CNC Machine Shop Foreman

CNC Machine Shop Foreman

The CNC / Machine Shop Foreman is responsible for supervising daily machine shop operations, leading CNC machinists and machine operators, and ensuring the safe, efficient, and quality-focused production of machined components. This hands-on leadership role oversees scheduling, workflow, quality standards, employee development, and continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining productivity and on-time delivery performance.

The Foreman serves as the primary leader within the machine shop and is expected to maintain a strong floor presence, provide technical guidance, and drive accountability for safety, quality, productivity, and team performance.

Leadership & Supervision

• Lead, coach, and develop CNC machinists, machine operators, and support personnel.
• Establish daily work priorities and assign resources to meet production schedules.
• Monitor employee performance and provide coaching, feedback, and performance management.
• Conduct employee training and skill development activities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain positive employee relations and address workplace concerns promptly.

Production & Operations Management

• Coordinate daily machine shop activities to ensure production schedules are met.
• Monitor workflow, machine utilization, labor efficiency, and throughput.
• Prioritize work orders based on customer requirements and production needs.
• Ensure proper staffing and resource allocation to support operational goals.
• Troubleshoot production bottlenecks and implement corrective actions.

Technical CNC Leadership

• Provide technical guidance on CNC machining operations, tooling, setup, and programming.
• Support machine setups, process improvements, and troubleshooting efforts.
• Review drawings, blueprints, specifications, and work instructions.
• Ensure machining processes meet engineering and customer requirements.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Quality to improve manufacturing processes.

Quality Management

• Ensure products meet all quality standards and specifications.
• Review inspection results and address quality concerns.
• Lead corrective actions related to machining defects and non-conformances.
• Promote a culture of quality ownership throughout the machine shop.

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce all company safety policies and machine shop safety procedures.
• Conduct safety observations and identify opportunities to reduce risk.
• Ensure proper use of PPE and safe operation of equipment.
• Participate in incident investigations and corrective action implementation.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase productivity.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor key performance metrics and develop action plans for improvement.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years of CNC machining experience.
• Minimum 2 years of manufacturing leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining processes, tooling, setups, and production operations.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T requirements.

Preferred

• Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Engineering Technology, or related field.
• Experience with CNC programming and CAM software.
• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and employee development skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage changing production demands.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in blueprint reading and manufacturing specifications.
• Knowledge of machining equipment, tooling, fixtures, and quality standards.
• Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office and manufacturing systems.
• Ability to work effectively with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Operations teams.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Safety Performance
• On-Time Delivery
• Production Throughput
• Labor Efficiency
• Machine Utilization
• Scrap and Rework Reduction
• Quality Performance
• Employee Training and Development
• Overtime Management
• Schedu…