CNC Manufacturing Team Lead in Flitwick

CNC Manufacturing Team Lead in Flitwick

Flitwick Full-Time 42000 - 47000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and mentor a team of CNC machinists while ensuring smooth operations and high-quality production.
  • Company: Join Lockheed Martin, a dynamic leader in defence technology with global impact.
  • Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, competitive pension, and flexible working arrangements.
  • Other info: Flexible 4-day work week and excellent career development opportunities await you.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in cutting-edge projects while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in CNC operations and strong problem-solving abilities are essential.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 47000 £ per year.

Responsibilities

  • Lead, coach, and manage a team of up to 10 CNC machinists and technicians, overseeing day‑to‑day operations.
  • Ensure adequate staffing, skills coverage, and shift handovers in line with production demands.
  • Conduct regular performance reviews, provide feedback, and support professional development through mentoring and skills matrix assessments.
  • Own and manage the assigned production cell/facility to ensure full operational readiness and compliance.
  • Schedule and prioritise workloads to meet programme deliverables, internal milestones and customer deadlines.
  • Provide hands‑on technical support for CNC programming, machine set‑up, tooling selection and problem solving.
  • Promote and maintain a strong safety culture, ensuring full compliance with HSE standards and best practices.
  • Drive awareness and accountability across the team for safe operations and clean work environments (6S and FOD control).
  • Track, manage and deliver key KPI metrics: Safety, Quality, Schedule adherence, Cost and On‑time delivery.
  • Lead root‑cause analysis and problem‑solving initiatives to address machining or assembly issues.
  • Champion continuous improvement activities, including lean manufacturing, cost reduction and process optimisation.
  • Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Design, Quality, Planning and Materials teams to ensure seamless workflow and timely resolution of issues.
  • Provide feedback to Engineering and Design teams to improve manufacturability and reduce production cycle times.
  • Collaborate with other Team Leaders to support load balancing, shared resourcing and best practice deployment across the wider manufacturing function.

Qualifications

  • CNC operation experience (up to 50% of production time).
  • Support and input to the development of machining processes and tooling/fixture design, including tool selection optimisation and liaison with tooling suppliers.
  • Mentoring and training of others, including apprentices.
  • Ability to work to specifications, procedures and engineering drawings.
  • Experience developing and improving work procedures/processes with the engineering team.
  • Problem‑solving skills for machine issues and facilitating corrective action plans.
  • Ability to prioritise workload to meet deliverable commitments and support production schedule to optimise machine utilisation.
  • Demonstrated high quality standards and drive to support improvement initiatives.
  • Strong disciplinary background in Manufacturing Business Environment.
  • Leadership experience accountable for safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance in a CNC precision machine shop environment.
  • Hands‑on machinist skills: programming, setting and operating multi‑axis CNC machines (Fanuc and Heidenhain) to produce R&D and low‑volume production components.
  • Familiarity with machine types such as Matsuura, Correanayak and Hurco.

Benefits

  • Private Medical Insurance
  • Competitive Pension
  • Dental insurance
  • Critical Illness cover
  • Life Assurance
  • Travel Insurance
  • Employee discounts on top high‑street shops
  • Employee Assistance Programme (free face‑to‑face counselling, legal and financial advice)
  • Internal training and development alongside Education assistance programmes
  • Reimbursement for a professional membership
  • Competitive policies that support flexibility and family leave inclusive of enhanced maternity leave

Salary Range: £42,000 – £47,000

About Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin (UK) Ampthill is a rapidly changing, dynamic part of the Lockheed Martin Corporation with both domestic and international customers. The business focuses on Platform Integration, Ground‑Based Air Defence, Special Projects and Weapons, providing a variety of products and services to the Ministry of Defence and other customers. This hybrid Leadership/Hands‑On role commands daily operations of a low‑volume, high‑cost production environment focused on critical hardware and R&D components, and is part of a flexible workplace offering a 4‑day week (Mon‑Thurs) and other flexible working arrangements.

CNC Manufacturing Team Lead in Flitwick employer: Lockheed Martin Corporation

Lockheed Martin (UK) Ampthill is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and well-being, offering a dynamic work environment where team leaders can thrive. With a strong focus on professional development through mentoring and internal training, alongside competitive benefits such as private medical insurance and flexible working arrangements, employees are empowered to excel in their roles while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The company's commitment to safety and continuous improvement fosters a collaborative culture, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the CNC manufacturing sector.

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Contact Details:

Lockheed Martin Corporation Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

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

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 Lockheed Martin Corporation, 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 CNC Manufacturing Team Lead in Flitwick

CNC Machining
Team Leadership
Performance Management
Technical Support
Problem-Solving Skills
Safety Compliance
Lean Manufacturing

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 Lockheed Martin Corporation 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 Lockheed Martin Corporation

Know Your Manufacturing Processes

Before you walk into the interview with Lockheed Martin Corporation, 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 Lockheed Martin Corporation 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.