CNC Manufacturing Team Lead

CNC Manufacturing Team Lead

Full-Time 36000 - 48000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a skilled CNC team while staying hands-on in precision machining.
  • Company: Renowned defence engineering firm known for innovative solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary up to Β£42,550 and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic, safety-focused environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven CNC machining experience and leadership skills required.
  • Other info: Join a team dedicated to excellence and continuous improvement.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 48000 Β£ per year.

We are seeking an experienced CNC Manufacturing Team Lead to join our team in Bedford. This is a hybrid leadership and hands-on role, operating within a low-volume, high-value, precision machining environment, producing critical hardware and R&D components.

You will lead and develop a team of skilled CNC machinists while remaining technically active on the shop floor, supporting complex, one-off and small-batch manufacturing activities.

About Us: As a distinguished leader in the defence engineering industry, we are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions and pioneering projects. Our commitment to excellence has earned us a strong reputation.

The Role

So, what will you be doing as a CNC Manufacturing Team Lead?

  • Leadership & Team Management (Primary Focus)
  • Lead, coach and supervise a team of up to 10 CNC machinists and technicians.
  • Own and manage a production cell, ensuring safety, quality, delivery and cost targets are achieved.
  • Plan, schedule and prioritise workloads to meet programme milestones and customer deadlines.
  • Conduct performance reviews, mentoring and skills development (including apprentices).
  • Promote a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with HSE, 6S and FOD control.
  • Track and deliver key KPIs including Safety, Quality, Cost, Schedule Adherence and On-Time Delivery.
  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives (lean manufacturing, process optimisation, cost reduction).
  • Collaborate closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Design, Quality, Planning and Materials teams.
  • Provide manufacturability feedback to engineering teams to improve efficiency and reduce cycle times.
  • Support load balancing and best-practice sharing across the wider manufacturing function.
  • CNC Machining & Technical Support
    • Hands-on CNC programming, machine setup, tooling selection and proving out.
    • Produce high-value, complex, one-off or low-volume components to engineering drawings.
    • Support development of machining processes, tooling and fixture design.
    • Liaise with tooling suppliers to optimise tool selection and performance.
    • Troubleshoot machine and process issues and implement corrective actions.
    • Develop and improve work instructions and procedures with engineering teams.

    What are we looking for in our next CNC Manufacturing Team Lead?

    • Proven hands-on CNC machining background (milling or turning).
    • Strong preference for 5-axis CNC milling experience.
    • Experience leading or supervising CNC teams in a precision machining environment.
    • Background in complex, low-volume or one-off component manufacture (not high-speed mass production).
    • Ability to read and work from detailed engineering drawings and specifications.
    • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to quality.
    • Comfortable working in a safety-critical, regulated environment.

    Machinery & Programming Experience

    • Machines may include: Correa, Anayak, Hurco.
    • Programming Languages / Controls: Fanuc (Hypermill experience beneficial but not essential).

    My client is keen to get this position filled ASAP, so if you feel you have the skills and desire to provide passion and drive as the next CNC Manufacturing Team Lead, this is the opportunity for you!

    How to Apply: Showcase your expertise and passion for leading teams. Submit your updated resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and enthusiasm for joining our team in Bedford.

    PLEASE NOTE: Security Clearance (SC) or eligibility to gain is required to be considered for this vacancy.

    CNC Manufacturing Team Lead employer: Gold Group Limited

    Join a leading defence engineering company in Bedford, where innovation meets precision. As a CNC Manufacturing Team Lead, you will not only lead a skilled team but also engage in hands-on machining, fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement. With competitive salary packages, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to excellence, this role offers a rewarding career path in a dynamic and supportive work environment.
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    Contact Detail:

    Gold Group Limited Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

    We think this is how you could land CNC Manufacturing Team Lead

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Get your hands dirty! When you're applying for a CNC Manufacturing Team Lead role, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience. Talk about specific projects where you led teams or tackled complex machining tasks. This shows you're not just a manager but also someone who knows the ins and outs of CNC machining.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts or join relevant groups on social media. Engaging with others in the defence engineering field can open doors and give you insights into unadvertised opportunities. Plus, it’s a great way to show your passion for the industry!

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs. Think about examples from your past that demonstrate your leadership and technical abilities. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also a great cultural match for our team.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team. Don’t forget to include a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm and relevant experience!

    We think you need these skills to ace CNC Manufacturing Team Lead

    CNC Machining
    Leadership
    Team Management
    Production Planning
    Performance Reviews
    Safety Compliance
    Root Cause Analysis
    Continuous Improvement
    Lean Manufacturing
    CNC Programming
    5-axis CNC Milling
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Attention to Quality
    Engineering Drawings Interpretation
    Tooling Selection

    Some tips for your application 🫑

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the CNC Manufacturing Team Lead role. Highlight your hands-on CNC machining experience and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for leading teams and your experience in precision machining. Let us know why you're excited about this opportunity and how you can contribute to our success.

    Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your technical skills, especially if you have experience with 5-axis CNC milling or specific programming languages like Fanuc. We love seeing candidates who can bring that expertise to our team!

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Gold Group Limited

    ✨Know Your CNC Stuff

    Make sure you brush up on your CNC machining knowledge, especially 5-axis milling. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience and how you've tackled complex, low-volume projects. This will show that you're not just a leader but also technically savvy.

    ✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

    Prepare examples of how you've led and developed teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you coached team members or improved performance. Highlight your ability to foster a strong safety culture and meet production targets.

    ✨Understand the Company’s Values

    Research the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the defence engineering industry. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their ongoing success.

    ✨Prepare for Technical Questions

    Expect questions about troubleshooting machine issues and optimising processes. Brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss how you've implemented continuous improvement initiatives in previous roles.

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