Machine Shop Manager

WillowWood•Mesa, AZ

About The Position

WillowWood Global is seeking an experienced CNC manufacturing leader to manage its high-performance machining operation. This hands-on leadership role combines technical CNC expertise with team development and business-minded decision-making. The manager oversees day-to-day shop operations, production planning, employee development, quality, safety, equipment, materials, and continuous improvement to help the department meet safety, quality, cost, and delivery objectives. The successful candidate will lead a skilled machining team, maintain production and quality standards, coordinate resources and schedules, improve processes and equipment utilization, and work closely with engineering, quality, purchasing, maintenance, and company leadership. Strong CNC machining and programming knowledge is important, including experience with mills, lathes, Swiss/screw machines, 5-axis machining, and CAD/CAM platforms. Experience with HAAS equipment, robotic integration, SolidCAM, and SolidWorks is valued.

Requirements

At least 5 years of CNC machining experience in a production, job shop, or manufacturing environment.
Deep understanding of GD&T, print interpretation, and precision measuring tools.
Proven ability to work within strict quality management systems and consistently execute SOPs and work instructions.
Demonstrated machine shop leadership or management experience.
Strong knowledge of CNC mills, lathes, and Swiss/screw machines.
Significant experience with 5-axis machining.
Strong understanding of G-code, toolpaths, tooling, feeds, speeds, workholding, and machining processes.
Experience with CAD/CAM software such as SolidCAM and SolidWorks, or comparable platforms.
Experience with production scheduling, workflow coordination, and resource planning.
Ability to lead, train, mentor, and develop manufacturing employees.
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Experience with precision measurement and inspection techniques.
High school diploma or GED.

Nice To Haves

Experience with HAAS CNC equipment.
Experience with HAAS UMC 5-axis machining centers.
Experience with CNC lathes with live tooling.
Experience with Swiss/screw machines.
Experience with robotic machine tending or robotic programming.
Experience designing and implementing custom fixtures.
Experience with lean manufacturing, 5S, and continuous-improvement methodologies.
Experience working with quality systems and corrective-action processes.
Experience managing multiple shifts or a growing machine shop operation.

Responsibilities

Manage daily machine shop operations, including scheduling, personnel, equipment, production priorities, and workflow.
Establish and maintain standardized process routing for efficiency, scheduling, and quality.
Build operational redundancy through training, mentorship, and development of CNC programmers, setup personnel, and operators.
Set and monitor employee performance; provide coaching, feedback, and development opportunities.
Work with company leadership to establish departmental goals and performance expectations.
Promote accountability, teamwork, safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Assist with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and training machine shop personnel.
Follow and enforce company policies for safety, conformance deviation, and change control.
Coordinate production schedules based on demand and available resources; monitor progress and adjust priorities to meet commitments.
Coordinate people, raw material, tooling, fixtures, programming, and other resources to maintain equipment uptime.
Identify production bottlenecks and work with engineering and quality to improve throughput and resolve quality issues.
Monitor machine utilization, labor efficiency, scrap, rework, and production performance.
Coordinate and prioritize support for prototype and development activities with leadership.
Provide technical oversight and optimize CNC programs and G-code to improve quality, cycle times, and machine efficiency.
Support programming of CNC mills, lathes, and Swiss/screw machines using SolidCAM, SolidWorks, or comparable CAD/CAM platforms.
Guide tooling, feeds, speeds, workholding, toolpaths, and machining strategies.
Oversee development and implementation of fixtures, tooling, and machining processes.
Analyze production data and develop corrective actions to meet performance goals.
Promote proper 5S practices and maintain an organized, efficient, professional work environment.
Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, safety, and machine utilization, as well as new tooling, equipment, automation, and machining technologies.
Ensure machining operations meet quality standards, specifications, and tolerances.
Maintain accurate setup sheets, routings, work instructions, and other manufacturing documentation.
Ensure quality-assurance tools are maintained under a defined calibration schedule.
Work with engineering and quality on nonconforming parts and corrective actions.
Ensure machinists and operators inspect their work and maintain inspection and process documentation.
Ensure employees are trained to use micrometers, calipers, gauges, and other precision measuring equipment.
Maintain a safe work environment and enforce company safety policies and procedures.
Ensure employees are trained in machine operation, PPE, lockout/tagout, and applicable safety procedures.
Support preventive maintenance programs and ensure machine issues are addressed promptly; coordinate with maintenance to minimize downtime.
Monitor machine condition and recommend repairs, replacements, or upgrades when appropriate.
Maintain housekeeping and 5S standards throughout the department.
Coordinate purchasing and availability of cutting tools, workholding, raw materials, and production supplies.
Monitor tooling consumption, identify cost-reduction opportunities, and maintain inventory levels that support production.
Work with suppliers and purchasing personnel on tooling and material requirements; evaluate new products to improve performance and reduce operating costs.
Develop and maintain redundancy in the machining team and hold employees accountable to safety, quality, productivity, and attendance standards.
Communicate effectively with employees, engineering, quality, purchasing, and company leadership.
Support the team during high-pressure production challenges, communicate clearly, and drive solution-focused outcomes.
Encourage employee ideas and participation in continuous improvement.