About the role
We are looking for an experienced and proactive Machine Shop Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of our busy CNC milling and turning departments at Belman Performance Automotive.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong technical machining knowledge, effective people management and a drive to maximise productivity and operational efficiency. The successful candidate will take ownership of machine utilisation, production schedules, tooling and team performance, ensuring high-quality components are delivered on time and to specification.
Working within a fast-paced, high-precision engineering environment, you will be responsible for maintaining an organised, efficient and accountable machine shop, proactively resolving production challenges and driving continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee daily CNC milling and turning operations, maximising machine utilisation, productivity and efficiency.
- Manage production schedules, workloads and resources to ensure jobs are completed on time and to specification.
- Ensure tooling, materials and programmes are prepared in advance to minimise downtime.
- Work closely with Production Control, CAM and Inspection to maintain efficient workflows and resolve bottlenecks.
- Lead and develop the machine shop team, setting clear expectations around productivity, quality and accountability.
- Allocate workloads, monitor performance and address issues proactively.
- Manage tooling inventory, stock levels and replenishment to prevent production delays.
- Ensure components meet engineering specifications and quality standards.
- Drive improvements in machining processes, cycle times and workflows, reducing scrap and rework.
- Promote right-first-time manufacturing and continuous improvement.
- Coordinate preventative maintenance and minimise equipment downtime.
- Maintain high standards of health and safety, housekeeping and workplace organisation.
- Monitor and report on machine utilisation, productivity, downtime, quality and on-time delivery.
- Support senior management with resource planning and manufacturing capacity.
Skills & Experience Required
- Proven experience managing a busy CNC machine shop within a precision engineering environment.
- Strong technical knowledge of CNC milling and turning, including multi-axis and ideally 5-axis machining.
- Demonstrable experience improving machine utilisation, productivity and operational efficiency.
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to manage performance, develop teams and drive accountability.
- Excellent planning, organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to meet demanding production deadlines.
- Proactive, commercially aware and results-driven approach.
- Experience within motorsport, automotive, aerospace or other high-precision manufacturing sectors.
- Familiarity with Matsuura and DMG MORI machinery and Fanuc, Heidenhain or Siemens controls.
- Previous hands-on CNC programming, setting or machining experience.
The successful candidate will be organised, decisive and proactive, with the confidence to lead from the front, hold their team accountable and ensure that the machine shop operates efficiently and productively.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Birthday day off
- Christmas Eve off
- Company pension scheme (5% employer contribution)
- Free onsite parking
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Opportunity to work on exciting, high-profile engineering projects
- Modern, well-equipped manufacturing facility
- Supportive and friendly team environment
- Excellent opportunities for career progression as the business continues to grow
About Us
BPA is a leading precision engineering specialist based in Daventry, providing complete turnkey solutions across the design, manufacture, and assembly of high-precision components and complex assemblies for the Motorsport, Automotive, Aerospace and Defence sectors.
With over 10 years’ experience and driven by innovation, quality, and engineering excellence, BPA combines advanced manufacturing capabilities with a highly skilled team to deliver exceptional results for some of the world’s most demanding industries. As a rapidly growing business operating at the forefront of precision engineering, we are committed to continuous improvement, investment in technology, and developing talented people who share our passion for performance and precision.
Why Join BPA?
This is an exciting opportunity to join BPA at a key stage of our growth and have a genuine influence over how our manufacturing operation develops.
You will have the opportunity to shape processes, develop teams and work within a modern precision engineering environment supporting some of the most demanding sectors in UK manufacturing.
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