Working Pattern: Full-time, on-site, Monday to Friday
Salary: Dependent on experience
Employment Type: Permanent
The Opportunity
We are recruiting for an established and highly regarded creative production agency specialising in luxury retail experiences, bespoke fabrication and end-to-end creative production.
Our client delivers exceptional projects for leading luxury brands, combining creative and technical design, fabrication, large-format graphics, print production and experiential brand activations.
They are looking for an experienced Fabrication Production Manager to join their team in Surbiton.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong background in bespoke fabrication, production estimating and project delivery, ideally gained within the luxury retail, creative production, retail display or experiential sectors.
Please note: This position is based full-time on-site at our client’s Surbiton premises, Monday to Friday. Hybrid or remote working is not available.
The Role
The Fabrication Production Manager will play a key role in the successful planning, costing and delivery of bespoke luxury retail fabrication projects.
A significant part of the role will focus on producing accurate and commercially competitive estimates, interpreting creative briefs and identifying the most effective production methods, materials and supplier solutions.
Working closely with the Project Management and Fabrication teams, you will ensure projects are technically achievable, commercially viable and delivered to the highest standards.
You will also provide hands‑on production management support where required, helping to oversee projects from initial concept through to final delivery and installation.
Key Responsibilities
- Produce accurate and detailed estimates for bespoke fabrication projects.
- Interpret creative and technical briefs, identifying the most suitable materials, manufacturing processes and production methods.
- Identify cost‑saving opportunities and alternative solutions without compromising quality.
- Liaise with suppliers and external production partners to obtain competitive pricing.
- Clearly communicate cost assumptions, technical considerations and proposed solutions to internal teams.
- Ensure projects remain commercially viable and within agreed budgets.
Fabrication & Production Management
- Support the management of fabrication projects from concept through to completion.
- Work closely with internal Project Management, Production and Fabrication teams.
- Assess technical feasibility, manufacturing capabilities and material suitability.
- Establish and manage production schedules, critical paths and delivery timelines.
- Troubleshoot technical challenges and identify practical solutions.
- Maintain exceptional quality standards throughout the production process.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to client expectations.
- Work collaboratively with project teams to understand client requirements and expectations.
- Provide technical expertise and guidance throughout the project lifecycle.
- Communicate effectively with suppliers, contractors and internal departments.
- Support the wider fabrication department during busy production periods.
- Build strong working relationships across the business.
Skills & Experience Required
We are looking for someone with a strong technical understanding of fabrication and creative production, combined with excellent commercial awareness and organisational skills.
- Proven experience in fabrication production, production management or estimating within a relevant creative production environment.
- Strong knowledge of fabrication techniques, manufacturing processes and materials.
- Experience working on bespoke, high-quality fabrication projects.
- Ability to interpret creative briefs and translate them into practical production solutions.
- Experience producing detailed and accurate project estimates.
- Strong commercial awareness, including budgeting and cost control.
- Experience managing suppliers and outsourced production.
- Excellent communication, organisation and problem‑solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities within a fast‑paced production environment.
Highly Desirable:
- Experience within luxury retail, retail displays, window installations, visual merchandising or experiential brand activations.
- Knowledge of both temporary and permanent retail installations.
- Understanding of large-format graphics and print production.Experience working with premium brands where quality, finish and attention to detail are essential.
About You
You’ll be a practical, solutions-focused individual who understands the complexities of bespoke fabrication and enjoys working in a collaborative production environment.
You’ll have a keen eye for detail, strong technical knowledge and the ability to balance creative ambition with practical production requirements and commercial considerations.
Above all, you’ll be organised, proactive and confident working with multiple teams to deliver exceptional results.
Location & Working Arrangements
Surbiton, Surrey
Monday to Friday | Full-time on-site
This is a fully office/production-based position, requiring attendance at our client’s Surbiton premises five days per week.
Salary: Dependent on experience.
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Fabrication Production Manager employer: The Fix Creative Ltd
Join a dynamic and innovative print and communications business that values craftsmanship and quality. As the Luxury Rigid Box Department Leader, you will not only lead a new production department but also have the opportunity to shape its future, working with cutting-edge technology and a passionate team. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative work culture, this role offers a unique chance to make a significant impact while working on premium products for prestigious brands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fabrication Production Manager
✨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 The Fix Creative Ltd, 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!
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 The Fix Creative Ltd 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 The Fix Creative Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with The Fix Creative Ltd, 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 The Fix Creative Ltd 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.
