Machine Shop Manager

We are seeking to recruit a Machine Shop Manager who has experience of working in a high volume manufacturing environment, and is familiar with precision engineering.

The role

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the main objective of this role is to maximise performance levels in the machine shop. This will be achieved by effective people management and the continuous improvement of manufacturing processes to ensure the optimal balance of quality and output. Additional key elements include planning, organisation, planned maintenance, and health, safety and environmental compliance.
The role demands excellent leadership, tenacity, self-motivation and a genuine desire to make tangible business improvements.

Duties will include:

Monitoring and improving machine shop performance through:

Coaching, development and effective utilisation of staff.
Strong communication across shift patterns.
Identifying potential improvements to programs and tooling.
Ensuring discipline and good housekeeping standards are maintained.
Identifying and driving continuous improvement programmes in your area of responsibility. ensuring quality systems and procedures are being adhered to within your scope of work i.e:
Execution of first off inspections and signed documentation.
Completing and recording in-process checks.
Capturing Statistical Process Control (SPC) data where necessary.
Completing accurate, timely documentation.
Supporting the quality team with root cause analysis and subsequent counter measures.
Creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and component inspection sheets to ensure consistent best practice is adopted across the shop floor.
Liaising with design engineers with regard to jig and fixture design, routing amendments and ensuring processes are capable of achieving drawing tolerances.
Supporting the Production Planner with amendments to work lists on a daily basis.
Liaising with sub contract providers where necessary.
Identifying capacity requirements and submitting labour requests when necessary.
Attending the daily production priority meetings.
Review of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) to help identify opportunities for improvement.
Identification of tooling and equipment required to support production and close interaction with the purchasing department to ensure orders are placed.
Formally managing performance of staff when necessary.
Ensuring personal performance objectives are known and effectively undertaken.

The person

The successful candidate will:

Have experience of working in a similar role in an engineering/manufacturing environment and extensive knowledge of CNC lathe and milling machines.
Competent working with materials including mild steel, aluminium, stainless steels and nylons. Previous experience of exotic materials would be beneficial.
Possess an excellent understanding of Fanuc control and the ability to set CNC lathes and write and modify best practice programs. Understanding of Mazatrol and Siemens would be advantageous.
Proven experience implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
Be able to demonstrate strong leadership and people skills along with excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
Have the ability to motivate and coach employees towards maintaining high standards in their work.
Create strategic objectives with an analytical approach to improving the department and have a demonstrable track record achieving similar in previous employment.
Be passionate and proactive with a desire to develop creative solutions to problems, maximising opportunities for the company.