At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production of exciting retail and live event projects from concept to completion.
- Company: Join Scratch Creative, a dynamic design and production studio in Battersea.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on creativity and attention to detail.
- Why this job: Transform ambitious ideas into stunning physical experiences for top global brands.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in production management with strong fabrication and logistics knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Scratch Creative is an independent design and production studio creating refined physical experiences for some of the world’s leading brands. From our Battersea studio, we bring creative thinking, design development and production delivery together under one roof. Our work spans flagship retail, pop ups, exhibitions, live events and large scale brand activations across the UK and internationally. We work closely with ambitious brands to translate ideas into physical environments that are considered, commercially effective and beautifully delivered. Collaborative by nature and exacting in execution, we care deeply about materials, craftsmanship and the details that define the finished experience.
As the studio continues to grow, we’re looking for an experienced Production Manager to lead the technical development, fabrication and delivery of our projects.
The Role
This is a mid to senior level, hands on production role for someone with a deep understanding of how exceptional physical environments are made. The Production Manager sits at the point where design intent becomes physical reality. You will take ownership of the production process, working from early design development through to fabrication, logistics, installation and final sign off. You will work closely with our project and design teams to interrogate concepts, develop the right production approach and ensure every detail is practical, cost considered and ready to build. You will manage a trusted network of fabricators, contractors and specialist suppliers, setting clear expectations and maintaining control across quality, programme and budget. You will understand when to challenge a detail, when to develop an alternative and how to create value without diluting the creative ambition. This is a client facing role with regular UK and international travel. You should be equally comfortable around a studio table, on a workshop floor managing pre-builds with partners, in a client meeting or leading an installation onsite. Reporting into Head of Projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the production of retail, experiential and live event projects from design development through to completion
- Translate creative concepts into intelligent, practical and beautifully executed production solutions
- Develop production strategies, scopes of work, budgets and detailed delivery programmes
- Review and interrogate drawings, specifications, materials and finishes throughout the design process
- Work closely with the design team to protect creative intent while ensuring every detail is buildable and commercially viable
- Advise on fabrication methods, construction details, materials and production efficiencies
- Source, brief and manage fabricators, contractors, logistics providers and specialist suppliers
- Obtain and interrogate supplier quotations, ensuring costs are accurate, competitive and aligned with the required standard
- Build and manage production budgets, track costs and maintain commercial control throughout delivery
- Drive value for clients through considered specification, procurement and value engineering
- Create and manage detailed production schedules across fabrication, logistics, installation and removal
- Carry out site visits, technical surveys, feasibility reviews and pre production meetings
- Identify technical, commercial and logistical risks early and develop clear solutions
- Oversee quality control throughout fabrication, including workshop visits, samples, prototypes and pre build reviews
- Manage transport, freight, storage, customs and international logistics where required
- Lead onsite installations and breakdowns, maintaining quality, safety, pace and control throughout
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget and to the agreed standard
- Maintain clear communication between clients, project teams, designers, suppliers and onsite crews
- Support the Head of Projects across larger scale, technically complex and international programmes
- Develop and maintain a trusted global network of production partners and specialist suppliers
- Ensure appropriate health and safety documentation, compliance and working practices are in place across every stage of delivery
About You
You are an experienced Production Manager with a strong understanding of fabrication, construction, logistics and onsite delivery. You have delivered premium environments across retail, experiential or live events and understand the level of care required when translating ambitious creative work into physical form. You are technically confident and comfortable discussing materials, finishes, fabrication methods, drawings, tolerances and construction details with designers, suppliers and clients. You combine commercial awareness with a genuine appreciation for design. You know how to protect the creative vision while making informed decisions around cost, programme and buildability. You are naturally solutions focused, composed under pressure and confident leading teams in fast moving environments. You anticipate issues before they become problems, communicate clearly and take complete ownership of the finished result. Most importantly, you care about the details. You understand that the quality of the final installation reflects the quality of every decision made along the way.
Essential
- 5+ years of production management experience across retail, experiential, exhibitions, live events or creative production
- Strong knowledge of fabrication methods, materials, finishes and construction processes
- Proven experience delivering complex physical builds from design development through to installation
- Experience working with and managing fabricators, contractors, suppliers and specialist production partners
- Strong commercial awareness with experience building, managing and reconciling production budgets
- Ability to confidently review and interrogate technical drawings, specifications and production information
- Experience developing scopes of work, production schedules and detailed delivery plans
- Strong understanding of logistics, installation and onsite operations
- Confident client facing communication and relationship management skills
- Excellent organisation, attention to detail and problem solving ability
- Experience leading onsite teams through installation and breakdown
- A calm, decisive and solutions focused approach under pressure
- Willingness to travel regularly across the UK and internationally
Nice To Have
- Experience delivering projects across Europe, the US or other international markets
- Knowledge of international freight, customs and temporary import processes
- An established network of UK and international fabrication and production partners
- Understanding of AV, lighting, digital integration and technical event production
- Experience working under CDM regulations and managing production health and safety requirements
- Full UK driving licence
What We Offer
- Competitive salary plus discretionary bonus
- Flexible working between our Battersea HQ and remote
- Choice of hardware and software
- The opportunity to produce ambitious work for leading global brands
- UK and international travel across a diverse portfolio of projects
If you want to turn ambitious creative ideas into exceptional physical environments and deliver work that is considered down to the final detail, we’d like to hear from you. Due to the high volume of applications expected, we’ll do our best to respond to everyone, although this may not always be possible. We genuinely appreciate the time taken to apply and your interest in joining us.
PRODUCTION MANAGER (RETAIL & EVENTS) in London employer: Scratch Creative
Scratch Creative is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, allowing Production Managers to thrive in a dynamic environment. With a focus on employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development through hands-on experience with leading global brands, while our Battersea studio provides a creative hub where craftsmanship and attention to detail are paramount. Enjoy competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and the chance to travel internationally, all while contributing to the creation of stunning physical experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PRODUCTION MANAGER (RETAIL & EVENTS) in London
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Scratch Creative, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace PRODUCTION MANAGER (RETAIL & EVENTS) 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 Scratch Creative 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 Scratch Creative
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Scratch Creative, 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!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
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.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Scratch Creative 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.
