Machine Shop Shift Lead - Triple Shift

CNC Machine Shop Lead - Defence and Military Systems - Permanent - Attractive - South-West

A CNC Machine Shop Lead is required to join an International Defence Systems company that designs, manufactures, and supports world leading Military Systems. The successful CNC Machine Shop Lead will ensure the shift operates at an optimum level of safety, efficiency, and effectiveness in order to meet customer and company expectations for product quality. This includes adherence to associated procedures, the development of fully capable and reliable processes, and the effective utilisation of equipment and a flexible, skilled workforce.

This CNC Machine Shop Lead opportunity is a full time permanent position with a very good hourly rate plus a 50% shift allowance. The shift pattern will be a 3 Shift Rotating Pattern of Nights, Lates and Earlies.

The CNC Machine Shop Lead will play a pivotal role in developing a team culture that promotes continual improvement across Safety, People, Products, Processes, Procedures, and overall performance and the CNC Machine Shop Lead will report to the Manufacturing Manager

CNC Machine Shop Lead will be responsible for the following:

• Ensure the team adheres to company rules, including safety standards.
• Maintain a strong presence on the shop floor to reinforce safe working practices.
• Brief toolbox talks and safety work instructions as advised by the EHS Lead.
• Conduct workplace risk assessments as necessary to ensure a safe environment.
• Report accidents and near misses in accordance with the accident reporting procedure.
• Lead the shift to achieve production targets and conduct start-of-shift meetings.
• Manage and hold Team Leaders accountable for labour distribution and output.
• Oversee labour allocation and training needs; make recommendations to the Manager.
• Take responsibility for team performance, conduct, and adherence to company rules.
• Ensure all employees receive updates, news, and required training.
• Maintain and regularly update skills matrices to support employee development.
• Manage time sheets, holiday schedules, return-to-work interviews, and related admin.
• Conduct performance reviews and annual grading activities.
• Develop and encourage a positive team culture within the machine shop.
• Oversee daily machine operations, troubleshoot issues, and organise rework.
• Support Team Leaders with machine allocation and job prioritisation.
• Control and report on Kanban levels and hold weekly meetings with the Manager.
• Support and escalate maintenance issues as required.
• Implement direct instructions from the Manufacturing Manager and support change.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) sessions with Manufacturing, Engineering and Quality.
• Support continuous improvement activities and maintain a high standard of housekeeping.

The CNC Machine Shop Lead should have the following Qualifications Skills or Experience:

• Relevant experience in a CNC machine shop environment.
• Demonstrable ability to set/run the majority of machine tools within defined processes.
• Ability to lead through organising, coaching, developing, and motivating team members.
• Attributes: open-minded, change-oriented, target-driven, methodical, and supportive.
• Forward-thinking, with a positive, proactive, and approachable leadership style.
• Strong communication skills at all levels of the business and Computer literate.

Security Clearance (SC) may be required due to the nature of the Defence products involved

Demand for this role will undoubtedly be high, and interviews will be arranged very soon. If you have the right experience and you want to be considered, please apply today. If you have any questions about the CNC Machine Shop Lead role, please contact Peter Heap at Jonathan Lee Recruitment on or send suitable CV's to

Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.