At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop field service operations in the CNC Machine Tool sector.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in the Machine Tool industry.
- Benefits: Senior leadership role with significant interaction with major customers.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with sophisticated CNC machine tools and manufacturing technology.
- Why this job: Drive improvements in service performance and customer experience.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in service delivery and strong technical knowledge.
The Opportunity We are looking for an accomplished Service Director to lead and develop our field service and maintenance operation within the CNC Machine Tool sector.
This is a senior leadership position requiring a strong combination of service operational leadership, technical engineering credibility and blue-chip customer management.
The successful candidate will have significant experience leading geographically dispersed field service and maintenance teams, driving service performance and developing strong, long-term relationships with major customers.
You will take overall responsibility for the delivery and performance of the service function, ensuring customers receive a consistently high level of technical support while driving improvements in responsiveness, machine availability, service quality, productivity and customer satisfaction.
While this is a leadership rather than a hands-on Service Engineer position, strong technical knowledge is essential.
You must be sufficiently technically experienced to challenge and support engineers, Service Managers and technical specialists, understand complex machine issues and communicate credibly with customers when discussing technical problems, root causes and solutions..
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of the organisation’s service strategy.
- Oversee day-to-day service delivery operations, ensuring consistency, accessibility, and high standards.
- Monitor performance using KPIs, quality frameworks, and customer feedback to drive improvement.
- Lead, motivate, and develop service managers and teams to achieve operational excellence.
- Manage complex customer issues and ensure effective complaint resolution.
- Build strong relationships with partners, suppliers, and stakeholders to enhance service outcomes.
- Identify opportunities for innovation, service redesign, and improved customer experience.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory, safeguarding, and quality standards.
- Develop and manage service budgets, ensuring cost-effective and sustainable delivery.
- Contribute to organisational planning, risk management, and strategic decision-making. The Ideal Candidate
- Proven senior leadership experience in Machine Tool Industry service delivery or operational management.
- Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate vision into operational plans.
- Demonstrated success in leading teams and managing change.
- Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder-management skills.
- Experience using data, insights, and evaluation to improve services.
- Strong financial and risk-management capability.
- Commitment to customer-centred, inclusive, and high-quality service provision.
Preferred Background The successful candidate must have a strong technical engineering foundation.
This could have been developed through an apprenticeship, engineering qualification or a career progressing from hands-on engineering into service management and senior leadership.
We would be particularly interested in candidates who have progressed through roles such as Service Engineer, Senior Engineer, Service Manager, Regional Service Manager, Head of Service or Service Director, and who have retained their technical knowledge as their leadership responsibilities have grown.
Why This Role?
- A senior leadership opportunity with a leading organisation in the Machine Tool sector.
- The opportunity to lead and develop an experienced team of service and engineering professionals.
- Significant interaction with major blue-chip customers and senior decision-makers.
- A technically challenging environment working with sophisticated CNC machine tools and manufacturing technology.
- The autonomy to drive improvements in service performance, customer experience and operational effectiveness.
Interested?
Apply with an up-to-date CV outlining your experience with CNC machine tools, 5-axis milling, fault finding, service and maintenance
Service Director – Machine Tools in Birmingham employer: The Clay Partnership Ltd
Join a world leader in surface finishing technology, where your expertise as a Bodyshop Technician will be valued and rewarded. With a competitive salary of £35,000 - £45,000 plus bonuses, comprehensive benefits including a company car, pension, and private medical health plan, you will thrive in a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Located in the vibrant regions of Yorkshire or the North East of England, this role offers the unique opportunity to engage with a diverse range of industrial customers while enjoying a dynamic and collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Director – Machine Tools in Birmingham
✨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 The Clay Partnership 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 Service Director – Machine Tools in Birmingham
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 The Clay Partnership 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 The Clay Partnership Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with The Clay Partnership 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 The Clay Partnership 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.
