Head of Paintshop

Production Solutions Group; Hempstalls; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Workshop Stoke is seeking a Head of Paint Shop to lead the scenic finishing across upcoming theatre and events projects. You will manage painting, finishes, and quality to deliver visually striking yet durable results for stage use, working with designers and production teams.

The role combines hands-on artistry with leadership, mentoring, and workload planning, including coordinating freelancers and ensuring COSHH safety and sustainability practices.

Job description

The Workshop Stoke is looking to appoint a talented Head of Paint Shop to take a leading position in the Workshop, leading a finishing of all projects. You should be committed to high quality work and have a keen interest in working across the theatre / events industry. You will be joining our evolving team as we look ahead to numerous exciting projects which are coming up, providing excellent service to our clients across the country.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Scenic Finishing

• Lead on all painting and finishing of sets and props alongside the team.
• Use a wide mix of techniques — from wood graining and marbling to ageing, distressing, texturing, and specialist surface effects, as per each projects requirements.
• Mix colours, test samples, and help bring design ideas to life.
• Step in on the trickier or more detailed paint jobs where your experience makes the difference.

Creative & Technical Leadership

• Work with designers and production staff to understand and deliver the creative brief.
• Share your knowledge of scenic techniques, materials, and paints with the team.
• Make sure all finishes are not only visually striking but also practical and durable for stage use.
• Keep standards high across all projects, from big builds to small details.

Team Management

• Lead and support scenic painters and finishers in the workshop.
• Identify where freelance staff are required and book as required.
• Plan workloads, delegate tasks, and keep projects on track.
• Offer guidance and mentoring to help the team grow their skills.

Workshop & Onsite Work

• Keep the finishing area organised, safe, and well-stocked.
• Ensure safe use and storage of paints, coatings, and chemicals (COSHH).
• Travel to venues when needed to do touch-ups, repairs, or last‑minute finishing during fit‑ups.

General

• To always implement and track sustainability within the department and model best practice in terms of environmental responsibility.
• Build and manage excellent relationships with external contractors and suppliers.
• To engage and contribute meaningfully to development of Production Solutions Group and its subsidiaries Business Plan, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan and Sustainability Plan.
• To maintain good relations with industry bodies representing the company’s interest within trade union negotiations or other environments in the sector.
• To uphold and embody the Company’s policies, including but not limited to our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy, Dignity at Work policy and Health and Safety policy.
• Any other reasonable duties that arise to fulfil the objectives of The Workshop Stoke and its subsidiaries.

The above is not a definitive list and the Head of Scenic Finishing should expect to perform any other duties requested in order to facilitate the expansion of the businesses.

The Workshop Stoke is part of Production Solutions Group.

We are looking to fill this role ASAP and will be interviewing whilst the position is still open for applications.

Person Specification

Experience

• Significant hands‑on experience in scenic painting and finishing for theatre, live events, film, or themed environments.
• Strong portfolio showcasing a wide range of scenic techniques and finishes.
• Proven ability to balance creative, hands‑on work with leadership and project oversight.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interpret design briefs and work closely with designers and clients.
• Team management experience, with a focus on mentoring and developing others.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and adaptability under time pressure.
• Knowledge of specialist paints, coatings, and finishes, plus safe handling practices (including COSHH).
• Relevant qualification in Scenic Art, Fine Art, Technical Theatre, or related discipline desirable but not essential.
• Ability to work under pressure, meeting deadlines and work under own initiative.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to prioritise.
• Experience of working to budgets.
• Committed to environmental sustainability.
• Ability to problem solve using a methodical approach.
• Attention to detail.
• Computer literate on MS applications.
• A desire to be helpful and supportive to the work of others in a producing and production environment.
• Good understanding of technical equipment.
• Working knowledge of current Health and Safety Legislation and its application in a theatre / event setting.
• Full clean driving license.
• Knowledge of Theatre Green Book and Julie’s Bicycle and / or Carbon Literacy Training.

Skills

• Highly organised, with strong attention to detail.
• Proven ability to monitor, report and take steps to mitigate project risks.
• Good written and verbal communications.
• Good time management skills with ability to prioritise.
• Works on own initiative, resourceful and able to troubleshoot.
• Ability to deal with a cross‑section of different people from wide ranging backgrounds in diverse circumstances including under pressure in challenging, potentially high charged situations.

Personal Qualities

• Able to develop collaborative working relationships internally and externally.
• Motivated, flexible, and reliable.
• A natural curiosity and interest in digital technology, and the future of the arts and media industries.
• A genuine interest in the development of the arts throughout the UK.

Production Solutions Group and its subsidiaries will not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, marital status, disability, age, part‑time or fixed term contract status, sexual orientation or religion in the engagement of personnel.