At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a busy machine shop, ensuring quality and efficiency.
- Company: Join a growing engineering business focused on innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private healthcare, and 33 days holiday.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in machining or mechanical engineering is essential; leadership skills are a must.
- Other info: Day shifts with occasional overtime; commutable from various local areas.
We are seeking an experienced and technically strong Machine Shop Manager to lead day-to-day operations within our busy and fast-paced workshop. This role is ideal for someone with a hands-on background in machining who now thrives in a leadership and planning capacity. You’ll be responsible for workflow management, team performance, customer liaison, and the overall efficiency and output of the machine shop. While the position is predominantly desk-based, deep technical knowledge and practical experience in machining processes are essential. This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled leader with a technical machining background to make a real impact in a growing and ambitious engineering business. If you’re driven by quality, efficiency, and team success, we’d love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and supervise the machine shop team, ensuring work is delivered on time, to spec, and to a high standard.
- Plan and schedule workload in line with customer requirements and operational resources.
- Monitor workshop performance and compliance with quality, safety, and operational procedures.
- Provide day-to-day technical support and training to machinists and engineering staff.
- Liaise with customers to understand technical requirements, provide updates, and ensure satisfaction.
- Review and sign off job estimates and quotations, working closely with admin and sales teams.
- Conduct regular staff reviews, manage attendance, and maintain team discipline and morale.
- Oversee job records, inspection documentation, and production data to ensure full traceability.
- Manage stock levels in coordination with stores to ensure timely availability of materials and parts.
- Champion a clean, safe, and compliant workshop environment, enforcing PPE and safety policies.
- Maintain and manage all machinery, tools, and workshop equipment to ensure operational readiness.
- Monitor workshop budgets, controlling spend on labour, spares, and materials.
- Generate accurate and timely operational reports for senior management.
- Be available for occasional overtime or out-of-hours support as required.
Skills & Experience Required:
- Proven background in machining or mechanical engineering—ideally within aerospace, automotive, or industrial sectors.
- Significant experience in a workshop supervisory or management role.
- Deep knowledge of machining techniques, materials, and tools.
- Exposure to welding and balancing processes would be an advantage.
- Strong mechanical and electrical understanding preferred.
- Excellent planning and organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Strong leadership and team development skills, with the ability to motivate and support others.
- Confident communicator, capable of liaising with internal departments and external customers.
- High level of computer literacy, especially in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Comfortable with quoting and job costing processes.
The Package:
- Starting salary £42k Per Annum Depending on Experience
- Monday to Friday 8-5pm
- 33 Days Holiday Including Bank holidays
- Private Health Care on completion of probation
Interested? To apply for this position, here are your two options:
- Call 0116 2545411 now and let’s talk through your experience. Ask for Nilam between 8.30am - 5.30pm.
- Click "apply now" so I can read your CV and let you know.
Machine Shop Manager employer: Precision People
Contact Detail:
Precision People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Machine Shop Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest machining technologies and techniques relevant to the aerospace, automotive, or industrial sectors. This knowledge will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you motivated your team or improved workflow efficiency, as these will resonate well with the hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company’s values and recent projects. Being able to articulate how your experience aligns with their goals will show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the machining industry, especially those who have experience in supervisory roles. They can provide insights into the role and may even refer you to opportunities within their networks.
We think you need these skills to ace Machine Shop Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in machining and leadership. Focus on specific achievements in previous roles that demonstrate your ability to manage a team and improve workshop efficiency.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the manufacturing industry. Mention your hands-on background in machining and how it has prepared you for a managerial position, emphasising your leadership skills and technical knowledge.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills that match the job description, such as planning, organisational abilities, and communication skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects in the past.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a managerial role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Precision People
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
As a Machine Shop Manager, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of machining processes. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques, materials, and tools you've worked with in the past, as well as any relevant projects that highlight your expertise.
✨Emphasise Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in previous positions. Discuss your approach to motivating staff, conducting performance reviews, and maintaining team morale.
✨Prepare for Workflow Management Questions
Expect questions about how you would plan and schedule workloads in a busy workshop environment. Think about your strategies for managing competing priorities and ensuring that work is delivered on time and to specification.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role, especially when liaising with customers and internal departments. Prepare to discuss how you've handled customer interactions in the past and how you ensure satisfaction through clear updates and technical support.