At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our workshop operations and manage a passionate team in a hands-on role.
- Company: Join Boneyard London, the UK's top blacksmithing experience company.
- Benefits: Earn £40,000–£48,000 plus bonuses, with training and development opportunities.
- Other info: Clear path to General Manager as the business grows.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by teaching skills and running exciting workshops.
- Qualifications: Strong management experience and practical trade skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 48000 £ per year.
Our workshop is at Windsor Park Industrial Estate, a few minutes' walk from Merton Abbey Mills.
HOURS / DAYS
Full time, 5 days a week, 9am–5pm, including weekends on a rota (around two a month).
SALARY / RATE
£40,000–£48,000 depending on experience, plus a performance bonus of up to 10% of salary. Salary review after the 6-month probation.
STAFF / CONTRACTOR
Permanent staff (employed).
FULL TIME / PART TIME
Full time.
THE ROLE
This is a permanent, full-time, hands-on senior role based at our workshop in Wimbledon. You'll report to the owner, with a weekly update and regular one-to-ones, and a performance bonus linked to clear targets for the workshop and to the company's results. You'll have a company card for stock, repairs and supplies, with spending limits agreed with the owner. You'll also be on call to cover short-notice absences – any extra day you work is given back as a day in lieu, so you won't work more days across the year. As a senior role, the notice period is three months.
HOURS / DAYS
Five days a week, 9am–5pm, with weekends on a rota – around two a month, which may be split across Saturdays and Sundays. You must be able to reliably reach Wimbledon (SW19) at short notice.
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
We'll invest in you from day one:
- A structured 90-day handover: learn every course and how the forge runs, then take over the rota and stock, then run the workshop.
- Full training on our courses if you're not already a blacksmith or bladesmith.
- First aid training early on, as you'll lead health and safety.
- Welding qualifications and management training.
- A DBS check, paid for by us.
- Use of the forge for your own projects.
- Discounted courses for friends and family.
This position offers a clear path to General Manager as the role and the business grow.
WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Strong management experience: leading a team, rotas and day-to-day operations.
- Knows how to run a workshop safely and efficiently.
- Real ownership: a self-starter who's comfortable making decisions and doesn't wait to be told.
- A very strong work ethic and a hands-on attitude.
- Good with people: calm, clear and welcoming with customers and staff.
- Comfortable with digital tools and spreadsheets.
- Willing to teach, and enjoys passing on skills.
DESIRABLE SKILLS
- Blacksmithing, bladesmithing or knife-making experience.
- Experience teaching or demonstrating practical skills.
- Experience working with groups or members of the public.
- Experience coordinating fabrication or custom jobs.
EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS
- Solid practical trade experience in a workshop: metalwork, fabrication, welding or similar (a strong woodworker looking to retrain would also be considered).
- Full UK driving licence.
- First aid certificate, or willing to train (we'll pay).
- DBS check, or willing to get one (we'll pay).
- Able to reliably reach Wimbledon (SW19) at short notice.
We're looking for someone to start in early January 2027. Boneyard London is the UK's leading blacksmithing and bladesmithing experience company. We run hundreds of hands-on workshops a year from our forge in Wimbledon, teaching first-timers, groups and corporate teams to make knives, axes, tools and more – and we're known for doing things properly. Alongside our courses, we also take on custom fabrication work. We're growing, and this is a key role in that growth: the person who runs our workshop day to day, and makes sure every customer leaves safe, happy and proud of what they made.
Workshop & Operations Manager in London employer: Boneyard London
Boneyard London provides a supportive work culture with competitive salaries and performance bonuses. The company encourages professional growth and offers opportunities for advancement within the organization.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Workshop & Operations Manager in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Workshop & Operations Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Boneyard London specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Boneyard London
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Boneyard London, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
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Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
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In a full-time role, companies like Boneyard London value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
