Head Of Manufacturing

Operations and Engineering Manager

Location: Newport
Salary: -65,000 - -75,000 per annum
Hours: Full-time

The Role

We are recruiting for an experienced Operations and Engineering Manager to join a high-precision manufacturing environment within advanced engineering sectors such as semiconductor, automation, or precision machining.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for driving performance across machining, tooling, maintenance, and workshop operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and scalable production capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations across maintenance, machining, tooling, and workshop functions
• Develop operational strategies to support production targets, equipment uptime, and long-term capability growth
• Drive alignment between engineering, production, facilities, quality, and supply chain teams
• Build and manage KPIs, dashboards, and planning systems to support data-driven decision making

Machining and Tooling

• Oversee CNC machining, manual machining, toolmaking, and complex component manufacture
• Lead tooling development, refurbishment, and optimisation for precision processes
• Collaborate with suppliers to improve tool life, accuracy, and process capability
• Ensure machining operations meet tight tolerances and reliability requirements

Advanced Manufacturing and Equipment

• Support installation, commissioning, and optimisation of high-precision production equipment
• Lead Facility Acceptance Testing and equipment validation activities
• Coordinate utilities, equipment layouts, and routing for new tools and process equipment
• Apply structured problem solving to resolve equipment, tooling, and process issues

Workshop and Facilities

• Manage central workshop operations including machining, fabrication, and engineering support
• Lead facility expansions, layout planning, and contractor coordination
• Develop equipment specifications, evaluate quotations, and support procurement decisions

Maintenance and Reliability

• Develop and implement maintenance strategies using modern methodologies and digital tools
• Build a self-sufficient maintenance function supporting complex manufacturing equipment
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, preventative maintenance schedules, and operational readiness

Leadership and Development

• Build and develop multi-skilled engineering and operations teams
• Lead recruitment processes and select high-quality candidates
• Mentor engineers and technicians on best practice across machining, tooling, and safety
• Promote a strong safety-focused and inclusive culture

About You

• Proven experience in operations leadership within machining or advanced manufacturing environments
• Strong knowledge of CNC machining, manual machining, and toolmaking
• Experience in tooling development and precision engineering
• Understanding of equipment integration, utilities, and complex manufacturing environments
• Experience managing workshops, maintenance, and reliability strategies
• Strong planning, scheduling, and KPI management capability
• Experience working with suppliers, procurement, and technical stakeholders
• Strong commitment to safety and compliance

Qualifications

• Bachelor''s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

How to Apply

To apply for the Operations and Engineering Manager position, click Apply Now and upload your CV. A member of our recruitment team will contact you to discuss your application and next steps.