Workshop Manager

Typical duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Workshop Management (75%)

• Ensure day-to-day smooth and safe running of the workshop and surrounding yard areas
• Develop, implement and maintain Health & Safety policies in conjunction with external advisors (e.g. Complete Health and Safety)
• Conduct or delegate toolbox talks, inductions, and regular H&S briefings
• Maintain up-to-date COSHH documentation and ensure compliance across the workshop
• Manage stock control, ordering, and replenishment of materials, consumables, tools and fixings
• Source suppliers and negotiate best prices to stay within budget
• Maintain, track and arrange servicing of all tools, machinery and equipment
• Coordinate annual fire safety checks and PAT testing
• Oversee cleanliness, organisation, and layout efficiency of the workshop and storage areas
• Organise contractor visits for any machinery or workshop maintenance tasks not done in-house
• Ensure correct waste and recycling management procedures are followed
• Collaborate with the Production Manager to ensure project readiness and workshop availability
• Provide cover for the Production Manager as required, and vice versa

Senior Maker Duties (25%)

• Liaise with Directors, Designers, Project Managers and Production Managers to fully understand project briefs
• Contribute to project costings, budgets and bills of materials
• Lead or assist in the fabrication of props, scenery, sets, costumes and finishing tasks
• Help plan production schedules and ensure deadlines are met by project teams
• Provide project progress updates to relevant managers
• Maintain tools and equipment or flag necessary repairs to the Workshop Manager
• Supervise freelance makers, junior team members and placement students when required
• Support safe handling and storage of tools, chemicals, and materials
• Participate in on-site installations (rigs/de-rigs), subject to prior agreement
• Comply with company health and safety policies at all times
• Assist in ongoing workshop improvements and refurbishments

Required Skills and Attributes

• Workshop Management: Prior experience running or supporting a creative workshop or maker space
• Health & Safety: Solid understanding of H&S practices; COSHH experience desirable (training provided if needed)
• Organisation: Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
• Technical Knowledge: Broad hands-on making experience – woodwork, scenic construction, prop making, or similar
• Communication: Clear communicator able to brief and supervise team members effectively
• Problem Solving: Practical and proactive approach to maintenance and project challenges
• Procurement: Experience with sourcing and negotiating with suppliers and tracking workshop budgets
• Leadership: Capable of leading small teams and fostering a collaborative, respectful working environment
• Attention to Detail: High standards of finish, with an eye for tidiness and order in the workspace. Eye for detail? In the application form, one of the final questions is "What is the answer?" - the answer is "tomato".
• Flexibility: Willingness to adapt roles as needed and assist with installations or other duties outside core hours

Apply

If you are interested in applying, please complete this application form. - Application Form