At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production planning and oversee CNC machining in a dynamic workshop environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking engineering firm in Huddersfield with a hands-on culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive team atmosphere.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a fast-paced, practical setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on diverse engineering projects while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in CNC machining and strong organisational skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for an Engineering Works Manager / Production Planner to work for our client who are located in the Clayton West area of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.
About the Company: We’re now seeking a hands-on Production Planner / Works Manager to take ownership of day-to-day manufacturing operations — someone who can manage production planning, oversee the workshop, and actively support CNC programming and machining activities.
The Role: This is a varied and rewarding role for an experienced engineering professional who thrives in a fast-paced, practical environment. You’ll be responsible for planning and coordinating production schedules, managing workshop resources, and ensuring output meets both quality and delivery targets. You’ll also be directly involved in programming, setting, and optimising CNC machinery to ensure efficient workflow and production accuracy. This role combines strategic planning with hands-on leadership.
Key Responsibilities:- Plan, schedule, and coordinate production to meet customer orders and deadlines.
- Manage day-to-day workshop activities, supervising a small team of skilled machinists and operators.
- Create, edit, and optimise CNC programs using Fanuc, Heidenhain, Siemens, Mastercam, etc.
- Ensure machines are set and operated to achieve high precision and quality standards.
- Monitor material availability, tooling, and resource capacity to avoid production delays.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives across planning, processes, and productivity.
- Maintain accurate records in ERP/MRP systems, including job tracking, scheduling, and reporting.
- Uphold health, safety, and quality standards across the workshop.
- Strong background in engineering or precision manufacturing, with proven experience in CNC machining and programming.
- Previous experience as a Production Planner, Works Manager, or Production Manager within an engineering environment.
- Excellent knowledge of CNC machine tools, materials, and machining processes.
- Competent in ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel.
- Strong organisational, leadership, and communication skills.
- A hands-on, practical approach with the ability to balance planning and shop floor responsibilities.
- Engineering qualification (apprenticeship, HNC/HND, or degree) desirable.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- A dynamic role with real responsibility and autonomy.
- The opportunity to work on diverse engineering projects and influence production performance.
- A supportive and skilled team environment.
THE HOURS: Working on days – Monday – Thursday 8am – 4.30pm Friday 8am -12pm
THE PAY: You will earn an annual salary of between £40k-50k depending on experience.
Questech Recruitment is a specialist engineering support within the Mechanical & Engineering industry, our focus is to support many clients within the M&E Sectors.
Work Manager - Machine Shop in Clayton employer: Questech Recruitment Ltd
Join a dynamic and supportive team in Clayton West, Huddersfield, where you will take on a hands-on role as an Engineering Works Manager / Production Planner. With a competitive salary and benefits package, this position offers real responsibility and the chance to influence production performance while working on diverse engineering projects. The company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and continuous improvement, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in precision manufacturing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Work Manager - Machine Shop in Clayton
✨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 Questech Recruitment Ltd, 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 Work Manager - Machine Shop in Clayton
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 Questech Recruitment Ltd 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 Questech Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Questech Recruitment Ltd, 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 Questech Recruitment Ltd 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.
