Cell Leader (Machining Cell)

Machining Cell Leader
Hailsham , East Sussex 

Lead a precision machining cell producing high-tolerance components for advanced scientific and high-technology applications. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can keep people, priorities and production moving while improving quality, delivery and cost performance.

The Role

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the machining cell, from raw material through machining and component finishing.
• Set clear daily priorities, run team meetings and work closely with Planning and Purchasing to keep production on schedule.
• Train, coach and motivate the team; manage attendance, work rate, performance and cross-training requirements.
• Assess workload technically and improve flow through batching, work-centre selection, tooling, set-up and programme readiness.
• Monitor production activity, resolve shop-floor issues and drive right-first-time manufacture.
• Maintain material and component traceability, accurate job clocking, current documentation and effective visual management.
• Support KPI setting and performance reporting across quality, delivery and cost.
• Drive 5S, TPM, Kaizen, continuous improvement and structured problem solving.
• Work with Quality on root-cause analysis, rework and remanufacture of non-conforming components.

What You Will Bring

• Strong practical knowledge of machining and experience managing or supervising a machine shop, machining cell or production department.
• Leadership and coaching experience, with a visible and hands-on approach on the shop floor.
• Experience in a low-volume, high-tolerance manufacturing environment.
• Good understanding of lean manufacturing, 5S, continuous improvement and problem-solving methods.
• Confidence planning workloads, interpreting production priorities and working across Planning, Purchasing, Quality and Engineering.
• Strong organisation, communication and numeracy, with the ability to work accurately under pressure.

Desirable

• HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant engineering apprenticeship.
• ILM Level 3 or above in leadership.
• Experience in high-technology, vacuum, scientific-instrument or similarly controlled manufacturing.

Package

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Company pension, life insurance and private medical insurance.
• Occupational health checks, eye-care vouchers and workwear.
• Flexible working hours and a modern manufacturing environment.

 TPA Recruit is a specialist recruitment agency acting on behalf of our client to source and assess suitable candidates for this position. All applications will be reviewed and processed by our team, who will liaise directly with shortlisted individuals throughout the hiring process