Head Machine Shop

Job Title

Machine Shop Head / Machine Shop Manager

Job Summary

The Machine Shop Head oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of machining activities, including CNC and conventional machining operations. The role involves managing manpower, equipment, production schedules, quality control, maintenance coordination, and continuous improvement initiatives to maximize productivity and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Production Management

• Plan, organize, and supervise daily machine shop operations.
• Ensure production targets are achieved within specified timelines.
• Monitor machine utilization and optimize capacity.
• Coordinate with production planning and other departments to meet delivery schedules.

Team Leadership

• Lead, train, and develop machine shop personnel, including supervisors, operators, and technicians.
• Allocate manpower effectively across shifts and projects.
• Conduct performance evaluations and identify training needs.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, discipline, and accountability.

Quality Control

• Ensure compliance with quality standards, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Monitor machining processes to minimize defects and rework.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions for quality issues.
• Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to maintain product quality.

Maintenance & Equipment Management

• Coordinate preventive and breakdown maintenance activities.
• Ensure machines, tools, fixtures, and measuring instruments are properly maintained.
• Recommend equipment upgrades and capital investments when required.
• Monitor machine downtime and implement improvement measures.

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce workplace safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with statutory regulations and company standards.
• Conduct safety audits and risk assessments.
• Promote safe work practices and accident prevention programs.

Cost & Inventory Control

• Monitor machining costs, tooling expenses, and consumable usage.
• Control scrap, rework, and material wastage.
• Manage tooling inventory and spare parts availability.
• Support budgeting and cost-reduction initiatives.

Continuous Improvement

• Implement Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, TPM, and Six Sigma practices.
• Analyze production data and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Drive productivity, efficiency, and quality enhancement projects.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, or a related field.
• 8–15+ years of experience in machine shop operations, with leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of CNC machining, conventional machining, tooling, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with production planning and quality systems.

Required Skills

• Leadership and people management.
• Production planning and scheduling.
• CNC programming and machining knowledge.
• Problem-solving and root cause analysis.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, TPM, and 5S.
• Quality management systems and inspection techniques.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and MS Office.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Production output achievement.
• Machine utilization and OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).
• On-time delivery performance.
• Rejection and rework rates.
• Machine downtime.
• Safety performance metrics.
• Cost reduction and productivity improvements.

Reporting Structure

Reports To: Plant Head

Direct Reports: Production Supervisors, CNC Supervisors, Machine Operators, Tool Room Personnel, and Maintenance Coordinators.

This job description can be customized for industries such as automotive, aerospace, heavy engineering, precision machining, or general manufacturing.