APPLICATIONS / SALES ENGINEER

We are a busy manufacturing, well-established facility, in the Redditch area. You will play a key role in maintaining, repairing, and supporting press tooling to ensure minimal downtime and safe, efficient production. As our Toolmaker, you will be someone who thrives on extreme accuracy and enjoys working at the sharp end of precision manufacturing. Microns matter here. Precision is everything.

Toolmaker Responsibilities:

• Maintain, repair small fine blanking progression tools
• Work with very thin steel
• Regrind, rebuild, and refurbish tooling to exacting standards
• Diagnose tooling issues and implement effective corrective actions
• Operate a full range of toolroom machinery including lathes, mills, grinders, and surface finishing equipment
• Work from engineering drawings and specifications
• Support production teams with expert tooling and process knowledge

Toolmaker Requirements:

• Ideally in fine blanking, precision stamping, or a similar high-accuracy environment, however, all aspects of Toolmaking experience is considered
• Experience of regrinding, rebuilding, and maintaining complex tooling
• Full use of standard toolroom machinery
• The ability to read engineering drawings

Skilled Machinist Responsibilities:

• Operate and maintain a group of machines within a complex manufacturing system.
• Working to tight tolerances CNC Turning and milling
• Ensure all machines are running correctly
• Own Quality inspection – measuring own parts.
• Utilising grinding and polishing machines
• Gear cutting and heat treatment.
• Working on automated systems
• Set and Operate – No programming.

Skilled Machinist Requirements:

• Apprentice trained to Level 3, or other engineering qualifications considered.
• To have worked in a fast paced, automated environment
• CNC turning knowledge, or CNC Milling experience
• Happy working 3 shifts – Mon – Friday – Nights 4 nights

Process / Welding Technician Responsibilities:

• Set up and change over manual spot and projection welding machines
• Carry out jig, tooling, and program changes on robotic CO₂ and spot-welding cells (Fanuc / Motoman)
• Troubleshoot breakdowns and technical issues to get production running quickly and safely
• Program new jobs using camera-based poke-yoke systems
• Support new product introductions, attending Gateway / project meetings as required
• Manufacture and repair welding fixtures using toolroom equipment
• Support Quality with 8D problem-solving, operator audits, and checking fixtures
• Train and mentor apprentices within the Production Engineering team
• Actively drive Lean Manufacturing improvements, including layout, OEE, and production rate optimisation

Process / Welding Technician Requirements:

• Experience in press work and welded assemblies
• Strong knowledge of CO₂ welding, spot & projection welding
• Experience programming or supporting robot welding cells (Fanuc / Motoman)
• Confident using toolroom equipment to modify or repair fixtures
• Lean Manufacturing mindset with a passion for continuous improvement
• NVQ or City & Guilds in Mechanical Engineering
• Abrasive Wheel certification

Project Manager Responsibilities:

• Manage customer RFQs end-to-end: feasibility, costing, tooling, and manufacturing layouts
• Review CAD data, generate blank layouts, and lead full feasibility studies
• Run contract reviews and set up projects using a structured 4-phase project management system
• Own the day-to-day delivery of new projects, coordinating across all departments
• Control project timing plans (FOT, PPAP, SOP) and lead internal & external project meetings
• Manage tooling projects, suppliers, and machinery partners
• Take full accountability for project budgets, tooling costs, and invoices
• Drive on-time PPAPs and customer APQP requirements
• Own the ECR process and manage engineering changes
• Champion Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and visual management on the shop floor
• Support the General Manager with process improvement and material flow initiatives

Project Manager Requirements:

• Proven experience in Project Management within manufacturing or engineering
• Strong understanding of RFQs, APQP, PPAP, tooling, and new product introduction
• Confident working with CAD data and technical drawings
• Highly organised, detail-driven, and comfortable managing multiple projects
• Strong communicator who can challenge, influence, and collaborate – a continuous‑improvement mindset with a passion for Lean and 5S

CNC Programmer Responsibilities:

• Review design drawings and provide feedback to improve CNC efficiency and manufacturability
• Compare cutting lists and drawings to ensure accuracy and adherence to best practices
• CNC Programming
• Prepare and optimise CAM programs to ensure effective use of CNC machinery
• Produce and maintain accurate drawings, work orders, and supporting documentation
• Suggest improvements to construction methods
• Research and evaluate new materials, software, tooling, and programming techniques
• Continually check and evaluate your own output to ensure consistent, high-quality components and data

CNC Programmer Requirements:

• Proficient in applying all machining operations in PYTHA (Auto, Define, and router edges)
• Ability to re‑model individual PYTHA panels when required
• Competent in drawing DXF files in AutoCAD (DWG)
• Experience using custom DXF files as references in bSolid for accurate detailing
• Strong understanding of 3‑Axis machining strategies in bSolid, including toolpath optimisation, feeds and speeds and origins and excess material handling
• Ability to create simple 5‑Axis CNC programs in bSolid (e.g. foam jigs)

Estimator Responsibilities:

• Review Customer Requests for Quotation (RFQs) to ensure all required information is received, including:
• Calculate tube developed lengths when necessary
• Prepare accurate quotations using the company quotation system
• Agree pricing margins and commercial terms with the Managing Director
• Determine and agree appropriate lead times in consultation with senior management
• Complete quotation templates and issue quotations following internal approval
• Receive and evaluate supplier quotations
• Review Customer Purchase Orders to ensure drawings match those used during quotation
• Liaise with Purchasing regarding order cancellations
• Price and quote any new tooling required for revised designs
• Coordinate tooling return or scrappage and ensure records are updated accordingly
• Ensure customer‑specific tooling is correctly costed and quoted

Estimator Requirements:

• Previous experience in estimating, costing, or manufacturing engineering
• Strong understanding of technical drawings and specifications
• Commercial awareness and attention to detail
• Confident communicator with Customers and Suppliers
• Proficient with ERP or quotation systems

Toolmaker / Bench Hand Responsibilities:

• Degrease press tools removed from production for planned servicing or breakdown repairs
• Assemble and dismantle press tools to regrind components or replace tooling parts
• Support press setters in the press shop with tooling adjustments
• Assist press setters in locating and selecting correct tooling components (e.g. screws, dowels, tooling parts) from the toolroom to prevent damage or component rejection
• Manufacture tooling parts during breakdown situations to minimise production downtime
• Assist production with changeover parts during product changes as requested by press setters
• Notify the toolroom office when consumable stock levels are low

Toolmaker / Bench Hand Requirements:

• Experience of progression press tooling
• Surface grinding knowledge
• Strong understanding of general machining practices, including: Milling, Turning, Drilling and Tapping
• Ability to read and interpret component and tooling assembly drawings

Die Maintenance Technician Responsibilities:

• Diagnose tooling issues during press call-outs and carry out repairs directly at press where required
• Perform maintenance, repairs, and refurbishment of press tools and dies
• Modify and improve press tools to support PPAP / PSW and customer approvals
• Accurately record die performance, repairs, and quality concerns, reporting to the Die Maintenance Manager
• Champion and maintain 5S and continuous improvement standards across the site

Die Maintenance Technician Requirements:

• High-accuracy stoning and polishing of tool steels
• Confident using manual milling, drilling, and lathe machines
• Skilled with hand tools, hand grinding, and precision measuring equipment
• Experience operating surface grinding machines
• TIG welding experience preferred (Arc and MIG also desirable)
• PC literate – Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Happy to work a combination of earlies and afternoons

Applications / Sales Engineer Responsibilities:

• Support Sales, to follow up on enquiries
• Act as the first point of contact for technical inquiries and customer applications.
• Understand client production processes, challenges, and requirements.
• Develop and present tailored solutions using our machinery portfolio.
• Provide technical support during the sales process, including demonstrations, proposals, and quotations.
• Support installation, commissioning, and after‑sales technical assistance as required.
• Travel across the UK and Europe to meet clients, attend trade shows, and support business development activities.
• Collaborate closely with the engineering, production, and management teams to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Some USA travel, following training in the States

Applications / Sales Engineer Requirements:

• Strong technical understanding of manufacturing processes, must be investment casting / wax processing
• Proven experience in an engineering or technical sales role, ideally in special‑purpose machinery or process engineering.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical solutions to clients.
• Comfortable with frequent travel across the UK and Europe.
• Self‑motivated, proactive, and capable of working independently as well as part of a team.
• Ideally you will be Midlands based, but other locations are happily considered.

Supply Chain Manager Responsibilities:

• Oversee all procurement activities, from sourcing and vendor selection to contract negotiation and ongoing relationship management with manufacturing partners in Far East.
• Manage supplier performance against key metrics (KPIs) such as quality, delivery, cost, and lead times.
• Lead commercial negotiations and contract management with 3PLs to secure competitive pricing and favourable service level agreements (SLAs).
• Develop and implement effective inventory control strategies to balance stock levels, minimise holding costs, and prevent stockouts.
• Analyse historical data and market trends to create accurate demand forecasts that inform production planning.
• Work with the Finance Director to develop and implement a cohesive global supply chain strategy that aligns with the Company’s financial and growth goals.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks across the supply chain, including geopolitical, logistical, and quality‑related issues.

Supply Chain Manager Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field; a Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., CIPS, CSCP, CILT, CPIM) is a plus.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in supply chain management, with significant exposure to a global network.
• Demonstrable experience managing supplier relationships and sourcing within Far East.
• Proven expertise in managing third‑party logistics providers and negotiating contracts.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data, forecast trends, and solve problems creatively.
• Excellent commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and manage stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency with supply chain management and Enterprise Resource Planning software.
• A strategic mindset with a hands‑on, “can‑do” attitude suitable for a fast‑paced SME environment.

Business Development Manager Responsibilities:

• Design and implement strategic business plans across the UK Automotive, Vehicle Battery Manufacturing, and Tier‑1 Supplier sectors to accelerate revenue, expand market share, and improve profitability.
• Cultivate and maintain long‑term relationships with key end users, OEMs, integrators, and machine builders, ensuring alignment between customer investment plans and growth objectives.
• Drive the complete business development process, from spotting new opportunities and shaping technical solutions to negotiating commercially and closing high‑value orders.
• Champion advanced application solutions that improve safety, compliance, and operational efficiency within complex manufacturing environments.
• Collaborate seamlessly with local sales teams and international colleagues to support critical projects, share market insights, and deliver a coordinated approach to winning business.

Business Development Manager Requirements:

• Proven experience in generating your own leads, doorstepping potential clients, opening doors and securing contracts.
• Factory automation exposure, ideally within machinery safety, controls or functional safety solutions.
• Demonstrated experience working with customers in the automotive and/or vehicle battery manufacturing sectors.
• Track record of success selling complex, technical solutions within a structured B2B environment.
• Strong new‑business development capability, with the ability to identify, qualify and convert high‑value opportunities through deep application and customer understanding.
• Proven negotiation and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels of an organisation.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts in a clear, compelling and commercially focused manner.
• Degree in Engineering or equivalent practical experience gained “on the job” within a relevant technical discipline.

Maintenance Supervisor Responsibilities:

• Lead the maintenance team ensuring PM’s are undertaken to schedule whilst also managing breakdown situations, which will require you to have experience of supporting plant and equipment within either a manufacturing, process or production environment.
• Plan, schedule and supervise planned maintenance.
• Coordinate contractors and manage permits.
• Mentor apprentices and junior staff.
• Maintain maintenance records and reporting.

Maintenance Supervisor Requirements:

• Proven experience in undertaking planned and reactive maintenance to plant and equipment.
• Either currently hold a supervisory post or hold a lead maintenance role where you have had some exposure to managing PM activity, issuing permits, organising contractors and mentoring apprentices.
• Allied to holding either City & Guilds or NVQ accreditation within an Electrical or Mechanical discipline and be apprentice trained.

We are seeking a Die Maintenance Technician who thrives on troubleshooting, precision work, and keeping production moving. If you enjoy getting to the root of tooling issues, working with press tools, and making real improvements on the shop floor — this role is for you.