Operations and Engineering Manager
Location: Newport
Salary: £65,000 - £75,000 per annum
Hours: Full-time


The Role
We are recruiting for an experienced Operations and Engineering Manager to join a high-precision manufacturing environment within advanced engineering sectors such as semiconductor, automation, or precision machining.
This is a senior leadership role responsible for driving performance across machining, tooling, maintenance, and workshop operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and scalable production capability.


Key Responsibilities
*Lead daily operations across maintenance, machining, tooling, and workshop functions
*Develop operational strategies to support production targets, equipment uptime, and long-term capability growth
*Drive alignment between engineering, production, facilities, quality, and supply chain teams
*Build and manage KPIs, dashboards, and planning systems to support data-driven decision making
Machining and Tooling
*Oversee CNC machining, manual machining, toolmaking, and complex component manufacture
*Lead tooling development, refurbishment, and optimisation for precision processes
*Collaborate with suppliers to improve tool life, accuracy, and process capability
*Ensure machining operations meet tight tolerances and reliability requirements
Advanced Manufacturing and Equipment
*Support installation, commissioning, and optimisation of high-precision production equipment
*Lead Facility Acceptance Testing and equipment validation activities
*Coordinate utilities, equipment layouts, and routing for new tools and process equipment
*Apply structured problem solving to resolve equipment, tooling, and process issues
Workshop and Facilities
*Manage central workshop operations including machining, fabrication, and engineering support
*Lead facility expansions, layout planning, and contractor coordination
*Develop equipment specifications, evaluate quotations, and support procurement decisions
Maintenance and Reliability
*Develop and implement maintenance strategies using modern methodologies and digital tools
*Build a self-sufficient maintenance function supporting complex manufacturing equipment
*Ensure compliance with safety standards, preventative maintenance schedules, and operational readiness
Leadership and Development
*Build and develop multi-skilled engineering and operations teams
*Lead recruitment processes and select high-quality candidates
*Mentor engineers and technicians on best practice across machining, tooling, and safety
*Promote a strong safety-focused and inclusive culture


About You
*Proven experience in operations leadership within machining or advanced manufacturing environments
*Strong knowledge of CNC machining, manual machining, and toolmaking
*Experience in tooling development and precision engineering
*Understanding of equipment integration, utilities, and complex manufacturing environments
*Experience managing workshops, maintenance, and reliability strategies
*Strong planning, scheduling, and KPI management capability
*Experience working with suppliers, procurement, and technical stakeholders
*Strong commitment to safety and compliance


Qualifications
*Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering


How to Apply
To apply for the Operations and Engineering Manager position, click Apply Now and upload your CV. A member of our recruitment team will contact you to discuss your application and next steps.