ADS Laser Cutting is a full-service metalwork specialist, offering laser cutting, folding, fabrication, finishing, and assembly services. We provide bespoke to volume sheet metal solutions for customers across engineering, transport, infrastructure, and manufacturing industries.
Operating from an 87,000 sq. ft facility and employing over 100 people, ADS combines modern equipment with robust processes and experienced teams to deliver consistent quality, lead times, and service. Our work is trusted by major organisations across all industries.
ADS is a family-owned business that has grown year on year through continued investment in technology, systems, and people. This provides a stable, well-supported platform for sales activity and long-term customer development.
We are looking to appoint a Laser Manager
The Laser Manager is responsible for the end to end management of all laser cutting operations, ensuring that output meets customer quality requirements, delivery targets, and cost expectations. The role owns laser capacity, utilisation, cut quality, material yield, preventative maintenance, consumable costs, and operator performance. The Laser Manager acts as the technical and operational authority for laser cutting and is accountable for laser-related performance within the business.
1. Production Planning & Delivery
· Agree daily and weekly laser production plans with the Production Manager
· Ensure laser output supports overall On Time Delivery (OTD) performance
· Balance workload to maximise throughput while minimising changeovers
· Identify capacity constraints early and escalate risks proactively
· Prevent laser operations becoming a bottleneck to downstream processes
2. Laser Operations & Utilisation
· Maximise laser utilisation and uptime across all machines and shifts
· Ensure correct machine settings, parameters, and cutting methods are used
· Own laser cut quality including edge condition, tolerances, and cosmetic finish
· Reduce scrap and rework through process control and operator discipline
· Ensure first-off checks and in-process inspections are completed correctly
3. Material & Stock & Management
· Own sheet material flow from goods-in to laser output
· Control material grades, thicknesses, traceability, and identification
· Drive improved sheet utilisation
· Manage remnant stock to maximise reuse and prevent dead stock
· Monitor and reorder consumables and materials cost-effectively
4. Preventative Maintenance & Equipment Reliability
· Own preventative maintenance schedules for all laser machines
· Ensure daily, weekly, and monthly checks are completed and recorded
· Monitor downtime, repeat faults, and breakdown trends
· Coordinate with maintenance and suppliers to improve reliability
· Drive improvements in machine uptime and performance
5. Cost Control & Performance Management
· Own laser-related costs including scrap, consumables, and downtime
· Monitor and improve KPIs such as:
o Utilisation
o First-time accuracy
o Scrap rate
o Cost per cutting hour
· Investigate root causes of performance issues and implement countermeasures
· Report laser performance clearly to Production Management
6. Systems, Data & Documentation
· Ensure job packs are completed fully and accurately · Ensure accurate time booking on TruTops Fab (TTF) · Own control of laser programs and revisions · Ensure correct drawings and quantities are used at all times · Support resolution of technical and customer-related laser queries · Support programmers and the estimating team by providing technical laser expertise, material knowledge and realistic cutting time estimates to ensure accurate costing and efficient program creation
7. People Leadership & Development
· Lead, train, and develop laser operators · Maintain a laser skills matrix and training records · Monitor individual performance daily and set clear expectations · Manage overtime, holidays, absence, and training needs · Conduct informal and formal performance reviews where required
Skills, Experience & Personal Attributes
Essential
· Strong background in laser cutting within a bespoke subcontract manufacturing environment
· Excellent understanding of laser cutting processes, materials, and quality requirements
· Able to read and interpret engineering drawings
· Strong planning, organisational, and problem-solving skills
· Results-driven with a strong focus on delivery, quality, and cost
· Confident leader with strong people management skills.
· Familiarity with ERP systems and digital production tracking tools.
· Positive attitude toward innovation, change, and continuous learning.
· Flexibility in working hours is required to meet operational needs and support the team
Desirable
· Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
· Competence in process analysis, workflow management, and performance reporting.
· Lean Six Sigma certification or similar.
· Knowledge of emerging manufacturing technologies.
· Strong customer liaison skills and experience managing stakeholder expectations.
Personal Attributes
· Self-motivated, resilient, and results-focused.
· Structured and disciplined approach to sales planning and activity.
· Professional, credible, and confident at all levels.
· Accountable for personal performance and outcomes.
· Committed to long-term development within the business.
Benefits:
* Competitive package for the right candidate.
* Life assurance.
* Above statutory holiday entitlement with additional service linked holiday.
* 40 hour working week
* Onsite gym.
* Pension scheme.
* Commitment to investing in training and development.
* Company provided workwear and PPE.
* Onsite parking.
* Staff canteen.
* Employee Assistance Program.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter highlighting relevant experience and why they are the ideal candidate for this position.
STRICTLY NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES