At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a dynamic team in a cutting-edge machine shop environment.
- Company: Award-winning aerospace company focused on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 23 days holiday, pension, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Immediate start with excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace and defence while advancing your engineering career.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in machine shop, 3+ years in management, CNC experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Holiday: 23 days (inclusive on Bank Holidays) per year.
Salary and Benefits: £60,000 – £75,000
About Us
We are an award-winning, aerospace-approved company serving the Defence, Aerospace, and Motorsport sectors — recognised as a leading design-to-manufacturer of highly complex machined castings. Our ongoing commitment to innovation, training and investment drives every part of our business. We continually advance our capabilities through the latest casting and CNC technologies while building a team of like-minded individuals who share our passion for delivering a first-class engineering service to our customers. Our CNC machining facilities incorporate the latest 5-axis technology, including Mazak Integrex multi-tasking centres, capable of producing complex machined cast components in aluminium, stainless steel and iron materials.
Role Summary
- Supervise, develop and mentor a team of manufacturing engineers, programmers, machinists and apprentice engineers and promote a culture of collaboration with all staff, customers and suppliers.
- Meet and communicate with customers and suppliers on a regular basis. Understand their needs and provide manufacturing, technological engineering support.
- Provide engineering review and costing of all new enquiries and orders with your engineering and quality team.
- Implement and identify opportunities for cost reduction while maintaining quality.
- Plan, set and measure production schedules and drive productivity targets with your team to meet customer demand.
- Management of operating systems, processes and structures to enable accurate planning, quality, scheduling and execution of machining operations to meet customers’ exacting engineering standards and delivery forecast targets.
- Lead, train and implement 8D, 5S and 6 sigma control systems throughout the business.
- Working closely with your team and quality department, provide daily, weekly, and monthly KPI analysis of quality, delivery, cost, actual against estimated value, safety and maintenance.
- Conduct daily Gemba walks and ensure accountability throughout each shift.
- This role is not just about running the floor; it is all about owning results by promoting continuous improvements within a safe, controlled operating productive environment.
About You
- A solid, qualified, down-to-earth, feet-on-the-ground engineer with a minimum of 8 years of experience gained in a machine shop environment, preferably serving aerospace, defence, or top-tier automotive industries.
- A minimum of 3 years of experience as a machine shop manager.
- Strong controlled communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage projects and meet tight deadlines.
- Practical CNC 5-axis milling, machining and turning experience. Preferentially working on Mazak and/or Heidenhain controls.
- Have first-hand experience developing and manufacturing complex machined prototype ferrous and non-ferrous parts, focused upon quality and timely delivery within a finite manufacturing schedule.
- A background implementing process controls/continuous improvement/Lean/Six sigma work instructions, and a profound knowledge of the ISO 9001 standard.
- Firm knowledge and experience of operating ERP/MRP manufacturing processes.
- An inquisitive mindset always looking to build and implement new technologies, plant and operations on the shop floor.
What we offer
- Job Type: Full-time, immediate start.
- Hours: 40 hrs per week.
- Holidays: 23 days (inclusive of bank holidays) per year.
- Pay: Starting at £60,000 per year, increasing to £75,000 per year following a six-month trial period.
- Company pension and private medical health care: provided.
- Relocation assistance: provided.
Machine Shop Engineering Manager in Littlehampton employer: Finecast Foundry
Contact Detail:
Finecast Foundry Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Machine Shop Engineering Manager in Littlehampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with CNC machining and your success in leading teams. Share specific examples of how you've implemented continuous improvement processes—this will set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply—engage! When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email. Express your enthusiasm for the position and mention any connections you might have within the company. This shows initiative and can help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the Gemba walk! If you land an interview, be ready to discuss how you would conduct daily Gemba walks and ensure accountability on the shop floor. This shows you understand the importance of hands-on management and continuous improvement in a machine shop environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Machine Shop Engineering Manager in Littlehampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Machine Shop Engineering Manager role. Highlight your experience in CNC machining and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for what we do.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've improved processes or led successful projects in your previous roles. We appreciate results-driven candidates.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Finecast Foundry
✨Know Your CNC Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your CNC machining knowledge, especially with 5-axis milling and any experience you have with Mazak or Heidenhain controls. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've applied these skills, as this will show your practical expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in a machine shop environment. Think about times when you mentored others or implemented process improvements. This role is all about collaboration, so demonstrating your ability to lead and inspire will be key.
✨Understand the Company’s Values
Familiarise yourself with the company’s commitment to innovation and quality. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of delivering first-class engineering services.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to engineering reviews, costings, and production schedules. Brush up on your knowledge of ISO 9001 standards and Lean/Six Sigma methodologies, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to articulate your understanding will set you apart.