Director / Manager of Machine Shop Operations

Description

Position Summary

The Director / Manager of Machine Shop Operations oversees all machining activities related to the production of spun cast rolls , ensuring operational excellence, precision machining quality, on-time delivery, and continuous improvement. This leader is responsible for managing people, processes, equipment, production planning, safety, quality systems, and cross-functional collaboration. The role requires deep knowledge of heavy machining, roll manufacturing, metallurgical properties of spun cast materials, and high-volume/low-volume mixed production environments.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead daily operations for the machine shop, including turning, boring, grinding, CNC machining, and finishing of spun cast rolls.
• Develop and implement production plans, capacity strategies, and workflow optimization to ensure on-time delivery and efficient resource use.
• Ensure adherence to machining tolerances, surface finish requirements, and dimensional accuracy specific to spun cast roll applications (e.g., steel mills, paper mills, plastics, and processing industries).

Team Management

• Directly manage supervisors, machinists, programmers, maintenance personnel, and support staff.
• Drive a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee training programs related to machining best practices, CNC operations, safety, and equipment certifications.

Quality & Process Improvement

• Partner with Quality and Engineering to ensure all rolls meet metallurgical, dimensional, and surface integrity standards.
• Implement lean manufacturing, 5S, and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce waste and improve cycle times.
• Maintain and improve quality control processes, including inspection procedures, measurement systems, and documentation.

Safety & Compliance

Enforce safety standards across all machining operations, ensuring compliance with OSHA and company policies.

Conduct hazard assessments, root cause analyses, and corrective actions to support a zero-incident culture.

Equipment, Tooling & Maintenance

• Oversee the maintenance and capital planning of large lathes, CNC mills, grinders, boring mills, and related machining equipment.
• Ensure proper tooling selection, inventory management, calibration, and procurement.
• Identify and justify capital investments for improved efficiency or expanded capabilities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Engineering, Metallurgy, and Foundry/Production departments to optimize casting-to-machining workflows.
• Provide technical guidance on process feasibility, machining allowances, and roll design considerations.
• Collaborate with Sales and Customer Service to support quoting, lead time planning, and customer expectations.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop long-term operational strategies aligned with business goals.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that improve throughput, safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Participate in budgeting, forecasting, cost reduction initiatives, and KPI development.
• Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other duties as assigned.
• If you meet the requirements above and are interested in joining our team, please apply with your updated resume. We look forward to reviewing your application!

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years of machining experience in heavy industrial manufacturing.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing machine shop operations.
• Strong understanding of spun cast roll manufacturing, metallurgy, and machining-related material behaviors.
• Proven experience with CNC machining, manual machining, grinding, and large turning operations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and implement lean/continuous improvement methodologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in steel, paper, or industrial roll manufacturing environments.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green/Black Belt).
• Experience implementing ERP/MRP systems within a machining environment.
• Strong knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Background working with heavy equipment (20–100 ton capacity) and overhead crane operations.

Key Competencies

Strategic planning & leadership

Technical machining knowledge

Continuous improvement mindset

Data-driven decision making

Strong communication and team-building skills

Safety-first approach

Financial and operational acumen