Dental Technician - Technical Manager

About the Role

We are recruiting on behalf of an established and growing specialist dental laboratory in Belfast for an experienced Technical Production Manager.

This is an opportunity for a technically minded leader to oversee complex production workflows, support departmental teams and drive improvements in quality and manufacturing efficiency.

Our client specialises in digitally designed and manufactured full-arch implant restorations, using advanced CAD/CAM technology, Zirkonzahn milling systems, 3D printing, PMMA, zirconia and ceramics.

Applications are welcomed from experienced dental laboratory professionals, as well as candidates with relevant backgrounds in precision engineering, advanced manufacturing or medical-device production.

Working closely with the Operations Manager and departmental leads, you will provide technical leadership across the laboratory, overseeing complex cases from initial assessment through design, manufacture and final quality control.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing technical guidance across CAD/CAM, milling, 3D printing, PMMA, zirconia and ceramics.
• Troubleshooting equipment, software and manufacturing issues, including Zirkonzahn milling workflows.
• Supporting departmental leads with complex cases and technical production requirements.
• Identifying bottlenecks and improving production efficiency, quality and turnaround times.
• Developing laboratory protocols, manufacturing processes and quality standards.
• Coordinating technical priorities with production schedules.
• Supporting the introduction of new equipment and technologies.
• Leading, coaching and developing technicians and departmental leads.
• Encouraging collaboration, accountability and consistent standards across departments.

You will bring proven experience in technical production management, practical problem-solving and team leadership within a dental laboratory or comparable manufacturing environment.

We are particularly interested in candidates with:

• Knowledge of CAD/CAM systems and digital manufacturing processes.
• Experience with milling equipment, manufacturing software and technical troubleshooting.
• The ability to coordinate technical activities across multiple departments.
• A track record of improving manufacturing processes, quality and efficiency.
• Strong organisational skills and confidence in managing competing priorities.
• An approachable leadership style and clear communication skills.
• The ability to make decisions, take ownership and resolve technical challenges independently.

Experience in any of the following would be advantageous:

• Zirkonzahn milling systems and Zirkonzahn.Modellier design software.
• Exocad or 3Shape workflows.
• Full-arch implant-supported restorations.
• Zirconia, PMMA and ceramic manufacturing.
• CNC milling, additive manufacturing or advanced precision engineering.

Specific Zirkonzahn experience is desirable but not essential. Strong transferable technical skills and problem-solving capabilities will also be considered.

• A salary of £50,000–£65,000, dependent on experience and technical capabilities.
• A full-time, permanent position with an established and growing specialist laboratory.
• The opportunity to work with advanced digital dental manufacturing technologies.
• A key role in developing technical capabilities, supporting teams and improving production processes.
• A structured induction and handover period.

The role reports to the Associate Director. Following induction, you will take ownership of day-to-day technical responsibilities, with senior management support for exceptional matters requiring escalation.