Ceramics Studio Production Manager

Studio Enti; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Studio Enti, a Sydney ceramics studio, seeks a driven production expert to lead a small team and run studio operations with hands-on mastery. The role blends leadership with practical craft, ensuring production runs smoothly from raw clay to finished pieces across wholesale, retail and custom work.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of slip-casting, glazing and firing in a production setting, with a collaborative mindset and strong organisational skills to manage multiple orders and deadlines.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on experience in slip-casting, glazing and firing in a production studio.
• Strong leadership and team development skills with a collaborative approach.
• Excellent organisational and time-management abilities to handle multiple orders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and roster a small production team ensuring hands-on supervision.
• Oversee kiln firing schedules and slip-casting processes with batch traceability.
• Schedule production across wholesale, retail and custom work to meet deadlines.
• Maintain quality across greenware, bisque and glaze-fired stages; refine processes for consistency.
• Perform hands-on production tasks alongside the team (slip-casting, trimming, glazing, kiln).
• Oversee mould upkeep and maintenance; manage materials and inventory with proactive ordering.
• Uphold studio cleanliness, safety, and WHS compliance; coordinate with suppliers.

Job description

Studio Enti is a Sydney ceramics studio designing and making porcelain lighting and tableware. We believe in crafting beautiful, thoughtful objects that balance artistry and function, and our team is made up of creative individuals who are passionate about design, precision and hands-on work.

About the role

Studio Enti is looking for a driven production expert to join our small, dedicated team. This is a full time role, be we are open to negotiating this on a Pro-Rata arrangement. This is a genuine leadership opportunity for someone who loves the craft as much as the challenge of running a studio well - someone who brings real mastery of production, along with the structure, care and hands-on ability to back it up. We are after a team player at heart: someone who thrives working alongside others, takes pride in doing things properly, and is excited by the idea of shaping how our studio operates day to day.

Key responsibilities

Team leadership - Lead, roster and support a small production team, working alongside team members rather than directing from a distance.

Production systems - Oversee the kiln firing schedule and slip-casting production systems, ensuring every batch is tracked from raw clay to finished piece.

Production scheduling - Ensure timelines and orders progress through the studio, start to finish, across wholesale, retail and custom work.

Quality control - Manage quality across greenware, bisque and glaze-fired stages, and refine processes to improve consistency and efficiency.

Hands-on production - Work competently across slip-casting, trimming, glazing and kiln firing alongside the team, in addition to overseeing the wider studio.

Mould management - Oversee mould upkeep and maintenance.

Inventory and materials - Manage materials and inventory, ordering proactively and coordinating with suppliers to avoid shortages.

Studio cleanliness, maintenance and safety - Uphold rigorous standards of cleanliness and order across the studio at all times, and ensure all operations comply with WHS requirements.

Problem-solving - Identify production issues early and implement systems to keep the studio running smoothly.

Communication - Communicate clearly with the team, the business owner and external suppliers.

About you

Extensive experience managing a ceramic production studio, with a thorough understanding of all aspects of studio operations - essential.

5+ years' hands-on expertise in slip-casting, glazing and firing, gained in a production studio environment - essential.

Proven experience leading and developing a team, and fostering a collaborative, positive work environment.

A systems thinker who builds and refines processes across the studio, rather than simply supervising them.

Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple orders, deadlines and competing priorities.

A capable problem-solver, able to identify issues quickly and restore production efficiency.

Exceptional attention to detail, with an uncompromising approach to studio cleanliness, organisation and efficient workspace maintenance.

A clear verbal and written communicator, comfortable liaising with the business owner and external suppliers.

Able to stand for extended periods (5-6 hours daily).

Able to lift and carry up to 20 kg when handling materials or equipment.

Opportunities for growth within a creative, collaborative business.

Flexible working arrangements supporting work-life balance.

Training and support to assist in refining and developing studio processes.

Competitive compensation based on experience and skills.

Genuine influence over studio operations and business direction.