CNC Turning Lead

Contek are working with a client in Coventry who design, innovate and manufacture precision tooling and specialist machinery for niche market Professionals and Fabricators.

Are you a Sliding Head machinist wanting to make a mark in a new facility, take initiative and be a part of driving a business forward?

Job Title: Section Lead, Turning

Managing: Programmers, Machinists and Operators

Key relationships: Technical and Design; MP&L; Other areas of Manufacturing; Fabrication; Servicing and Spares, Machine Build, SHEQ.

Monday - Thursday 7:00-4:30, Friday 7:00-3:00pm

Main Purpose of the Role

The Turning Section Lead is responsible for producing components from models and drawings to support the production of tooling, other company OEM designed machinery, sub-contract work, and other products as required. The primary responsible is for programming and setting a Star SX-38 sliding head machine, but they are also responsible for other company machines and managing the staff that operate them.

Roles & Responsibilities:

- Manage the company’s new Star SX-38 sliding head machine with a 3m bar feed. This includes initially commissioning the machine, then ensuring maximum productivity from it. The company aspires to drive significant growth through the products the Star machine can produce, and this may lead to the purchase of additional machines in the future.

- Plan work, ensuring all production dates are achieved.

- Manage all data relating to manufactured parts. We plan to use the machine 24x7 so running high volumes out of normal working hours will also need to be managed.

- Manage projects of varying budgets, levels, and complexity, as required.

- Improve manufacturing methods to suit the business’s need for short lead times and efficient machining.

- Liaise with Design to ensure that all works routings, drawings, models, and customer samples are available and correct to begin the manufacturing of the component. Provide feedback and collaborate with Design to ensure new designs or any amendments can be produced efficiently.

- Co-ordinate tooling, ensuring we have the necessary items in place where and when we need them. Innovate as required, and proactively identify new tooling requirements. Keep the tool dispenser fully stocked.

- Ensure all fixtures and equipment are stored correctly, ensuring all required elements for manufacture are easy to locate.

- Oversee and program a range of other machines as required.

- Ensure that all parts are subjected to first off inspection, as required.

- Ensure all completed works orders are signed off correctly.

- Provide feedback on the progress of projects, orders, and any escalations.

- Use the Company’s MRP system (Factory Master), to determine outstanding orders and requirement dates.

- Assist with the production of quotations and job costing exercises, as required. Includes providing material specifications for quoting or purchasing.

- Manage and provide ongoing development of standard operating procedures relating to manufacturing processes.

- Manage machine servicing and plans, ensuring that relevant preventative maintenance systems and procedures are implemented to reduce the likelihood of machine failure, breakdown, and accidents. Where breakdowns do occur, manage processes and sub-contractors to ensure machines are restored quickly and safely to full working order, collating, and analysing details and costs incurred.

- Ensure all oil levels are maintained at optimum level for tool life, and coolant is changed when required.

- Adhere to the company’s quality and H&S management system and supporting processes (ISO9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018). Ensure all staff use and wear appropriate PPE.

- Support a best practice and continuous improvement culture across the company, identifying opportunities where they arise, and taking ownership for driving initiatives forward.

- Undertake and support internal and external audits as required, following company audit policies, processes, and schedules. Identify and report non-conformances (NCR), aiding with NCR root cause analysis. Ensure any NCRs identified are rectified quickly, and by the agreed dates.

- Keep all work areas clean, tidy, and safe at all times

* Day to day line management of the Turning team, including:

* allocation of tasks to ensure all work is delivered on time and to required quality standards.

* cross training to ensure effective cover is in place when required.

* team and personal training and development, including skills matrix.

* performance management, including objective setting and reviews.

* absence management, including ensuring company sickness absence processes are followed.

* effective communication, maintaining high levels of engagement and morale across the team.

* Carry out the role of First Aider and Fire Warden. Training will be provided.

* Responsibility, with other section Leads, for opening up and closing up the factory each day in line with security, H&S and operational procedures.

* Any other relevant activities as required by the business.

Person Specification

Technical Skills

- Product knowledge – a good understanding of company products, along with how we manufacture them.

- Programming – must be proficient in writing programmes using Fanuc Controls with NC assist, or ideally through Solid Cam, (which is necessary for some of the milling features we produce). Additionally, the ability to programme a range of CNC milling, turning and other machines would be an advantage.

- Sliding Head Machines – Extensive experience of sliding head machines is essential, with knowledge of modern technology and up to date manufacturing techniques. Specific experience on Star machines is preferred, but training will be provided if required.

- Engineering drawings - The ability to read and interpret engineering drawings effectively.

Other Skills

- Communication – effective verbal, written and listening skills. The ability to interpret, understand and communicate information is critical.

- Interpersonal – the ability to work effectively and positively with people at all levels, understanding how behaviour, persuasion, influence, adaptation, and direction drives desired outcomes. Able to manage challenging situations, conflict, and deal with sensitive situations tactfully.

- Critical thinking – excellent analytical and critical thinking skills. Able to understand issues and create effective solutions.

- Leadership – the ability to rapidly understand and analyse issues, making positive and unambiguous decisions. Able to create and lead motivated and empowered teams, encouraging input, discussion, and participation. A high attention to detail.

- Projects – The ability to manage projects of varying size, complexity, and budget. Able to coordinate all activities in a planned way to ensure a desired outcome.

- Responsible - trustworthy, disciplined, motivated, conscientious, accountable, resilient, and adaptable. Willing to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities. Understands the need for company and individual confidentiality.

- Organisation – the ability to set goals and meet targets on time and budget. Able to think strategically.

- IT literate – able to use a wide range of standard IT tools effectively. Able to pick up and learn new tools quickly.

- First Aid – Carry out the role of First Aider. Training will be provided.

Attitude

- Teamwork – able to participate effectively as part of a team. Aware of people’s different skills, abilities and needs, and the requirement to share information to create collective understanding.

- Positivity – able to maintain high levels of morale and motivation through a positive, flexible, and healthy approach to work. Able to inspire colleagues to achieve results.

- Commitment – willingness to be flexible and sometimes ‘go above and beyond’ to get the job done. A clear understanding of both company goals and customer requirements. A ‘can-do’ attitude.

- Innovative – able to think outside the box, take reasonable risks, and innovate.

- Travel – able to travel within the UK and abroad as required to meet suppliers, customers or for other business requirements.

Experience

- 10 years’ manufacturing experience in an engineering business.

- 3 years’ experience in a hands-on supervisory role.

- Knowledge of modern machining techniques, programming, and the latest developments in tooling.

- Forklift and first aid qualifications would be very useful

Qualifications

Having relevant professional or vocational qualifications would be a distinct advantage.

First Aid certification would be an advantage