Hands on Aluminium Fabricator / Machinist / Production Manager
Company: The Traditional Verandah Company Ltd
Location: Cranbrook, Kent
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Dependent on experience
Working Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5 with 1-hour breaks

About Us
The Traditional Verandah Company Ltd is a specialist manufacturer and installer of high-quality, bespoke aluminium verandahs, porches and architectural structures.

We manufacture our own unique range of traditional-style components, combining precision engineering with traditional design to create premium, made-to-measure products for residential and commercial clients throughout the UK.
We are looking for an experienced, practical and reliable Aluminium Fabricator / Machinist / Production Manager to join our team.

Key Responsibilities
Aluminium Fabrication & Manufacturing
• Cutting, drilling, machining and preparing aluminium extrusions, castings and other components to precise specifications.
• Reading, interpreting and working accurately from technical drawings, measurements and production instructions.
• Assembling bespoke components in accordance with manufacturing requirements.
• Using a variety of hand tools, power tools and workshop machinery safely and efficiently.
• Polishing, finishing and preparing components to achieve a high-quality finish.
• Checking completed components for dimensional accuracy, quality and finish.
• Identifying and reporting manufacturing defects or discrepancies.

Workshop Machinery & Maintenance
• Operating workshop machinery and equipment safely and correctly.
• Carrying out basic routine machinery maintenance, cleaning and general upkeep.
• Ensuring tools and equipment are maintained in good working condition.
• Reporting machinery faults or maintenance requirements promptly.

Preparation for Installation & Dispatch
• Preparing manufactured components and materials for delivery and installation.
• Carefully wrapping, protecting and packaging finished components to prevent damage during transportation.
• Checking materials against job requirements to ensure all necessary components and fixings are included.
• Loading company vehicles safely and efficiently in preparation for installation.
• Assisting with occasional on-site installation work when required.

Stock Control & Workshop Organisation
• Maintaining an organised, clean and safe working environment.
• Managing stock control, including monitoring materials, components and consumables.
• Reporting low stock levels and material requirements.
• Storing and handling aluminium components carefully to prevent damage.
• Working efficiently to meet manufacturing schedules and installation deadlines.

Skills & Experience Required
Essential
• Previous practical experience in aluminium fabrication, metalworking or a closely related manufacturing environment.
• Competence in using hand tools, power tools and workshop machinery.
• Ability to read, understand and work accurately from technical drawings.
• Strong measuring skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, follow instructions and solve practical problems.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise work to meet deadlines.
• A high standard of workmanship and pride in producing quality products.
• A responsible approach to workplace health and safety.
• Ability to undertake the physical aspects of the role, with appropriate equipment and safe working practices.
• A full UK driving licence.

Desirable
• Experience working with aluminium extrusions, castings and architectural metalwork.
• Experience in polishing or finishing aluminium.
• Previous experience manufacturing bespoke or made-to-measure products.
• Experience with basic workshop machinery maintenance.
• Experience in preparing and handling materials for site installation.
• Experience of installing made to measure structures on site.

Personal Qualities
We are looking for someone who is:
• Reliable and conscientious – takes responsibility for their work and can be depended upon.
• Practical and resourceful – confident in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
• Accurate and detail-oriented – understands the importance of precision and quality.
• Self-motivated – able to work productively with minimal supervision.
• Adaptable – comfortable working on different products and undertaking a variety of workshop tasks.
• A team player – willing to support colleagues and contribute to the smooth running of the business.

Working Environment
This is a varied, hands-on position within a small, specialist manufacturing business.
Unlike repetitive factory production, much of our work is bespoke, requiring care, accuracy and an understanding of how individual components fit together to form a finished structure.

The successful candidate will be involved in multiple stages of the manufacturing process, from preparing raw materials through to the final assembly, finishing and preparation of components for installation.
Occasional assistance with installations at clients' properties may be required.

What We Offer
• Full-time, permanent employment.
• Competitive salary dependent on skills and experience.
• Opportunity to work on interesting, bespoke architectural projects.
• A varied role within an established specialist manufacturing company.
• A small, supportive team environment.
• Training in our proprietary products and manufacturing processes.

How to Apply
Please submit your CV by email to include a brief summary of your relevant fabrication or workshop experience and salary expectation using the APPLY button.

Please note that if the email with the CV attached does not include any accompanying wording then the application may not be considered.