Laminator

The National Museum of the Royal Navy; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious heritage institution in Portsmouth is seeking a Laminator to contribute to the HMS Victory Project by ensuring quality laminated timber components for conservation. This role requires woodworking experience and the ability to follow safety protocols while collaborating with the shipwrights' team. Enjoy flexible working hours and a range of benefits including annual leave and pension contributions.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Group pension plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts at shops and cafes

Free admission to national museums

Qualifications

• Experience in woodworking, boatbuilding, or timber preparation.
• Prior experience in a laminating or adhesive-based production environment.
• Ability to manage time and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Play a critical role in the HMS Victory Project.
• Prepare timber and manage the gluing process.
• Monitor the quality of laminated timber.

Skills

Woodworking experience

Ability to read technical drawings

Understanding of traditional shipbuilding processes

Experience in laminating environment

Time management

Communication

Job description

Salary (Grade 4) - £27,651 - £29,348 per annum (dependent upon experience)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week - permanent - We are happy to accept and consider applications for part-time hours.

Location: National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Our epic story is of the Royal Navy, and its impact on Britain and the world. Here you can come aboard the most famous ships, planes, and submarines of the Royal Navy and experience them through those who served on them. As well as being truly captivated by the thousands of unique, emotional, and sometimes quirky stories that have shaped the Royal Navy into what it proudly stands for today.

Our vision is to be the world’s most inspiring Naval Museum, linking Navy to Nation. You are pivotal in us achieving our vision, and to support this we embrace diversity and want everyone to feel valued and have a sense of belonging.

This Is a Great Opportunity To Join The Team

The Laminator will play a critical role in the HMS Victory Project, ensuring a continuous and efficient flow of glued laminated timber components used in the conservation. They are responsible for preparing timber, managing the glueing process, and balancing the needs of plank and futtock production while upholding the highest standards of health and safety. This role is a key part of the ongoing restoration of HMS Victory and provides the opportunity to contribute to a nationally significant heritage project. The successful candidate will be integrated into the broader shipwrights’ team and expected to participate in collaborative problem-solving and general conservation work if needed.

What You Can Bring

• Rigorously follow all health and safety protocols related to chemical adhesives, including proper use of PPE, and maintain a clean, organised, and compliant laminating booth.
• Maintain clear, proactive communication with both the shipwrights team and project management, providing updates and adapting to changes in project priorities.
• Monitor the quality of laminated timber, ensure high standards are met, and take responsibility for cleaning and maintaining equipment and workspaces.
• Ability to read technical drawings and lamination plans planking and other structures production.
• Experience in woodworking, boatbuilding, or timber preparation.
• Prior experience in a laminating or adhesive-based production environment.
• Understanding of traditional and modern shipbuilding processes is a plus.
• Independently manage time, meet production deadlines, and assess workload to support accurate project planning and scheduling.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to be part of a friendly and diverse workplace within a unique heritage environment.
• Group pension plan with Royal London (6% employer contributions, 2% employee contributions and death in service benefit).
• 25 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays) pro rata for part-time employees, increasing to 30 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays) after 5 years’ service, pro rata for part-time employees, with the option to purchase additional annual leave.
• Enhanced maternity/adoption and paternity pay.
• Flexible working.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Free admission to other national museums and attractions within the reciprocal agreement.
• Discounts at our shops and cafes.
• Free and discounted tickets for family and friends.
• A range of other benefits including cycle to work
• Paid reservist leave.

We want you to succeed and showcase your skills and experiences, so if you are invited to interview, we will share our interview questions with you ahead of time. If you would like to have an informal discussion regarding the role, or ask any questions, please contact Clementine Mollier, Lead Shipwright, on email [e-mail].

All applicants are asked to apply via https://jobs.nmrn.org.uk/ by midnight on Tuesday 21st October. The selection processes will be held on site shortly after.

If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to the application process because of a disability, please contact the People team on [e-mail] for support.

This post requires a DBS check as a requirement of working on the naval base, as well as the right to work in the UK. Please note we cannot currently sponsor work visas.