Machine Shop Supervisor

6. MACHINE SHOP SUPERVISOR

Job Purpose/Profile

To supervise and coordinate machine shop operations, ensuring the efficient machining, repair, manufacture, and maintenance of engineering components in accordance with technical specifications, quality requirements, safety standards, and production priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise daily machine shop operations and allocate tasks to machinists, turners, machine operators, and other workshop personnel.
• Plan, schedule, and monitor machining activities in line with maintenance and production requirements.
• Oversee the manufacture, machining, refurbishment, and repair of engineering components, including shafts, bushes, rollers, pins, sleeves, and other machine parts.
• Interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, tolerances, and machining instructions.
• Ensure the correct use of conventional and, where applicable, CNC machines, including lathes, milling machines, drilling machines, grinders, and other workshop equipment.
• Monitor the quality and dimensional accuracy of machined components using appropriate measuring instruments.
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards, quality requirements, and approved workshop procedures.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance, inspection, and servicing of machine shop equipment.
• Monitor the use of raw materials, cutting tools, consumables, and other workshop resources to minimise waste and control costs.
• Enforce workplace safety procedures, proper machine guarding, housekeeping, and safe working practices.
• Identify training needs, coach employees, and promote skills development within the machine shop.
• Monitor employee attendance, productivity, workmanship, and adherence to departmental procedures.
• Prepare and submit machine shop reports covering completed jobs, outstanding work, machine utilisation, material usage, and maintenance requirements.
• Liaise with engineering, mechanical maintenance, production, and stores personnel to ensure timely completion of jobs.
• Identify opportunities to improve machining processes, reduce downtime, and enhance workshop productivity.
• Perform any other duties assigned by management.

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12 School Certificate.
• Diploma or Advanced Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, Machining, Toolmaking, or a related engineering discipline.
• A recognised trade qualification in Turning and Machining will be an added advantage.
• At least 3–5 years of relevant machining or machine shop experience, preferably in a heavy industrial or steel manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising or leading a machine shop team.
• Practical knowledge of turning, milling, drilling, grinding, component refurbishment, and precision machining.
• Experience in engineering maintenance, quality control, and workshop planning will be an added advantage.

Competencies and Skills

• Strong technical knowledge of machining processes and machine shop operations.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, tolerances, and technical specifications.
• Proficiency in the use of precision measuring instruments, including micrometres, vernier callipers, and dial indicators.
• Good knowledge of conventional and CNC machining operations, where applicable.
• Strong supervisory, leadership, and team coordination skills.
• Excellent planning, scheduling, and organisational abilities.
• Ability to troubleshoot machining problems and make sound technical decisions.
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety requirements in an engineering workshop.
• Good understanding of quality assurance, equipment maintenance, and resource management.
• Strong communication, reporting, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritise tasks, and meet operational deadlines.
• High levels of accountability, integrity, discipline, and attention to detail.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

All applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Must be Zambian citizens and possess a valid National Registration Card (NRC).
2. Must possess the relevant academic and professional qualifications for the position applied for.
3. Must provide verifiable evidence of relevant work experience where applicable.
4. Must demonstrate integrity, professionalism, discipline, and a strong work ethic.
5. Must possess good communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
6. Must be medically fit to work in a demanding industrial environment.
7. Must demonstrate the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
8. Must be willing to work shifts, weekends and public holidays where operational requirements demand.
9. Must be committed to observing company policies, procedures, occupational health and safety standards.

Applications should be addressed to:

The Head - Human Resources

Universal Mining and Chemical Industries Limited (UMCIL)

Interested and suitably qualified candidates should submit to hr@umcil.co.zm & cc: hr1@umcil.co.zm

• A cover letter, clearly indicating the position applied for.
• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Copies of relevant academic, technical and professional qualifications.
• ERB/EIZ documentation, where applicable.
• Contact details of three professional referees.

Closing Date: 20th November 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

How to Apply

Apply by emailing: hr@umcil.co.zm