Toolmaker (Team Lead) in Redditch

About Mettis

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 Manager, the Toolmaker Team Lead is responsible for leading a shift and ensuring the effective manufacture, maintenance, and availability of tooling to support production. The role combines hands-on toolmaking with leadership responsibility, ensuring tooling is delivered to specification, on time, and to the required quality standard, supporting the manufacture of high-integrity aerospace components.

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

Core Responsibilities

• Leadership & Operations
  • Lead the shift, maintaining SQDPC performance and driving daily priorities.
  • Coordinate workload in line with the capacity plan and production demand.
  • Collaborate with Design, Engineering, and Production to ensure alignment and delivery.
• Toolmaking & Machining
  • Manufacture extrusion, mould, and finish dies from raw material to drawing.
  • Operate CNC machinery (Hurco), radial drills, and manual equipment.
  • Carry out benching, fitting, and final finishing of tooling.
  • Produce single clip tools as required.
• Maintenance & Support
  • Support preventative maintenance and complete repair/service work.
  • Respond to breakdowns to minimise production downtime.
  • Ensure tooling is maintained to a high operational standard.
• Safety Responsibilities
  • 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.
• Quality Responsibilities
  • 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.
• Delivery Responsibilities
  • 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.
• Cost Responsibilities
  • 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.
• People Responsibilities
  • 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.
• Business Responsibilities
  • 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

• CNC machining knowledge and experience.
• Confident communicator able to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Skilled in manual machining operations including milling, drilling, grinding and bench work.
• Ability to work using own initiative with minimal supervision.
• Commitment to integrity, teamwork and continuous improvement.

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Location: Redditch, Worcestershire

Hours: 2 week rotation, week 1: Monday-Friday 06:00 – 14:06, week 2: Monday-Thursday 14:00 - 00:00

Benefits

• Shift allowance of £50 per week
• 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.

External support

We recruit directly and primarily rely on direct applications and referrals. On occasions where agency support is needed, we engage only with agencies on our Preferred Supplier List. Any speculative submissions from non‑PSL agencies will not be reviewed or accepted, and no introduction fees will apply.