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- Tasks: Lead a skilled CNC team while staying hands-on in precision machining.
- Company: Join a leading defence engineering firm known for innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a critical industry with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: CNC machining experience and leadership skills required.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for growth in a dynamic, safety-focused environment.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 51000 £ 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, and we are looking for a talented CNC Manufacturing Team Lead to contribute to our continued success.
The Role:
- 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
- Operate multi-axis CNC machining centres (3–6 axis)
- 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: Matsuura, Correa Anayak, Hurco
- Programming Languages / Controls: Fanuc, Heidenhain (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 in Luton employer: Gold Group Ltd
Contact Detail:
Gold Group Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CNC Manufacturing Team Lead in Luton
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to industry contacts, attend local events, or join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews like a pro! Research the company and its projects, especially in defence engineering. Be ready to discuss how your hands-on CNC experience can lead to success in their specific environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've successfully led teams and tackled challenges in precision machining. Highlight your ability to mentor and develop others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our success.
We think you need these skills to ace CNC Manufacturing Team Lead in Luton
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 joining our team in Bedford and how you can contribute to our success.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your technical skills, especially with 5-axis CNC milling and any programming languages you’re familiar with. We love seeing candidates who can not only lead but also get hands-on with the machines!
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 Gold Group Ltd
✨Know Your CNC Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your CNC machining knowledge, especially if you have experience with 5-axis milling. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how you tackled challenges in a precision machining environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led and developed teams in the past. Think about times when you conducted performance reviews or mentored apprentices, and be ready to share how you fostered a strong safety culture and achieved key KPIs.
✨Be Hands-On and Technical
Since this role is both leadership and hands-on, be prepared to talk about your technical skills. Discuss your experience with machine setup, tooling selection, and troubleshooting. Highlight any specific programming languages or controls you're familiar with, like Fanuc or Heidenhain.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of examples where you've successfully solved complex problems in a manufacturing setting. Be ready to explain your approach to root cause analysis and how you've driven continuous improvement initiatives in previous roles.
