For over 40 million people in the UK, spectacles are the first thing reached for in the morning, and the last thing taken off at night. Even the overworked smartphone can’t seize pole position. But the optical industry hasn’t changed in over three centuries. Products are tired, standards are poor, and glasses wearers have got used to sub-standard experiences.The reason we exist is to change this for the better. We’re not an eyewear brand. We’re a spectacles maker. At the heart of our business are our frames - handmade from the best materials. Designed to be worn, serviced, repaired and renewed.
The Workshop Assistant Manager oversees the day-to-day running of Cubitts’ Kings Cross spectacle-making workshop – covering CNC operation, hand-making and repairs & restoration. The role leads and coaches the workshop team, including CNC Operators, Makers and Apprentice Spectacle Makers, planning the day, allocating tasks, and maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship, safety and efficiency. Reporting directly to the Design Lead, the Workshop Assistant Manager plays a key role in rolling out new equipment, technology and process improvements across the workshop, while ensuring production output is maintained effectively and creativity is championed alongside day-to-day delivery, all while representing Cubitts’ values and mission with pride.
Workshop Assistant Manager tasks will include:
Team Leadership: Lead daily shifts, planning workloads, allocating tasks across CNC, making and repairs, and communicating priorities clearly to the team.
Coaching & Development: Act as a role model and mentor to CNC Operators, Makers and Apprentice Spectacle Makers, offering guidance, feedback and structured training to help the team build their skills.
Quality Control: Own quality standards across the workshop, spotting issues early, leading root-cause fixes, and coaching the team on maintaining consistent craftsmanship.
Technology & Process Adoption: Lead the workshop's adoption of new equipment and planned technological improvements, training the team on new tools and processes as they roll out.
Production Planning & Output: Plan and prioritise the workshop's workload across CNC, making and repairs, ensuring production output is maintained effectively against volume and turnaround targets.
Stock & Materials: Oversee stock of raw materials and tools, working with suppliers and stores to ensure the workshop has what it needs.
Creative Culture: Champion creativity alongside production efficiency, protecting time and space for the team to experiment with new techniques, finishes and ideas.
Reporting & Escalation: Act as the primary point of contact for the workshop, keeping the Design Lead informed of performance, risks and opportunities.
Operational Support: Build strong product and process knowledge, and help resolve escalated queries from stores, customer service or the wider team.
What is expected of a Workshop Assistant Manager
A strong communicator – can explain complex information in a way that's easily understandable by non-experts across the whole company; presents with clarity and confidence, and gives and receives feedback constructively.
Collaborative team player – builds relationships, values contributions from peers, and works effectively with others to get things done.
Technically capable – deep understanding of CNC operation, spectacle making and repair processes, and every stage of production, able to guide others confidently across all of them.
Disciplined operator – upholds clear workspace and safety standards personally and across the team every shift, flagging recurring causes of delay rather than absorbing them silently.
Reliable executor – delivers work efficiently, consistently meets deadlines, and follows through on commitments.
Innovative mindset – curious, open to new ideas, and willing to test and learn from mistakes to improve workshop processes.
Team-accountable – owns quality and output standards for the team, not just personal work.
People-focused leader – developing leadership skills by considering how best to support, develop and get the best from the team.
2026 Goals
Goals for this year, agreed alongside the workshop’s production operating model:
Focus
Goal
Deliver structured training plans for all CNC Operators, Makers and Apprentices, with progress reviewed quarterly.
Quality
Achieve <1>
Technology adoption
Lead successful rollout of planned workshop technology improvements, with the team trained and operational on schedule.
Our Values
For all
We treat everyone with the same warmth and respect, and without ego.
Managers
Humble and empathetic, fostering unity and inclusiveness amongst and across teams
Shares challenges and encourages their team to overcome them together
Communicates openly and honestly,listening to and respecting everyone's point of view
Identifies, develops, and celebrates individuals and team strengths and achievements
Some nice things you’ll get
Annual season ticket loan
Personalised training & development
Discounted gym membership
Paid time away for the important moments in life
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Assistant Workshop Manager employer: Cubitts KX Group Ltd
At Cubitts, we are revolutionising the optical industry by prioritising innovation and exceptional customer experiences. As an Optical Assistant, you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative work culture that values personal growth and professional development, with benefits such as complimentary spectacles, eye examinations, and a cycle-to-work scheme. Join us in creating memorable moments for our customers while enjoying a fulfilling career in a dynamic environment.
