Production Project Manager

Cavendish Professionals; Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Cavendish Professionals is seeking a Production Project Manager to oversee scenic, joinery and furniture builds for luxury retail and experiential environments. You will interpret briefs, select efficient production methods and prepare accurate costings, collaborating with workshop, fabrication and client teams to meet budgets, programmes and quality standards.

The role requires hands-on production leadership, strong materials knowledge and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Experience leading production projects in scenic, joinery, or furniture builds
• Ability to produce clear cost estimates and cost plans
• Strong supplier and subcontractor management capabilities
• Commercial awareness balancing quality, time, and cost
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management

Responsibilities

• Review client briefs and translate into practical production solutions for scenic, joinery and furniture builds
• Produce accurate cost estimates with explanations and scope notes
• Identify materials, fabrication methods and build approaches for viability
• Liaise with project managers, fabrication teams and stakeholders to align timelines
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising design
• Troubleshoot production queries with practical, solutions-focused responses
• Develop CPAs, programmes and production plans with teams
• Support live project delivery, planning and coordination as required

Skills

Production management

Joinery knowledge

Budgeting & costings

Client liaison

Cross-functional teamwork

Job description

Production Project Manager – Scenic, Joinery & Furniture Builds

About the Role

A market-leading creative production company specialising in technical design, artwork, digital content, print, brand activation and sustainable fabrication is seeking a Production Project Manager to support the delivery of bespoke luxury retail, scenic, joinery and furniture build projects.

This is a hands-on production-focused role, responsible for interpreting client briefs, identifying the most efficient production methods and materials, and preparing accurate project costings. You will work closely with Project Management, Workshop and Fabrication teams to ensure proposals and live projects are aligned with client expectations, budget requirements, programme deadlines and quality standards.

The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of fabrication, joinery and scenic production processes, with the ability to manage multiple moving parts across bespoke builds and creative production projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Review client briefs and translate requirements into practical production solutions across scenic, joinery and furniture builds.
• Produce clear, accurate cost estimates, with well-explained assumptions, scope notes and recommendations.
• Identify suitable materials, fabrication methods and build approaches to ensure projects are commercially viable and deliverable.
• Liaise with Project Managers, fabrication teams and internal stakeholders to align project requirements, timelines and production expectations.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and alternative production solutions without compromising quality or design intent.
• Troubleshoot production queries and respond to client or internal requests in a practical and solutions-focused manner.
• Establish clear CPAs, programmes and production plans in collaboration with Project and Fabrication teams.
• Support the wider Production Management team with live project delivery, planning and coordination as required.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience in a Production Project Manager, Production Manager or similar role within scenic, joinery, furniture, exhibitions, events, experiential, retail interiors or brand environments.
• Strong knowledge of joinery, furniture construction, scenic fabrication and bespoke build methods.
• Good understanding of materials, workshop processes and production techniques used across luxury retail, exhibition or experiential environments.
• Experience producing estimates, cost plans and commercially sound production solutions.
• Ability to manage supplier relationships, subcontractors and production teams effectively.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance quality, programme and cost.
• Knowledge of creative production and retail fabrication, including both temporary and permanent installations.
• Experience with large-format graphics would be advantageous.
• Excellent communication, organisational and stakeholder management skills.
• Proactive, solutions-led approach with the ability to work across multiple projects in a fast-paced production environment.