Joinery Workshop Manager in Wigan

Joinery Workshop Manager Location: Wigan, Greater Manchester Salary: £45,000-£55,000 + Excellent Benefits PAckage Job Type: Permanent About the Company Our client is an established North West construction and fit-out business operating across commercial and industrial, retail and leisure, public sector, and specialist and bespoke sectors. A key part of the business is its in-house bespoke joinery manufacturing facility, producing high-quality fitted and loose joinery for its own fit-out and refurbishment projects, as well as supply-only and supply-and-install packages for external clients. The workshop also manufactures certified timber fire-rated doorsets, providing an important specialist manufacturing capability within the wider business. The company has a strong focus on quality, technical standards, continuous improvement and developing its people. The Role We are looking to appoint an experienced Joinery Workshop Manager to take responsibility for the day-to-day management and performance of a busy bespoke joinery workshop. This is a hands-on management position, responsible for ensuring production is planned, organised and delivered efficiently, safely and to the required quality standards. You will lead a skilled team of bench joiners, semi-skilled workers and key operatives, while working closely with the Design, Project Management and Commercial teams to ensure manufacturing programmes align with project requirements. The successful candidate will have a strong background in bespoke joinery manufacturing, with the technical knowledge and leadership ability to manage production, improve processes, control costs and maintain high standards of workmanship. Key Responsibilities Production Planning & Programme Plan and manage the workshop production programme, coordinating manufacture against site installation and delivery dates. Manage workshop capacity and workload, identifying potential bottlenecks and resource requirements. Work closely with Design and Project Management teams to ensure drawings, specifications and approvals are in place before production. Provide realistic manufacturing lead times during tender and pre-construction stages. Monitor production against programme and report progress, risks and mitigation to senior management. Coordinate deliveries to site, ensuring joinery arrives correctly sequenced, protected and ready for installation. Workshop & Manufacturing Management Take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the bespoke joinery workshop. Ensure the workshop operates in a safe, organised and efficient manner. Develop and improve manufacturing processes, workflow and machine utilisation. Oversee the accurate translation of drawings into cutting lists, CAD/CAM files and machine programmes. Manage the manufacture of solid surface, laminate, veneered and solid timber products. Resolve technical and manufacturing queries, particularly on complex or non-standard items. Monitor material usage and waste, implementing measures to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Fire-Rated Doorsets Take responsibility for the manufacture of certified timber fire-rated doorsets. Ensure all manufacturing is completed strictly in accordance with approved specifications and certification requirements. Maintain appropriate manufacturing records, traceability and labelling. Prepare for and support independent certification audits. Work closely with the Passive Fire team regarding doorset scheduling, technical requirements and delivery dates. Team Leadership Lead, allocate and supervise the workshop team. Set clear daily and weekly production priorities. Establish and monitor KPIs covering output, quality, waste and programme performance. Identify training and development requirements across the workshop. Maintain training and competence records and support apprentices through their development. Manage attendance, timekeeping, holidays and day-to-day people matters alongside HR. Build a positive, professional and productive workshop culture. Quality Assurance Implement and maintain robust workshop QA systems and processes. Ensure all manufactured items are checked against drawings, dimensions, templates and specifications before leaving the workshop. Work with Design and Project Management teams to approve benchmark and sample items before wider production. Investigate quality issues and site snags, identifying root causes and implementing preventative measures. Maintain consistently high standards of workmanship and finish. Materials, Procurement & Cost Control Plan and order materials, boards, solid surfaces, ironmongery and consumables in line with production requirements. Manage workshop stock levels, storage and material handling. Build strong relationships with key suppliers. Work alongside the Commercial team on pricing, alternatives and value engineering. Monitor labour hours and material costs against agreed allowances. Identify and report cost variances and opportunities for improved efficiency. Plant, Machinery & Health & Safety Ensure workshop machinery is maintained, serviced, guarded and safe to use. Ensure statutory inspection and examination requirements are met. Manage wood dust control, extraction and associated RPE requirements. Ensure risk assessments, COSHH assessments and safe systems of work are current and followed. Deliver and record toolbox talks. Ensure workshop operatives are appropriately trained and authorised to use machinery. Work closely with the Health, Safety and Compliance team on inspections, incidents and continual improvement. Requirements Proven experience managing production within a bespoke joinery or specialist manufacturing environment. Strong knowledge of traditional and modern woodworking techniques. Experience working with solid surface and laminate products. Strong understanding of bespoke joinery manufacturing and the ability to interpret detailed drawings. Proven experience leading, allocating and developing a skilled workshop team. Experience planning production and managing workloads against deadlines. Strong understanding of workshop health and safety requirements. Commercially aware with the ability to manage labour, materials and production costs. Experience with quality assurance processes and manufacturing controls. Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office. Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality. Excellent communication and team leadership skills. Reliable, organised and proactive approach to work. What's on Offer £45,000-£55,000 salary Excellent Benefits Package. Permanent position within an established North West construction and fit-out business. Opportunity to take ownership of a specialist bespoke joinery manufacturing operation. The opportunity to develop production processes, capacity and capability. Long-term career development and training opportunities. Company pension and employee benefits. A key management position with genuine influence over workshop performance and growth. Apply If you're interested in this opportunity, then please get in touch today with our Commercial Specialist, Mark Harris. Building Careers UK specialises in Construction and Property recruitment and serves as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job, you accept the Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers which can be found on our website. Building Careers UK is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Please Note: Due to the high volume of applicants, only those shortlisted will be contacted. INDCOM