At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to produce high-quality fine art frames and ensure top-notch presentation.
- Company: Join theprintspace, a leader in fine art and photographic printing.
- Benefits: Be part of a creative culture with world-class tools and a supportive team.
- Other info: Opportunity to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative studio in London.
- Why this job: Make an impact by working with renowned artists and galleries in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in fine art finishing and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At theprintspace, we’re not just world leaders in fine art and photographic printing, we’re rewriting the rules of art commerce. For nearly two decades, we’ve defined the gold standard in presentation for world-leading artists, galleries, and institutions, combining obsessive craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.
What You'll Do
- Lead the Floor: Coordinate a small team of technicians to hit production goals while maintaining a "no compromises" approach to quality.
- The "Player-Manager" Balance: Be hands-on with precision cutting (mouldings, glass, mountboard), assembly, and complex mounting (acrylic, aluminium, and sub-frames).
- Bespoke Production: Produce frames to exact archival specifications, consistently meeting the rigorous standards of global galleries.
- Modern Craftsmanship: Use a CNC cutter to prepare and finish framing components and materials where required.
- The Final Sign-off: Inspect finished works for presentation, cleanliness, and alignment. You are the final custodian of quality before QC sign-off.
- Workflow Logic: Use production software to track jobs, deadlines, and SLAs, ensuring the studio maintains its rhythm even during peak gallery seasons.
- Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with mounting, printing, and dispatch teams to keep the workflow smooth, fast, and organized.
Who You Are
- The Expert: You have deep, professional experience in a high-end framing or fine art finishing environment. Knowledge of CNC routers/workflows is highly preferable.
- The Perfectionist: You have a fanatical eye for detail. You understand archival standards and the nuances of gallery-ready presentation.
- The Calm, Capable Leader: You thrive in a busy studio. You lead by example, earning trust through your technical competence and structured approach.
- Solutions-Focused: You don’t just spot a defect; you understand why it happened and how to prevent it.
What We Are Looking For
- Proven Experience: A background leading a small team of either framing, mounting, or fine art finishing.
- Technical Authority: Strong knowledge of fine art presentation and CNC-driven workflows.
- Operational Confidence: Ability to handle production planning, team scheduling, and quality management under pressure.
- Proactive Mindset: A leader who thrives in a creative, fast-paced environment.
Why Join Us?
- Elite Work: Lead a talented team producing artworks for world-renowned artists and galleries.
- Creative Culture: Be part of a supportive, innovative team in the heart of London's creative community who are all artists themselves.
- World-Class Tools: Work with materials and technology that blend heritage craftsmanship with future-facing tech.
At theprintspace, we believe in the meritocracy of ideas and the strength of diverse voices. If you’re passionate about craft, precision, leadership, and helping deliver museum-grade work at scale — we’d love to hear from you.
Finishing Department Manager - Fine Art in London employer: theprintspace
At theprintspace, we pride ourselves on being a premier employer in the fine art and photographic printing industry, located in the vibrant heart of London. Our creative culture fosters innovation and collaboration among a team of passionate artists, while our commitment to quality and craftsmanship ensures that you will be leading a talented group dedicated to producing museum-grade work. With access to world-class tools and a focus on employee growth, we offer a unique opportunity for those looking to thrive in a dynamic and rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finishing Department Manager - Fine Art 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 theprintspace, 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 Finishing Department Manager - Fine Art 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 theprintspace 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 theprintspace
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with theprintspace, 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 theprintspace 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.
