CNC Supervisor

CNC Supervisor 

Location: Hastings, East Sussex, TN38 9PU
Contract: Full‑time, Permanent
Hours: 40 per week

Would you like to be part of a team that is enabling technology for a better world? Kurt J. Lesker could be the place for you!

About the role:
Join the Kurt J. Lesker Company as a CNC Supervisor at our European Headquarters in St. Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex.

We're seeking a skilled individual who can provide hands-on leadership, technical expertise, and support within the CNC Machining Department. Lead and develop CNC Machinists and Operators across all shifts while ensuring production is completed safely, efficiently, and to the required quality standards. 

About us:
Kurt J. Lesker Company (KJLC) is a global leader in advanced manufacturing, delivering high-performance vacuum products and systems that power innovation across semiconductor, aerospace, medical, and optical industries. With over 70 years of expertise, we’re trusted by some of the world’s most critical sectors to support the development of next-generation technologies. We’re proud to be recognised for our commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and a workplace culture that values excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical guidance and support to CNC Machinists and Operators on machine setup, tooling selection, work holding, inspection requirements, and machining best practices.
• Champion a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement, leading by example and promoting high standards across the CNC department.
• Ensure all machined components meet engineering drawings, customer specifications, quality standards, and delivery requirements. 
• Support troubleshooting and resolution of machining, tooling, programming, and equipment issues to minimise downtime and maintain production flow. 
• Investigate quality concerns and machining non-conformances, identifying root causes and driving effective corrective actions.
• Monitor machine performance, cycle times, spindle utilisation, and departmental efficiency, identifying opportunities to improve productivity and reduce waste. 
• Coordinate daily workloads and priorities to ensure production schedules, routed hours, and delivery commitments are achieved. 
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including setup reduction, tooling optimisation, and process enhancements to increase capacity and efficiency.
• Act as a hands-on technical expert, capable of operating, setting, and troubleshooting CNC machines when operational support is required. 
• Drive 6S standards throughout the CNC area, ensuring machines, workstations, tooling stores, and inspection areas remain organised, clean, and audit ready. 
• Ensure tooling inventories, consumables, and production supplies are effectively managed to support uninterrupted manufacturing operations. 
• Lead, coach, and develop CNC Operators, Setters, and Machinists, supporting onboarding, training, and continuous skills development.
• Manage team performance, attendance, and employee records, ensuring compliance with company policies and supporting a high-performing team culture.
• Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Planning, and Production teams to resolve challenges and continuously improve manufacturing performance.
• Support the introduction of new products, equipment, tooling, and machining processes to enhance efficiency and capability.
• Other duties as assigned

What you'll bring:
Required

• HNC/HND (Mechanical, Manufacturing Technology or Industrial Technology) or equivalent experience in a related field
• Strong CNC machining background with experience in setting, operating, and troubleshooting CNC machine tools. 
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and manufacturing documentation. 
• Experience with CAD/CAM software such as Mastercam, Fusion 360, Edgecam, or similar.  
• Experience with CNC programming and program editing (Fanuc, Haas, or similar controls preferred). 
• Knowledge of tooling, workholding, cutting parameters, and machining optimisation techniques. 
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop manufacturing teams. 
• Strong communication and organisational skills. 

Preferred  

• Strong understanding of quality control methods and inspection requirements. 
• Excellent problem-solving and root cause analysis skills. 
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and 6S principles. 
• Experience within a precision engineering, aerospace, scientific vacuum, semiconductor, or high-specification manufacturing environment. 

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Matched pension up to 5%
• Health Cash Plan offering £600 per annum towards your standard healthcare costs for both you and your family, plus access to a free 24-hour doctor service
• Income protection insurance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Enhanced maternity/paternity pay
• Corporate, wellness and charity events throughout the year with the option to earn an extra day of annual leave

Please note we have a PSL in place and are unable to accept speculative CV’s from recruitment agencies.

Kurt J Lesker Company Ltd is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, or any other protected characteristic.

Applicants who require reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process are encouraged to contact us in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

For further information or assistance, please contact [email protected]

Kurt J. Lesker Company Ltd is a limited company