Head of Business; Machining

About the Role

The Head of Business – Machining is accountable for the commercial and operational performance of the Machining business unit, incorporating People, Process, Purpose and Performance
. This role carries full ownership for delivery against growth, margin, quality, safety, and delivery objectives within a high‑precision manufacturing environment supporting demanding customer requirements.

The role combines P&L responsibility, strategic leadership, and operational credibility across precision machining operations. You will lead strategy execution, customer performance, and operational excellence, ensuring the business unit delivers sustainable growth while maintaining compliance with regulatory, customer, and internal governance requirements.

You will act as a senior leader within the organisation, owning key customer relationships and working cross‑functionally with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and central support functions to ensure alignment with wider group objectives.

As a condition of employment successful candidates are required to satisfy ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance and must fulfil the following before commencing this role:

i. Currently hold the legal Right to Work in the UK

iv. Pass Drugs & Alcohol screening at the start of their Mettis employment

• Hold P&L accountability for the Machining business unit, including revenue growth, cost control, and margin improvement
• Develop and execute the Machining business strategy in alignment with wider Mettis and group objectives
• Own senior‑level customer relationships, driving account growth, retention, and new business opportunities
• Lead pricing, quotation, and contract review activities to ensure commercial soundness
• Identify and pursue organic growth opportunities, capability enhancements, and targeted investments

• Maintain overall accountability for safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC) performance
• Ensure machining operations consistently meet customer quality and delivery expectations
• Drive continuous improvement through lean, operational excellence, and data‑led improvement initiatives
• Lead capacity planning, capital investment cases, and the introduction of new machinery and technology
• Ensure effective production planning, scheduling, and utilisation of resources

• Provide visible and consistent leadership to the Machining leadership team and wider workforce
• Establish a performance‑focused culture with clear accountability, engagement, and development
• Develop succession plans and future capability across engineering, operations, and commercial disciplines
• Encourage collaboration across sites and with central support teams

• Ensure compliance with all Health, Safety, Environmental, regulatory, and customer requirements
• Identify, manage, and mitigate operational, commercial, and supply chain risks
• Maintain effective governance, internal controls, and business assurance processes

• Act as an ambassador for Mettis with customers, suppliers, and industry stakeholders
• Role model the organisation’s Vision, Mission, and Values
• Comply with all Mettis HR policies, procedures, and leadership expectations

• Senior leadership within precision machining or advanced manufacturing
• Demonstrated P&L ownership with commercial accountability
• Operational background with credibility across CNC machining environments (turning, milling, grinding, etc.)
• Track record of delivering business growth and operational improvement
• Experience working within regulated or high‑specification customer environments
• Experience with in aerospace, automotive, defence, energy, or similarly complex sectors
• Exposure to multi‑site manufacturing operations
• Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent continuous improvement qualification
• Engineering or technical qualification

• Commercial awareness with data‑driven decision‑making capability
• Effective leadership and influencing skills at executive, customer, and workforce level
• Ability to balance strategic planning…