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 makingMachining 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 requirementsAdvanced 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 issuesWorkshop 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 decisionsMaintenance 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 readinessLeadership 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