Manufacturing Manager

Manufacturing Manager - Machine Shop - CNC & Precision Engineering

📍 Leicester, Leicestershire

💼 Permanent | Full-Time

🏭 Precision Engineering | CNC Machining | Manufacturing

Are you an experienced Machine Shop Manager who enjoys developing people, improving processes and driving manufacturing performance?

Do you have a strong background in CNC machining, grinding and precision engineering?

Would you like to take ownership of a business-critical manufacturing operation, with the opportunity to shape its future direction?

I'm supporting an established global precision engineering manufacturer in the appointment of a Machine Shop Manager to lead its operation in Leicester.

The business designs and manufactures sophisticated, high-value equipment for customers across a range of advanced technology sectors.

Its in-house machine shop is fundamental to the success of the wider organisation, and with continued investment in people, technology and manufacturing capability , there's an exciting opportunity to lead the next stage of its development.

The Opportunity

This is far more than a traditional production management role.

You'll take ownership of a well-established machine shop, leading a team of approximately 20 people across CNC machining, grinding, planning and inspection.

Working closely with the Operations Director, you'll be responsible for safety, quality, cost, delivery and productivity , while driving continuous improvement and developing the team.

The longer-term ambition is to establish the operation as a centre of excellence for machining within the wider international group , giving you genuine scope to influence its future direction.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead, motivate and develop the machine shop team, driving improvements in safety, quality, productivity and on-time delivery.
• Oversee CNC machining and grinding operations , ensuring effective resource planning, capacity utilisation and manufacturing performance.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing, 5S and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, scrap and manufacturing costs.
• Drive manufacturing innovation, supporting CAPEX investment, equipment upgrades and new production technologies .
• Establish clear KPIs, standard operating procedures and a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous development.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years' experience managing a machine shop or precision engineering manufacturing operation .
• Strong technical understanding of CNC machining, grinding, materials and manufacturing processes .
• Proven experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S or other continuous improvement methodologies .
• Confident people leader with experience developing teams, managing performance and driving operational change.
• Degree, HNC, HND or equivalent qualification in Mechanical, Manufacturing or Production Engineering.

Why Consider It?

This is an opportunity to make a genuine impact rather than simply maintain an existing operation.

You'll have the chance to:

• Shape the future of the machine shop , with ambitious plans to develop its capabilities within the wider group.
• Influence CAPEX investment, new manufacturing technologies and operational improvements .
• Develop and mentor an established team, building capability and creating a high-performance culture.
• Work within a technically sophisticated engineering environment producing complex, high-value components.
• Benefit from an organisation that actively invests in training, professional development and internal career progression .

If you're an experienced Machine Shop Manager, Manufacturing Manager or CNC Production Manager who enjoys leading people, challenging existing processes and improving manufacturing performance , I'd be keen to speak with you.

Apply today or contact me directly for a confidential discussion.