At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative workshops, teach skills, and turn donations into beautiful products.
- Company: Join Emmaus Hertfordshire, a values-driven organisation focused on creativity and social good.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible working across multiple sites with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for creativity and sustainability while helping others thrive.
- Qualifications: Experience in crafts and strong people skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 30000 £ per year.
An amazing opportunity to combine creativity, sustainability and social good.
CLOSING DATE: Ongoing
LOCATION: Hertfordshire - St Albans based with travel to other stores
SALARY: £28,000 - £30,000 dependent on experience
TYPE: Full Time
WORK LOCATION: On Site
Thanks to generous support from The National Lottery and Emmaus UK, we are expanding our workshop and upcycling activity! We’re looking for a hands‑on, people‑focused Workshop Manager to lead and grow our creative workshop activity across Emmaus Hertfordshire. This is a unique new role where craft, sustainability and social impact come together every day.
You’ll be at the heart of our community workshop – inspiring creativity and teaching practical skills in a supportive, trauma-informed environment, while turning donated items into beautiful, sellable products. At the same time, you’ll be helping people overcome barriers, rebuild confidence and reduce social isolation.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading and developing a diverse programme of creative workshops – from restoration and upholstery to painting, mosaics and upcycling
- Teaching, mentoring and working alongside companions and volunteers in a supportive, therapeutic learning environment
- Producing high‑quality stock for our shops and online channels
- Championing repair, reuse and upcycling, saving as much as possible from landfill
- Managing and developing volunteers, ensuring they feel supported, trained and valued
- Building partnerships with community groups, corporate supporters and referral organisations
- Working closely with retail, e‑commerce and logistics teams to maximise impact and income
- Ensuring workshops are safe, compliant and well‑run
About you:
You’ll be a practical creative with strong people skills and experience leading or teaching others. You’re confident in a workshop environment, passionate about creativity and sustainability, and motivated by making a real difference to people’s lives.
You’ll also bring:
- Experience in crafts, restoration, making or upcycling
- A collaborative, encouraging leadership style
- The ability to balance creativity with organisation and safety
- Flexibility to work across multiple sites and occasional weekends
At Emmaus, we work with people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion, offering support, purpose and the chance to thrive. This role gives you the opportunity to:
- See the direct impact of your work every single day
- Be part of a supportive, values‑driven organisation
- Combine creativity, sustainability and social good in one job
All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Ready to turn skills into social impact? Apply now and help us create, restore and rebuild – together. To apply please send your CV and cover letter to – or get in touch for an initial, informal chat about the role!
Workshop Manager employer: Emmaus
At Emmaus Hertfordshire, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions creativity, sustainability, and social impact. Our supportive work culture fosters personal growth and community engagement, allowing you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. With opportunities for professional development and a collaborative environment, you'll find your role as Workshop Manager not only rewarding but also integral to our mission of transforming lives through hands-on creativity and upcycling.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Workshop Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Emmaus and their mission. When you understand their values, you can tailor your conversations to show how your skills align with their goals. This will make you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking of examples that showcase your leadership and creativity. Be ready to discuss how you've inspired others in a workshop setting or tackled challenges in a hands-on environment. Real-life stories resonate!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, which are key in a people-focused role.
We think you need these skills to ace Workshop Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for creativity and sustainability shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at Emmaus, so don’t hold back on sharing what drives you!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Workshop Manager role. Highlight relevant experience in crafts, restoration, or upcycling, and showcase your leadership skills. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do!
Be Authentic:We’re all about genuine connections, so be yourself in your application. Share personal stories or experiences that reflect your journey and how they’ve shaped your approach to creativity and social impact.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this amazing opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Emmaus
✨Show Your Creative Side
Since the role is all about creativity and upcycling, come prepared with examples of your past projects. Bring along photos or even samples of your work to showcase your skills and passion for crafts.
✨Demonstrate Your People Skills
This position requires strong people skills, so be ready to discuss your experience in mentoring or leading workshops. Share specific stories where you’ve inspired others or helped them overcome challenges.
✨Align with Their Values
Emmaus is focused on social good and sustainability. Research their mission and values, and think about how your personal beliefs align with theirs. Be prepared to discuss why these aspects are important to you.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Ask about their current projects, community partnerships, or how they measure the impact of their workshops. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment.
