CNC Manufacturing Team Lead

Position: CNC Manufacturing Team Lead (Permanent)
Location: Ampthill

CNC Manufacturing Team Lead – 5 Axis (Defence Engineering)
Ampthill, Bedfordshire | Permanent | 4 Day Week (Mon–Thurs) | £42,550
We are recruiting on behalf of a specialist UK defence engineering organisation for a CNC Manufacturing Team Lead to join a precision machining facility delivering complex, low-volume components for secure programmes.
This is a hybrid leadership and hands-on role within a small, highly skilled machining team.
It would suit either:

* An experienced CNC Team Lead who remains technically strong, or

* A Senior 5-axis Machinist ready to step into leadership
The Environment
You’ll be working with:

* Matsuura, Hurco and Correa machining centres

* 3–6 axis capability (strong bias toward 5-axis milling)

* Fanuc and Heidenhain controls

* Complex one-off and low-volume defence components
This is not high-volume production — it is precision R&D machining within a secure environment.

The Role
You will:

* Lead and support a small team of skilled machinists (approx. 6–10)

* Plan and prioritise workloads in line with programme needs

* Drive safety, quality and on-time delivery performance

* Conduct basic performance reviews and support skills development

* Remain hands-on with programming, setup and prove-out of multi-axis machines

* Support tooling optimisation and process improvement initiatives
This is a working leadership role — strong technical credibility is essential.
What We’re Looking For

* Strong 5-axis CNC milling experience

* Fanuc and/or Heidenhain programming

* Experience machining complex, low-volume components

* Previous leadership, supervisory or mentoring experience

* Background in defence, aerospace or advanced precision engineering

* Active SC clearance (or recently lapsed and eligible for reactivation)

* Must be eligible to obtain DV clearance
What’s on Offer

* 4 day working week (Mon–Thurs)

* Permanent role within long-term defence programmes

* Technically challenging environment

* Opportunity to shape and influence a specialist machining cell
Due to the nature of the programmes, strict security clearance eligibility criteria apply.
If you are an SC-cleared CNC professional looking for a role that combines advanced machining with team leadership responsibility, please apply or contact us for a confidential discussion