Job Role: Machine Shop Engineering Manager
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent
Location: Littlehampton, Sussex, UK
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
Hiring Manager: David Gratton
About Us
We are an award-winning, aerospace-approved company serving the Defence, Aerospace, and Motorsport sectors — recognised as a leading design-to-manufacturer of highly complex machined castings.
Our ongoing commitment to innovation, training and investment drives every part of our business. We continually advance our capabilities through the latest casting and CNC technologies while building a team of like-minded individuals who share our passion for delivering a first-class engineering service to our customers.
Our CNC machining facilities incorporate the latest 5-axis technology, including Mazak Integrex multi-tasking centres, capable of producing complex machined cast components in aluminium, stainless steel and iron materials.
We now have an exciting opportunity for a Machine Shop Engineering Manager to join our dynamic team.
Role Summary
· Supervise, develop and mentor a team of manufacturing engineers, programmers, machinists and apprentice engineers and promote a culture of collaboration with all staff, customers and suppliers.
· Meet and communicate with customers and suppliers on a regular basis. Understand their needs and provide manufacturing, technological engineering support.
· Provide engineering review and costing of all new enquiries and orders with your engineering and quality team. Implement and identify opportunities for cost reduction while maintaining quality.
· Plan, set and measure production schedules and drive productivity targets with your team to meet customer demand.
· Management of operating systems, processes and structures to enable accurate planning, quality, scheduling and execution of machining operations to meet customers’ exacting engineering standards and delivery forecast targets.
· Lead, train and implement 8D, 5S and 6 sigma control systems throughout the business.
· Working closely with your team and quality department, provide daily, weekly, and monthly KPI analysis of quality, delivery, cost, actual against estimated value, safety and maintenance.
· Conduct daily Gemba walks and ensure accountability throughout each shift.
· This role is not just about running the floor; it is all about owning results by promoting continuous improvements within a safe, controlled operating productive environment.
About You
· A solid, qualified, down-to-earth, feet-on-the-ground engineer with a minimum of 8 years of experience gained in a machine shop environment, preferably serving aerospace, defence, or top-tier automotive industries.
· A minimum of 3 years of experience as a machine shop manager.
· Strong controlled communication and interpersonal skills.
· Proven ability to lead teams, manage projects and meet tight deadlines.
· Practical CNC 5-axis milling, machining and turning experience. Preferentially working on Mazak and/or Heidenhain controls.
· Have first-hand experience developing and manufacturing complex machined prototype ferrous and non-ferrous parts, focused upon quality and timely delivery within a finite manufacturing schedule.
· A background implementing process controls/continuous improvement/Lean/Six sigma work instructions, and a profound knowledge of the ISO 9001 standard.
· Firm knowledge and experience of operating ERP/MRP manufacturing processes.
· An inquisitive mindset always looking to build and implement new technologies, plant and operations on the shop floor.
What we offer
Job Type: Full-time, immediate start.
Hours: 40 hrs per week.
Holidays: 23 days (inclusive of bank holidays) per year.
Pay: Starting at £60,000 per year, increasing to £75,000 per year following a six-month trial period.
Company pension and private medical healthcare: provided.
Relocation assistance: provided.