Area Manager, CNC Machining

At West, we’re a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life-saving and life-enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West’s indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun.

In this role, you will be liaising with the Planning & Production Manager to ensure that Production and Quality targets are met in accordance with the Plant and Customer requirements.

• Manage a production team in compliance with safety rules, good manufacturing practices, quality standards and the objectives defined by their hierarchy.
• Lead the Milling and Turning production teams and ensure continued development.
• Ensure upward and downward communication with the production team and their hierarchy.
• Analyse situations and implement preventive and corrective actions accordingly.
• Lead and champion Lean Sigma programmes and activities, whilst supporting the Management Team to meet delivery and cost objectives.
• Responsible for Training members of the Team and Mentoring, whilst sharing best practices with less experienced colleagues.
• Comply with the company’s safety, environmental and quality policies at all times.

• Manage a team of tooling Engineers and Operators for the CNC Mills and CNC Lathes.
• In consultation with Technical Leads, provide technical consultation and guidance to the Team.
• Ensure the Production efficiency and effectiveness of the Team.
• Maintain, understand and strive to achieve Plant KPIs.
• Plan and allocate resources in order to meet Production requirements.
• Ensure systems are relevant and effective through control of Department procedures and audits.
• Ensure communication and alignment with upstream and downstream processes and other Departments.
• Ensure all Company Policies and Procedures are adhered to and manage associated behaviour.
• Manage department Quality in line with Product specifications.
• Report, resolve and escalate accidents, incidents, HSE regularities and ensure that all workplace inspections are completed.
• Ensure Training and Development needs are identified and delivered to ensure competence and compliance of the Team.
• Comply with all corporate and local site Health & Safety, Environmental and Quality policies, procedures and regulations.
• Ensure relevant SOI’s are completed and understood by the Team.
• Ensure control plans, maintenance and safety schedules are accurate, up to date and followed.
• Read, understand & be able to challenge Engineering drawings in consultation with the CAD/CAM Department.
• Responsible for the general housekeeping and presentation of relevant Departments and ensure progress and compliance of 6S systems.
• Ensure the Team's PPE is used and maintained appropriately.
• Demonstrate and use a proactive mindset in order to actively develop processes to increase automation and utilisation of equipment.
• Responsible for initiating, leading and championing Lean Sigma programs and activities.
• Responsible for ensuring responsible use of Company resources and managing Budgets.
• Actively resolve reported issues, problems or irregularities within your area of control and escalate matters where required.
• Support and deputise for the Planning & Production Manager.
• Support and deputise for fellow Area Managers.

• Required: Formal engineering apprenticeship to NVQ3 level/City and Guilds or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Desirable: Formal supervisory training NVQ level 3 (or equivalent qualification/work experience).
• Desirable: Higher National Certificate (or Higher qualification) in Engineering Discipline.

• Required: Minimum of 5 years' experience in Engineering and/or Toolmaking.
• Desirable: Some experience in a supervisory or management role.

• Required: Experience of Managing a team in a Production and Engineering environment; Good communication, professional and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge/experience in setting, programming & operation of CNC Mills and Lathes.
• Knowledge/experience of use of measuring equipment.
• Knowledge/experience of interpreting Engineering drawings.
• Experienced and conversant PC user.
• Desirable: Experience in elastomer mould, plastic mould and press-tool manufacture.
• Experience in automation processes & database managed machine tools.
• Experience of Lean Manufacturing techniques.

• 5%: Up to 13 business days per year.

• Medium-Exerting up to 50lb/22kg of force occasionally and/or up to 20lbs/9kg of force frequently, and/or up to 10lbs/4kgs of force constantly to move objects.

• Frequent standing, twisting, bending, reaching, pushing, pulling and walking.
• Must have excellent organizational interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Effective personal time management skills and must be able to multi-task, work under time constraints, and prioritise with constant interruptions.
• Must have the cognitive ability to plan, execute to goal, supervise and coordinate the work of a team in area of responsibility.
• Ability to quickly adapt to changes in a dynamic environment.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality and effectively resolve conflicts.
• Able to routinely use standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
• Position operates in a professional office environment. May stand or sit for extended periods of time.
• Leadership skills and must be able to communicate effectively with written and oral skills.
• Ability to make independent and sound judgments with guidance from management as needed.

• Continuous Learning & Development: Opportunities for professional growth through training programs, tuition assistance, leadership development, and skill-certification initiatives.
• Global Career Opportunities: With facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, employees have opportunities for international exposure and cross-functional collaboration.
• Inclusive & Collaborative Culture: A global workforce that values diversity, equity, and inclusion—where all voices are heard and respected in a supportive environment.
• Recognition & Rewards: Performance-based bonuses, service recognition, and employee appreciation initiatives celebrate dedication and impact.

West embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We foster an environment where all individuals are safe, treated fairly, valued and respected.