CNC Manufacturing Team Lead Salary: £42,550 + Benefits Location: Bedfordshire Contract: Permanent Hours: 37.5 per week Working Pattern: 4-day week (Mon–Thurs) with flexible working Security Clearance: SC required to start (DV eligibility required) Overview An established high-technology manufacturing organisation is seeking an experienced CNC Manufacturing Team Lead to join a Special Projects precision machining environment based in Bedfordshire. This is a hands-on leadership role within a low-volume, high-complexity CNC machining facility, producing critical hardware and R&D components. The position combines people leadership with active CNC machining, making it ideal for a senior CNC professional who wants to remain technically involved while leading a skilled team. The work is focused on one-off and small-batch precision components, rather than high-volume production. Key Responsibilities * Lead, coach, and support a team of CNC machinists and technicians * Take ownership of safety, quality, delivery, and cost within the production cell * Plan and prioritise workloads to meet programme milestones and deadlines * Remain hands-on with CNC programming, setting, proving, and machining * Manufacture complex, high-value components using multi-axis CNC milling and/or turning * Support tooling, fixture, and machining process development * Drive continuous improvement, lean practices, and high manufacturing standards * Work closely with engineering, quality, planning, and materials teams CNC Environment * Machines: Matsuura, Correa-Nayak, Hurco * Axis capability: 3 to 6 axis (experience in 5-axis milling highly desirable) * Controls: Fanuc and Heidenhain * CAM: HyperMill experience desirable but not essential Required Skills, Qualifications & Experience * Strong hands-on CNC machining background (milling preferred; turning also considered) * Experience machining complex, low-volume or one-off components * Multi-axis CNC experience (3–6 axis) * Experience leading, mentoring, or supervising machinists * Ability to work from engineering drawings, specifications, and procedures * High standards for quality, safety, and process discipline If you are a hands-on CNC professional with leadership experience looking for technically challenging work in a precision machining environment, we encourage you to apply