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- Tasks: Lead and manage machining operations while motivating your team to excel.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking manufacturing company focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-tech manufacturing setting and shape production excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in machining and proven leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career advancement and skill development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description / Person Specification Job Title: Machining Cell Leader Reports To: Production Manager Location: Hailsham area, East Sussex, UK The Role We are looking for a skilled and driven Machining Cell Leader to oversee the daily performance of our Machining Cell. This position plays a critical role in ensuring customer expectations are achieved in terms of Quality, Delivery, and Cost, while actively promoting a culture of continuous improvement. You will be responsible for supervising machining and finishing operations, developing and supporting your team, and collaborating closely with Planning and Purchasing to maintain efficient workflow and output. This opportunity is ideal for someone who thrives in a technical manufacturing setting and enjoys leading from the front to deliver operational excellence. Core Responsibilities Oversee the day-to-day manufacture of precision-machined components across a range of product lines. Guide, support, and motivate team members to achieve consistent workflow and performance standards. Maintain adherence to cellular manufacturing principles, including standardised work, documented procedures, and one-piece flow. Take ownership of team development, including training, delegation, and performance management. Monitor production activities to ensure customer requirements are met, addressing issues proactively and maintaining cycle time compliance. Drive high levels of performance in attendance, productivity, and engagement. Establish and track team objectives relating to Quality, Delivery, and Cost. Step into a Cell Technician role when operational needs require. Facilitate daily team briefings, reviewing KPIs and action plans using QDIP boards. Keep visual management tools and production documentation accurate and up to date. Champion continuous improvement initiatives, including structured problem-solving, Kaizen activities, 5S standards, and engineering updates. Act as the primary escalation point for team concerns and promote cross-training to enhance flexibility and capability. Ensure timely and accurate AX system transactions (including back-flushing, scrap reporting, rework, and job completion). Assist the Production Manager with workforce planning, routing times, and allocation of standard work. Coordinate smooth daily start-ups, machine changeovers, staffing deployment, and material supply. Uphold company policies and ensure compliance with operational procedures. Maintain high housekeeping standards through active 5S practices and adherence to Cleaning and TPM schedules. Essential Skills & Experience Solid understanding of manufacturing, fabrication, and assembly/test processes, ideally within a high-tech environment. Practical experience in machining and overseeing a machine shop or similar production area. Demonstrated leadership capability with strong coaching and team development skills. Desirable Skills & Experience Experience working in a low-volume, high-precision workshop. Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and modern continuous improvement methodologies. Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills. Previous experience in a team leadership role. Qualifications (Desirable) HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering Completed apprenticeship ILM Level 3 (or higher) in Leadership Personal Attributes Hands-on leadership approach with clear and confident communication skills. Strong ability to motivate and develop others. Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with demanding deadlines. Highly organised with effective planning and coordination skills. Proactive, self-driven, and solutions-focused mindset. Numerate and confident using IT systems. Dedicated to achieving both personal and organisational success. What’s on Offer This role provides the opportunity to take ownership of a key production area and directly influence operational performance and team development. You will join a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, where your contribution will have a tangible impact on overall business success
Machining Cell Leader employer: Recruitment South East
Contact Detail:
Recruitment South East Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Machining Cell Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've motivated teams, solved problems, and driven improvements in past roles. This will showcase your skills and experience as a Cell Leader.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Machining Cell Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Cell Leader role. Highlight your leadership experience, knowledge of machining processes, and any continuous improvement initiatives you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about leading teams in a high-tech manufacturing environment. Share specific examples of how you've motivated staff or improved processes in previous roles.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t forget to mention your problem-solving abilities. We love candidates who can demonstrate how they've tackled challenges in a manufacturing setting, especially using CI methods like Kaizen.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead in our Machining Cell.
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruitment South East
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of machining processes and cellular manufacturing principles. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, especially in high-tech environments. This shows you're not just familiar with the terms but can actually implement them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership and coaching abilities. Think about times when you've motivated a team or improved performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Since the role focuses on driving continuous improvement, be ready to talk about specific CI initiatives you've led or been part of. Discuss tools like Kaizen or 5S that you've used to enhance processes and how they benefited your previous teams.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, have some thoughtful questions prepared. Ask about the company's approach to training and development, or how they measure success in the Machining Cell. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.