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The Machine Shop Foreman is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the machine shop, ensuring that production targets, quality standards, safety requirements, and delivery schedules are consistently achieved.
This role combines hands-on technical expertise with leadership, planning, and people management.
The Foreman supervises machinists and CNC operators, coordinates workflow, provides technical support, and drives continuous improvement while maintaining a safe and productive working environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Production Planning & Scheduling
- Plan, prioritize, and coordinate daily and weekly machining activities
- Allocate work based on machine capacity, operator skills, and production deadlines
- Monitor production schedules and adjust priorities to meet customer requirements
- Ensure efficient utilization of machines, tooling, and manpower
- Coordinate with production, engineering, procurement, and quality departments to maintain smooth workflow
- Lead, supervise, and motivate machine shop personnel
- Assign daily tasks and monitor employee performance
- Conduct regular toolbox talks and production meetings
- Foster teamwork, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement
- Machining and Technical Expertise
- Operate and oversee machining on:
- Conventional Centre Lathes
- Other conventional and CNC machine tools
- Interpret engineering drawings, tolerances, and technical specifications
- Select appropriate machining methods, cutting tools, fixtures, and work holding equipment
- Ensure correct machine setups and machining practices
- Create, edit, and optimize CNC programs
- Troubleshoot CNC machining issues and implement corrective actions
- Improve machining cycles to reduce production time while maintaining quality
- Verify CNC programs before production
- Support operators with program adjustments and setup requirements
- Ensure all machined components meet customer specifications and quality standards
- Perform first-off inspections and verify dimensional accuracy
- Investigate quality issues and implement corrective actions
- Work closely with the Quality Department to maintain compliance
- Promote right-first-time manufacturing practices
- Health, Safety and Housekeeping
- Enforce company safety policies and procedures
- Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations
- Conduct safety inspections and risk assessments
- Maintain high housekeeping standards (5S)
- Ensure proper use of PPE and safe operating practices
- Maintenance & Equipment Management
- Monitor machine condition and performance
- Coordinate preventative maintenance schedules
- Report equipment breakdowns promptly
- Work with maintenance personnel to minimize machine downtime
- Ensure tooling and measuring equipment are maintained in good condition
- Monitor tooling requirements and consumable stock levels.
- Recommend replacement or purchase of tooling and equipment
- Control tooling usage to minimize waste and maximize efficiency
- Train new machinists and CNC operators
- Mentor apprentices and junior employees
- Identify skills gaps and recommend further training
- Ensure employees are competent in machine operation, quality standards, and safety procedures
- Promote continuous learning and technical development
- Identify opportunities to improve productivity and reduce costs
- Implement lean manufacturing and process improvement initiatives
- Reduce setup times and machining cycle times
- Improve workflow, machine utilization, and operational efficiency
- Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action implementation
- Reporting and Administration
- Complete production reports and shift handovers
- Monitor KPIs including productivity, scrap, rework, downtime, and delivery performance
- Maintain accurate production, maintenance, and quality records
- Report production progress and challenges to management
- Investigate NCR’s and fix all NCR outcome issues
To apply immediately for this position click
here.
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- Trade Test or recognised qualification as a Fitter & Turner, Machinist, or equivalent
- Minimum of 8–10 years' machining experience in a heavy engineering or manufacturing environment
- Minimum of 3–5 years' supervisory or foreman experience
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Extensive experience operating Vertical Lathes (VTLs), conventional lathes, milling machines, and horizontal borers
- Proven CNC programming and setup experience
- Strong understanding of engineering drawings, tolerances, and precision measurement
- Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems (advantageous)
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