Manufacturing Head

Job Summary
The Plant Head will be the ultimate leader responsible for all aspects of the machine shop, including CNC programming and operation, tooling management, precision quality control, cycle time optimization, and equipment maintenance. This role demands strategic oversight, operational mastery of machining processes, budget management, and fostering a high-performance culture focused on safety, precision, and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Machining Operations Cycle Time Optimization

Oversee and manage all aspects of the machine shop, including CNC turning, milling (3-axis, 5-axis), grinding, and other finishing operations.

Drive continuous improvement in cycle times, machine utilization, and tooling life.

Ensure the effective scheduling and loading of CNC and conventional machines to meet production deadlines and optimize throughput.

Approve and implement process sheets, tooling selection, and CNC programs (working closely with the programming team).

• Quality, Precision, Metrology

Champion the achievement of tight tolerance standards critical to the parts produced.

Oversee the Quality Management System and Metrology lab, ensuring calibration and effective use of CMMs, surface finish testers, and other precision measurement tools.

Drastically reduce scrap and rework rates (PPM) by implementing robust root cause analysis and process controls.

• Equipment Maintenance Asset Management

Develop and manage Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) programs for high-value CNC machines, VMCs, HMCs, and complex grinding equipment to maximize uptime.

• Financial Budget Management

Develop and manage the annual budget, focusing on controlling costs related to tooling, machine maintenance, utilities, and direct labor hours per part.

Analyze costs per part, identifying opportunities for material savings and process efficiencies (e.g., minimizing material wastage/chips).

• Leadership, Safety, Compliance

Lead and mentor the team, including Production Supervisors, CNC Programmers, Quality Engineers, and skilled Machinists.

Enforce strict adherence to safety protocols, particularly related to machine guarding, chip management, and handling of oils/coolants.

Required Qualifications Skills
Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Production Engineering or a related technical field is required; a Master's degree or relevant business certification is a plus.

Experience: 17+ years of progressive leadership experience in a precision machining environment, with at least 5 years managing a high-volume, multi-shift machine shop.

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