem-solving where required.
- Help drive continuous improvement in workflow, coordination, and workshop performance.
- Maintain high standards of housekeeping, organisation, and day-to-day workshop standards.
- Communicate clearly with the Managing Director and Operations Manager on progress, risks, and issues affecting delivery.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Practical experience as a CNC setter/operator/programmer.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings confidently.
- Strong shop-floor problem-solving ability.
- Previous supervisory or team-leading experience in a CNC machining environment.
- Good organisational skills and the ability to plan, prioritise, and keep work moving.
- Confident using a computer and updating a production or scheduling system.
- Able to work on your own initiative and make sensible day-to-day decisions in a busy workshop environment.
- Good communication skills and a calm, practical approach to leading people on the shop floor.
- CNC turning experience.
- Experience using CAD/CAM software.
- Experience within subcontract machining.
- Familiarity with subcontract processes such as plating and heat treatment.
- Experience improving workflow, machine utilisation, or production control systems.
What We Offer
- Salary from £45,000 per year, depending on experience.
- Permanent full-time position.
- Day shift, Monday to Friday.
- Early finish on Friday.
- 28 days annual leave plus Christmas shutdown.
- Company pension scheme.
- Free on-site parking.
- Opportunity to play a key role in a growing and continually investing precision engineering business.
Location
Applicants must be able to reliably commute to Llanelli, SA14 6RE, or plan to relocate before starting work.
Workshop Manager employer: Cwm Engineering Limited
Cwm Engineering Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment where you can take ownership of your role as a CNC Workshop Manager. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for continuous improvement and skill development in a family-owned business that values quality and reliability. Located in Llanelli, our team enjoys a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and the chance to contribute to a thriving precision engineering sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Workshop Manager
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Cwm Engineering Limited, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Workshop Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Cwm Engineering Limited specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cwm Engineering Limited
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Cwm Engineering Limited, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Cwm Engineering Limited value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
