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.