At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a workshop team and manage production of bespoke interiors.
- Company: Join a dynamic bespoke shop-fitting company with a focus on quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on role, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with varied projects and responsibilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in high-quality commercial interior projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in joinery or shop fitting and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
- Job Title
- Working Shop Manager
Role Overview
We are looking for an experienced, practical, and highly organised
Working Shop Manager to join a bespoke shop fitting company delivering high-quality commercial interiors and specialist fit-outs.
This is a hands-on management role for someone who is equally comfortable leading a workshop team, organising production, working from drawings and specifications, and getting involved in the manufacture and finishing of bespoke items.
The successful candidate will take responsibility for the smooth day-to-day running of the workshop, ensuring projects are manufactured to a high standard, on time and within agreed specifications.
Key Responsibilities
- Workshop Management
- Manage the day-to-day operation of the workshop.
- Plan and organise workshop production to meet project deadlines.
- Allocate work and manage workloads across the workshop team.
- Ensure materials, machinery, tools, and labour are available when required.
- Monitor progress and identify potential delays or production issues early.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and well-organised working environment.
- Ensure workshop equipment and machinery are maintained and used correctly.
- Hands-On Production
- Take an active role in the manufacture and assembly of bespoke shop-fitting and interior components.
- Read and interpret technical drawings, plans, and cutting lists.
- Assist with setting out, cutting, assembly, installation preparation and finishing where required.
- Solve practical manufacturing problems and develop efficient solutions.
- Maintain the high-quality workmanship and attention to detail expected from a bespoke interiors company.
- Team Leadership
- Lead, support, and motivate workshop staff.
- Provide guidance and practical training to less experienced team members.
- Set clear standards for quality, productivity, housekeeping, and safety.
- Manage day-to-day performance and address issues promptly and professionally.
- Foster a positive, cooperative, and solutions-focused workshop culture.
- Project & Production Coordination
- Liaise with project managers, designers, and site teams to ensure workshop production meets project requirements.
- Review drawings and specifications before manufacture.
- Check dimensions, finishes, materials, and details before work begins.
- Coordinate production schedules around site installation dates.
- Carry out quality checks throughout manufacture and before items leave the workshop.
- Ensure completed work is correctly labelled, protected and prepared for delivery or installation.
- Health & Safety
- Take responsibility for maintaining safe working practices within the workshop.
- Ensure staff follow company health and safety procedures.
- Identify and report hazards and ensure appropriate control measures are in place.
- Ensure machinery and workshop equipment is operated safely.
- Maintain appropriate housekeeping and PPE standards.
Experience & Skills
Essential
- Previous experience in bespoke joinery, shop fitting, interior fit-out, cabinet making or a similar workshop environment .
- Proven experience supervising or managing a workshop/team.
- Strong practical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to read and understand technical drawings.
- High standards of workmanship and attention to detail.
- Good understanding of workshop production processes.
- Ability to organise work and meet deadlines.
- Confident communicating with colleagues, management, suppliers, and site teams.
- Reliable, professional, and willing to lead from the front.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, project-based environment.
Desirable
- Experience within high-end retail, hospitality, commercial interiors, or luxury residential projects.
- Relevant woodworking/joinery qualification.
- Experience with CNC machinery or other specialist workshop equipment.
- Experience with laminates, veneers, solid timber, Corian/solid surfaces, metalwork, or specialist finishes.
- Experience preparing bespoke items for site installation.
- Basic understanding of estimating, material requirements, and job costing.
- Personal Qualities
We are looking for someone who is
- Hands-on
- happy to get stuck in and lead by example.
- Organised
- able to plan production and keep projects moving.
- Quality-focused
- takes pride in delivering exceptional workmanship.
- Practical
- able to find solutions when challenges arise.
- A strong leader
- capable of getting the best from a workshop team.
- Dependable
- takes ownership and follows jobs through to completion.
- Commercially aware
- understands the importance of productivity, materials, waste, and deadlines.
- Flexible
- able to adapt to changing project requirements.
- Professional
- represents Daniel James Interiors positively with clients, suppliers, and colleagues.
- Working Hours
Full-time, Monday to Friday, with working hours to be confirmed according to the company's workshop requirements.
Occasional additional hours, early starts or site-related requirements may be necessary to meet project deadlines.
What We Offer
- A key management position within an established bespoke shop-fitting business.
- The opportunity to work on varied, high-quality commercial interior projects.
- A hands-on role with genuine responsibility and autonomy.
- A supportive and skilled working environment.
- Competitive salary based on experience and ability.
- Opportunities for progression as the company grows.
- Reporting To
- Company Director / Operations Director
- Key Objective
The primary objective of the Working Shop Manager is to ensure that the workshop operates efficiently, safely, and profitably while consistently producing high-quality bespoke work to the required specification and deadline .
- The successful
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Working Shop Manager in Manchester employer: Search
Search is an exceptional employer that values innovation and growth, offering a dynamic work culture where employees can thrive in their careers. With hybrid working options in vibrant cities like Edinburgh and London, we provide our team with the flexibility to balance work and life while enjoying competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional development in the travel industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Working Shop Manager in Manchester
✨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 Search, 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 Working Shop Manager in Manchester
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 Search 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 Search
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Search, 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 Search 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.
