Job Title

CNC Manufacturing Team Lead 5 Axis (Defence Engineering)Ampthill, Bedfordshire | Permanent | 4 Day Week (MonThurs) | £42,550We are recruiting on behalf of a specialist UK defence engineering organisation for a CNC Manufacturing Team Lead to join a precision machining facility delivering complex, low-volume components for secure programmes.This is a hybrid leadership and hands-on role within a small, highly skilled machining team.It would suit either:An experienced CNC Team Lead who remains technically strong, orA Senior 5-axis Machinist ready to step into leadershipThe EnvironmentYoull be working with:Matsuura, Hurco and Correa machining centres36 axis capability (strong bias toward 5-axis milling)Fanuc and Heidenhain controlsComplex one-off and low-volume defence componentsThis is not high-volume production it is precision R&D machining within a secure environment.The RoleYou will:Lead and support a small team of skilled machinists (approx. 610)Plan and prioritise workloads in line with programme needsDrive safety, quality and on-time delivery performanceConduct basic performance reviews and support skills developmentRemain hands-on with programming, setup and prove-out of multi-axis machinesSupport tooling optimisation and process improvement initiativesThis is a working leadership role strong technical credibility is essential.What Were Looking ForStrong 5-axis CNC milling experienceFanuc and/or Heidenhain programmingExperience machining complex, low-volume componentsPrevious leadership, supervisory or mentoring experienceBackground in defence, aerospace or advanced precision engineeringActive SC clearance (or recently lapsed and eligible for reactivation)Must be eligible to obtain DV clearanceWhats on Offer4 day working week (MonThurs)Permanent role within long-term defence programmesTechnically challenging environmentOpportunity to shape and influence a specialist machining cellDue to the nature of the programmes, strict security clearance eligibility criteria apply.If you are an SC-cleared CNC professional looking for a role that combines advanced machining with team leadership responsibility, please apply or contact us for a confidential discussion.JBRP1_UKTJ