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
Salary description
£65000.00 - £75000.00 per year