Manufacturing Operations Manager

Manufacturing Operations Manager | Precision Machining | Braintree | £55,000-£70,000

A well-established precision CNC machining business serving aerospace and defence, now backed by a larger engineering group and entering a well-funded growth phase, is looking for a Manufacturing Operations Manager who genuinely understands high-mix, low-volume precision engineering, and wants to be close to it every day.

The environment

This is not a linear production flow. Work is technically variable, routed across multiple machine platforms and external processes, with shifting priorities and real operational complexity. The team is experienced, skilled and stable, machinists and programmers who know their craft. What the business is building now is the operational structure and leadership layer that supports growth without over-engineering what already works well.

Current investment includes additional machine capacity, extended running capability, shift development and headcount growth, with clear ambitions to scale significantly over the next three to five years.

The role

A hands-on leadership position, the Manufacturing Operations Manager will be on the shopfloor, close to the work and directly involved in shaping how the operation develops.

• Running production to OTIF, quality and efficiency targets across a varied, high-complexity workload
• Managing priorities, capacity and routing across machine platforms and external processes
• Developing and performance-managing a skilled team of machinists and CNC programmers
• Improving shopfloor organisation, production flow and planning structure
• Supporting AS9100 compliance and audit readiness
• Playing an active role in operational decisions as the business scales

What we're looking for

Direct, recent experience in a precision subcontract or high-mix CNC environment, ideally aerospace, defence or similarly regulated. You'll understand the difference between managing a skilled machinist and managing a production operative and be comfortable in an environment where no two weeks look the same.

• Background in high-mix, low-volume or subcontract precision machining
• Experience managing skilled machinists, setters or CNC programmers directly
• Structured but adaptable, able to introduce discipline without over-systematising
• Genuine hands-on operational improvement, not just oversight of CI programmes
• The credibility and people skills to lead a technically capable team
• Comfortable in an SME environment where you do things as well as direct them

Why this role

• Significant ongoing capital investment with more planned
• Strong, stable team with genuine craft knowledge
• Backed by an established engineering group with long-term commitment to the site
• Real involvement in shaping operations as the business grows
• A role where your direct contribution will be visible and valued

If you're an experienced Manufacturing Operations Manager with a background in high-mix precision machining and you're looking for a hands-on operational leadership role in a business with genuine momentum, Apply now.

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