Machine Shop Foreman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Title: CNC Machine Shop Foreman

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Fostoria, OH

FLSA Status: Salary Exempt

Position Summary

• The CNC / Machine Shop Foreman is responsible for supervising daily machine shop operations, leading CNC machinists and machine operators, and ensuring the safe, efficient, and quality-focused production of machined components. This hands-on leadership role oversees scheduling, workflow, quality standards, employee development, and continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining productivity and on-time delivery performance.
• The Foreman serves as the primary leader within the machine shop and is expected to maintain a strong floor presence, provide technical guidance, and drive accountability for safety, quality, productivity, and team performance.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership & Supervision

• Lead, coach, and develop CNC machinists, machine operators, and support personnel.
• Establish daily work priorities and assign resources to meet production schedules.
• Monitor employee performance and provide coaching, feedback, and performance management.
• Conduct employee training and skill development activities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain positive employee relations and address workplace concerns promptly.

Production & Operations Management

• Coordinate daily machine shop activities to ensure production schedules are met.
• Monitor workflow, machine utilization, labor efficiency, and throughput.
• Prioritize work orders based on customer requirements and production needs.
• Ensure proper staffing and resource allocation to support operational goals.
• Troubleshoot production bottlenecks and implement corrective actions.

Technical CNC Leadership

• Provide technical guidance on CNC machining operations, tooling, setup, and programming.
• Support machine setups, process improvements, and troubleshooting efforts.
• Review drawings, blueprints, specifications, and work instructions.
• Ensure machining processes meet engineering and customer requirements.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Quality to improve manufacturing processes.

Quality Management

• Ensure products meet all quality standards and specifications.
• Review inspection results and address quality concerns.
• Lead corrective actions related to machining defects and non-conformances.
• Promote a culture of quality ownership throughout the machine shop.

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce all company safety policies and machine shop safety procedures.
• Conduct safety observations and identify opportunities to reduce risk.
• Ensure proper use of PPE and safe operation of equipment.
• Participate in incident investigations and corrective action implementation.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase productivity.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor key performance metrics and develop action plans for improvement.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years of CNC machining experience.
• Minimum 2 years of manufacturing leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining processes, tooling, setups, and production operations.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T requirements.

Preferred

• Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Engineering Technology, or related field.
• Experience with CNC programming and CAM software.
• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and employee development skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage changing production demands.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in blueprint reading and manufacturing specifications.
• Knowledge of machining equipment, tooling, fixtures, and quality standards.
• Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office and manufacturing systems.
• Ability to work effectively with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Operations teams.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Safety Performance
• On-Time Delivery
• Production Throughput
• Labor Efficiency
• Machine Utilization
• Scrap and Rework Reduction
• Quality Performance
• Employee Training and Development
• Overtime Management
• Schedule Adherence

Leadership Expectations

• The CNC / Machine Shop Foreman will demonstrate:

Accountability

• Holds self and team members accountable for safety, quality, productivity, and performance expectations.

Technical Leadership

• Serves as the shop's technical resource and provides guidance to operators and machinists.

Continuous Improvement

• Actively seeks opportunities to improve processes, efficiency, and shop performance.

Team Development

• Invests in employee training, cross-training, and skill development.

Hands-On Leadership

• Maintains a visible presence on the production floor and leads by example.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• The ideal candidate is a highly skilled CNC manufacturing professional who combines strong technical knowledge with proven leadership ability. They are comfortable rolling up their sleeves to solve problems, coaching employees to higher performance, and driving results in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.