At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in manufacturing precision tooling for aerospace components.
- Company: Join a pioneering aerospace company with over 70 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, pension contributions, and employee perks like free parking.
- Other info: Full-time role in Redditch with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Apprentice-trained toolmaker or 5+ years in a Toolroom; CNC knowledge is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We design, manufacture and assemble precision forged and machined components at our fully integrated facility in the heart of the UK. Our vision is not only to be the best at what we do but to continually set new standards in the industry by investing and innovating. That’s why we have been pioneers in our industry for over seventy years. We are forging the future today.
About the Role
Reporting to the Toolroom Supervisor, the Toolmaker Team Lead will be responsible for manufacturing, maintaining and repairing tooling to precise engineering drawings and tight tolerances. The role supports the manufacture of high‑integrity aerospace components by ensuring all tooling is produced to specification, available when required, and maintained to a high standard.
You will operate a variety of Toolroom machinery, produce extrusion, mould and finish dies, carry out manual machining and bench work, and support breakdowns and preventative maintenance. You will contribute to improved productivity, reduced scrap, and efficient tooling performance across the site.
As a condition of employment successful candidates are required to satisfy ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance and must fulfil the following before commencing this role:
- Currently hold the legal Right to Work in the UK
- Fulfil a DBS clearance
- Provide a consistent 5-year UK domicile
- Pass Drugs & Alcohol screening at the start of their Mettis employment
Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities- Manufacture tooling, including extrusion, mould and finish dies, from raw material to engineering drawings
- Produce single stage clip tools as required
- Operate Toolroom machinery including manual milling, manual turning and surface grinders
- Carry out polishing to 320‑grit finish and manual compensation (bench work)
- Support preventative maintenance activities and complete service and repair tasks
- Provide tooling support during breakdowns to minimise downtime
- Work to tight tolerances and ensure tooling meets required specifications
- Collaborate with engineering and production teams to share knowledge and improve tooling performance
- Comply with all PPE, EHS and legislative requirements
- Participate in risk assessments and follow Safe Systems of Work
- Maintain high housekeeping standards in alignment with 5S principles
- Ensure tooling is produced to the correct quality standard
- Apply knowledge of ISO9001 and quality principles in day‑to‑day activities
- Conduct inspection and verification of tooling dimensions.
- Produce tooling in line with production schedules and operational needs
- Support machining and forging teams with timely tooling availability
- Participate in improvement activities to reduce lead times and enhance reliability
- Contribute to scrap and waste reduction through accuracy and attention to detail
- Support efficiency improvements including reduced cutting times and optimised tooling life
- Share expertise across the machining division to improve capability and efficiency
- Demonstrate teamwork, collaboration and clear communication across departments
- Engage positively with colleagues and contribute to a supportive working environment
- Actively participate in team communication, involvement and engagement activities
- Respond proactively to business change initiatives
- Role model the company’s Vision, Mission and Values
- Act as an ambassador for Mettis Aerospace
Qualifications
- Apprentice-trained, time-served toolmaker, or a minimum of five years' experience in a Toolroom environment
- Experience within hot metal or heavy manufacturing environments (aerospace or automotive preferred)
- Foundation understanding of material science and metallurgy
- Ability to interpret technical engineering drawings
- Competent in the use of measuring equipment (micrometers, height gauges, imperial and metric)
Required Skills
- Confident communicator able to work effectively with cross-functional teams
- Skilled in manual machining operations including milling, turning, grinding and bench work
- Ability to work using own initiative with minimal supervision
- Commitment to integrity, teamwork and continuous improvement
- CNC machining knowledge and experience is desirable
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Location: Redditch, Worcestershire (on site, 5 days: M-T 07:30 – 16:30 & F 07:30 – 12:30)
Pension: 3% Employer & 5% Employee contribution
Employee benefits, rewards, and wellbeing platform (Perkbox)
Free on-site parking
Cycle to work scheme
Bereavement leave
Company events
Employee referral programme
Sick pay (after probationary period)
This job description is not exhaustive and may be reviewed periodically in agreement with the job holder. The postholder must comply with all policies and procedures issued by or on behalf of Mettis Aerospace.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Mettis Aerospace is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Toolmaker, Team Lead in Redditch employer: Mettis Aerospace Limited
Mettis Aerospace is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Redditch, Worcestershire, where innovation and quality are at the forefront of our operations. With over seventy years of industry leadership, we provide our employees with robust growth opportunities, a supportive culture that values teamwork and integrity, and a comprehensive benefits package including pension contributions, wellness programmes, and flexible working arrangements. Join us to be part of a pioneering team dedicated to forging the future of aerospace components.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Toolmaker, Team Lead in Redditch
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Mettis Aerospace on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills. Since you'll be working with precision tooling, make sure you can talk confidently about your experience with manual machining and interpreting engineering drawings.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your teamwork skills! Mettis values collaboration, so be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively with cross-functional teams in the past.
✨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 serious about joining the team at Mettis Aerospace.
We think you need these skills to ace Toolmaker, Team Lead in Redditch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in toolmaking and any relevant skills. Use keywords from the job description to show that you’re a perfect fit for the Toolmaker Team Lead role.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise in manufacturing and maintaining tooling. Numbers and results speak volumes!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you’re passionate about the aerospace industry and how your background aligns with our vision at Mettis Aerospace. Keep it engaging and personal.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mettis Aerospace Limited
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the specific tools and machinery you'll be working with. Familiarise yourself with the types of tooling, such as extrusion and mould dies, and be ready to discuss your experience with manual machining operations like milling and turning.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to share examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Discuss any breakdowns you've managed or preventative maintenance tasks you've completed, highlighting your ability to minimise downtime and improve productivity.
✨Understand Quality Standards
Since quality is key in aerospace manufacturing, make sure you understand ISO9001 principles and can talk about how you've applied them in your work. Be ready to discuss how you ensure tooling meets specifications and how you conduct inspections.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This role requires collaboration across departments, so be ready to discuss how you've worked effectively in teams before. Share examples of how you've communicated with colleagues to enhance tooling performance and contribute to a positive working environment.
