Workshop Manager/HOD

SUMMARY:
Our client, a well-established engineering manufacturer supplying high-quality components to local and international heavy equipment markets, is seeking an experienced and hands-on, technical Workshop Manager/HOD to lead a large-scale production workshop.

POSITION INFO:
This is not an office-based administrative role. This is a hands-on, shop-floor focused role where more than 70% of your time will be spent in the factory managing people, machines, workflow, quality, and production output. This position will be responsible for leading the planning, production and day-to-day operations of a precision-engineering manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate is a production-driven, technical leader who is able to manage pressure and deadlines to ensure excellent quality, output and team performance.


Responsibilities:

• Manage the daily operations of a high-volume engineering workshop to ensure a smooth and efficient production flow
• Oversee production flow across multiple departments, machines, and shifts
• Maintain strict adherence to established manufacturing procedures and standards
• Allocate jobs accurately and effectively across CNC machines, gear cutting equipment, grinding and machining centres
• Lead and manage a workforce of 100+ employees across multiple shifts
• Ensure productivity, throughput, and on-time delivery targets are achieved
• Troubleshoot technical, machine, and production issues timeously
• Drive workflow improvements and eliminate bottlenecks
• Ensure all job cards, schedules, and production reports are accurate, completed accurately and in a timely manner
• Maintain strict quality standards and tolerance requirements
• Coordinate with production, maintenance, quality, stores, and logistics teams to optimise operations

• Proven experience as a Workshop Manager/Production Manager/Machine Shop Manager in a manufacturing environment
• Strong hands-on experience with CNC mills and lathes, gear shapers and cutters, CNC gear grinders and hobbing machines
• Experience managing production flow in a high-output machine shop
• Experience leading 100+ staff members across multiple shifts
• Strong technical fault-finding and problem-solving ability
• Strong leadership, planning, and people management skills
• Good understanding of machining tolerances, tooling, and production scheduling
• Computer literate (ERP/production systems advantageous)

• Minimum Trade Tested Artisan (Fitter, Turner, Machinist)