Machine Shop Manager

SailGP Technologies is the high performance design, engineering and manufacturing arm of SailGP, the global purpose-led sail grand prix championship.

The Rolex SailGP Championship is the most exciting racing on water, where anything can happen in short, adrenaline-fueled battles between national teams at iconic stadium destinations worldwide. Top athletes fly in identical high-tech F50 catamarans faster than the wind, at speeds in excess of 100km/h (60mph). Founded in 2018, SailGP is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports and entertainment properties, now in its sixth season.

SailGP’s constantly evolving design, composites engineering, software and data expertise is rooted in decades of experience at the forefront of cutting-edge sail racing. Previously established and located in New Zealand since 2001, SailGP Technologies has relocated to Southampton, UK, with the new state of the art facility which opened in Spring 2024.

Job Summary:

This leadership role is responsible for overseeing an integrated engineering and manufacturing function, with a focus on delivering high-performance, high-quality components through both metallic and composite processes. The successful candidate will bring proven experience across production and advanced manufacturing, ideally from a high-tech, precision-driven environment such as motorsport, aerospace, or marine innovation. This position requires strong technical leadership, hands-on experience managing multidisciplinary teams, and a clear understanding of how to scale production systems and processes to meet evolving operational demands. It is ideally suited to someone currently in a lead engineering or production management role who is ready to take ownership of a full department and play a central role in shaping future manufacturing strategy.

Reporting into the Director of SailGP Technologies, the Machine Shop Manager will be responsible for all machining functions, including CNC 3-axis, 5-axis and manual machines ensuring end to end delivery, from procurement, quality inspection and stock control.

Responsibilities:

Provide strategic leadership for all machining functions, including manufacturing, testing, and product development, ensuring alignment with business and performance objectives.
Define and execute a forward-looking manufacturing and production strategy that supports growth, product innovation, and scalability - balancing in-house capability with outsourced supply chain solutions.
Oversee the delivery of high-precision metallic and composite components, driving quality, repeatability, and production efficiency across all manufacturing processes.
Ensure tight integration between engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and operations to support seamless product development and industrialisation.
Champion a culture of continuous improvement, leading initiatives to reduce lead times, optimise tooling and resource allocation, and improve yield and material efficiency.
Lead investment planning and capability development within manufacturing and production functions - including CNC machining, composites machining, fixturing, and quality systems.
Manage daily operations of internal machining and fabrication teams, ensuring delivery of components to specification, budget, and schedule, while meeting the highest performance and safety standards.
Act as a key technical authority and thought leader within the organisation - supporting decision-making at the senior level and driving a culture of excellence.
Oversight and required resilience support with all programming, setting and running of Mazak and ARES CNC machines
- Mazak - QT250 lathe, VTC-530C 3 axis milling machine & CV5-500 5 axis milling machine
- CMS ARES 5 axis machining centre (Ares 6026-PX5 with 6 metre travel).
Manage the procurement and stock control of departmental resources, including raw materials, while maintaining adherence to budget
Direct the quality assurance and inspection function, guaranteeing total precision and technical compliance for every manufactured component.
Manage low-volume component machining operations, applying advanced problem-solving skills to resolve complex technical challenges.

About you:

Demonstrable and relevant experience with machining in a modern manufacturing environment.
Additional experience with CAD, manual machine tools and welding is preferred but not essential.
Previous experience of machining titanium and other exotic metals
Proven leadership experience in manufacturing and production within a high-tech, precision-driven sector such as motorsport, aerospace, or marine technology.
Strong technical grounding of metallic manufacturing processes, with the ability to guide teams in the workshop, as well as at the strategic level, including a strong knowledge and experience in CNC programming and operation.
Hands-on leadership style – equally comfortable directing teams and personally engaging in problem-solving to meet performance, quality, and delivery targets.
Track record of successfully managing machine shop teams and fostering collaboration across manufacturing, procurement, and operations.
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute manufacturing strategies that balance in-house capabilities with external supply chain partners.
Experience scaling production processes and systems to meet evolving operational demands while maintaining quality and repeatability.
Skilled in implementing continuous improvement initiatives that reduce lead times, optimise tooling and resources, and improve material efficiency.
Confident communicator and influencer, able to operate effectively at all levels of the organisation and with senior stakeholders.
Commercially aware, with an understanding of the financial and operational drivers behind engineering and manufacturing decisions.
Passionate about building high-performance teams and embedding a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and innovation.

SailGP Technologies is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace committed to building a team culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion.