Head of Business (Machining)

About Mettis

We design, manufacture and assemble precision forged and machined components at our fully integrated facility in the heart of the UK. Our vision is not only to be the best at what we do but to continually set new standards in the industry by investing and innovating. That’s why we have been pioneers in our industry for over eighty years. We are forging the future today.

About the Role

The Head of Business – Machining is accountable for the commercial and operational performance of the Machining business unit, incorporating, People, Process, Purpose and Performance. This role carries full ownership for delivery against growth, margin, quality, safety, and delivery objectives within a high‑precision manufacturing environment supporting demanding customer requirements.

The role combines P&L responsibility, strategic leadership, and operational credibility across precision machining operations. You will lead strategy execution, customer performance, and operational excellence, ensuring that the business unit delivers sustainable growth while maintaining compliance with regulatory, customer, and internal governance requirements.

You will act as a senior leader within the organisation, owning key customer relationships and working cross‑functionally with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and central support functions to ensure alignment with wider group objectives.

As a condition of employment successful candidates are required to satisfy ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance and must fulfil the following before commencing this role:

i. Currently hold the legal Right to Work in the UK

ii. Fulfil a DBS clearance

iii. Provide a consistent 5‑year UK domicile

iv. Pass Drugs & Alcohol screening at the start of their Mettis employment

Responsibilities

Business & Commercial Responsibilities

• Hold P&L accountability for the Machining business unit, including revenue growth, cost control, and margin improvement
• Develop and execute the Machining business strategy in alignment with wider Mettis and group objectives
• Own senior‑level customer relationships, driving account growth, retention, and new business opportunities
• Lead pricing, quotation, and contract review activities to ensure commercial soundness
• Identify and pursue organic growth opportunities, capability enhancements, and targeted investments

Operational Excellence Responsibilities

• Maintain overall accountability for safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC) performance
• Ensure machining operations consistently meet customer quality and delivery expectations
• Drive continuous improvement through lean, operational excellence, and data‑led improvement initiatives
• Lead capacity planning, capital investment cases, and the introduction of new machinery and technology
• Ensure effective production planning, scheduling, and utilisation of resources

Leadership & People Responsibilities

• Provide visible and consistent leadership to the Machining leadership team and wider workforce
• Establish a performance‑focused culture with clear accountability, engagement, and development
• Develop succession plans and future capability across engineering, operations, and commercial disciplines
• Encourage collaboration across sites and with central support teams

Governance, Compliance & Risk Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all Health, Safety, Environmental, regulatory, and customer requirements
• Identify, manage, and mitigate operational, commercial, and supply chain risks
• Maintain effective governance, internal controls, and business assurance processes

Business Responsibilities

• Act as an ambassador for Mettis with customers, suppliers, and industry stakeholders
• Role model the organisation’s Vision, Mission, and Values
• Comply with all Mettis HR policies, procedures, and leadership expectations

Experience

Essential:

• Senior leadership within precision machining or advanced manufacturing
• Demonstrated P&L ownership with commercial accountability
• Operational background with credibility across CNC machining environments (turning, milling, grinding, etc.)
• Track record of delivering business growth and operational improvement
• Experience working within regulated or high‑specification customer environments

Desirable:

• Experience within aerospace, automotive, defence, energy, or similarly complex sectors
• Exposure to multi‑site manufacturing operations
• Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent continuous improvement qualification
• Engineering or technical qualification

Required Skills

• Commercial awareness with data‑driven decision‑making capability
• Effective leadership and influencing skills at executive, customer, and workforce level
• Ability to balance strategic planning with hands‑on operational leadership
• High level of customer focus and relationship management capability
• Decisive decision‑making with resilience in pressured environments
• High levels of integrity, accountability, and ownership

Job Type: Full‑time, Permanent

Location: Redditch, Worcestershire (on site, 5 days)

Hours: M‑T 07:30 – 16:30 & F 07:30 – 12:30

Benefits

• Pension: 3% Employer & 5% Employee contribution
• 33 days holiday including 8 statutory Bank Holidays p/a
• Employee benefits, rewards, and wellbeing platform (Perkbox)
• Free on‑site parking
• Cycle to work scheme
• Bereavement leave
• Company events
• Employee referral programme
• Sick pay

This job description is not exhaustive and may be reviewed periodically in agreement with the job holder. The postholder must comply with all policies and procedures issued by or on behalf of Mettis Aerospace.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Mettis Aerospace is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

External support

We recruit directly and primarily rely on direct applications and referrals. On occasions where agency support is needed, we engage only with agencies on our Preferred Supplier List.

Any speculative submissions from non PSL agencies will not be reviewed or accepted, and no introduction fees will apply.