Mechanical Workshop/Production Manager

The University of Oxford Department of Physics is looking to recruit a full time Mechanical Workshop Production Manager

 This post is permanent

Reporting to the Head of OPTEC, the Mechanical Workshop Production Manager is responsible for the operation and growth development of the combined Physics Mechanical Workshops. The mechanical workshop is a pivotal facility that realises the vision of the high-profile scientific activities for the department. Activities range from large scale project deliverables to micron level devices, and activities that support and enable local, national and international laboratory activities.

 The operation of the Workshops plays a crucial role in attracting research funding to the Physics Department and is the largest Workshop operation in the University. Typically, many projects are complex, large scale, innovative and subject to very demanding deadlines. Frequently these projects involve many partner Institutions nationally or internationally, making sure requirements for service are covered and completed as expected. The Manager is responsible for costing, controlling budgets, resources, shaping and co-ordinating manufacturing delivery. The manager is also responsible for marketing and handling any workshop contacts internal and external to the university. This requires daily communication with the Design Office, Academic and research staff, external contacts and all workshop staff.

 The manager will be knowledgeable with current H&S requirements, and they will be expected to participate and be an active member to produce RAMS, SOPs, and other safe practice documentation for the workshop environment and users of these areas.

The manager will be a champion in developing their team and capabilities, growing the workshop with skills to support the need of the Department.

You will be required to manage the entire Machine/Welding Workshop day to day operations in liaison with the two Workshop Supervisors and be responsible for the Health and Safety within the workshop to ensure it is compliant with Health and Safety regulations. You will be responsible for the training and development for the team as well as providing guidance to the technicians. You will be responsible for the recruitment of workshop staff, apprentices, and direct line management of the workshop supervisors. To ensure that the inventory of workshop equipment is kept up to date and integrated with strategic plans for equipment replacement or disposal and prepare and support bids for equipment or related teaching/research equipment grants. You will Evaluate whether a manufacturing task should be undertaken in-house or outsourced, and if the latter, obtaining and evaluating quotations as stipulated by university financial regulations prior to placing the order. The fitting and assembly of components, sub-assemblies and complete equipment to appropriate precision and other standards. The installation, modification and repair of equipment required for teaching and research.

 The successful applicant should hold a degree/HDN in Mechanical or Production Engineering or an equivalent qualification is highly desirable. Lower qualifications would be considered if offset by significant and demonstratable amount of experience. Experience in in the operation of similar workshops and managing and developing advanced workshops or fabrication facilities. You must also have experience in high technology research and development and Experience of Computer Numerical Controlled machining. You must also have experience in supervising a team of people and the ability to coordinate multiple workshop tasks. 

You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

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