Scenic Workshop Manager

Metro Production Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A creative production company in London is seeking a Scenic Workshop Manager to oversee its scenic fabrication workshop. This role involves managing a team, ensuring quality production of scenic elements, and collaborating with Project Managers. Ideal candidates will have expertise in CNC programming, technical drawing interpretation, and experience in the events or theatre industry. Competitive salary and benefits are offered, along with opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

28 days annual leave

Employee quarterly bonus scheme

Enhanced maternity and parental leave

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in CNC programming for various materials.
• Demonstrated experience operating and troubleshooting CNC routers and mills.
• Strong understanding of scenic painting techniques and prop making.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the operations of the scenic fabrication workshop.
• Lead a team of skilled craftspeople for high-quality production.
• Develop schedules and manage workshop resources.

Skills

CNC programming expertise

Team management

Technical drawing interpretation

Attention to detail

Adaptability to changing requirements

Tools

CNC machinery

Power tools

CAD software (AutoCAD, Vectorworks)

Job description

SCENIC WORKSHOP MANAGER

Metro Production Group

Location : London, Stewarts Lane, Battersea

Salary : Competitive

MPG, we're all about creating fresh and vibrant experiences that leave a lasting impression. Our passionate, innovative production and fabrication teams work closely with clients to bring their dreams to life in the most exciting ways. We believe events can inspire, engage, and entertain like nothing else. We're looking for a passionate and skilled Scenic Workshop Manager to join us and help manage our scenic department.

THE ROLE

The Workshop Manager is a critical role responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of our scenic fabrication workshop. This individual will lead a core team of skilled craftspeople to ensure the safe, efficient, and high-quality production of all scenic elements. A critical aspect of this role is working in exceptionally close partnership with the Scenic Project Managers to translate design visions and technical specifications into buildable solutions. The Workshop Manager will develop schedules, fabrication strategies, manage workshop resources, uphold stringent safety standards, and drive production to ensure all scenic projects are delivered to the highest quality, on time, and within budget, directly supporting the Project Manager's overall project goals and client commitments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the day-to-day operations and resources of the workshop and scenic warehouse teams.
• Work closely with the scenic PMs, production Managers and Creative team to guarantee smooth, end-to-end project delivery.
• Offer input and advice on materials, design, and pricing (stock and custom) to other internal departments.
• Work with draftsperson to create technical drawings and plans to support manufacturing and project execution.
• Schedule and coordinate workshop tasks, ensuring efficient workflow and timely project completion.
• Oversee the operation and programming of CNC machinery to support manufacturing processes.
• Propose cost-effective and sustainable solutions for all scenic designs.
• Supervise the construction of custom builds and the preparation of all scenic stock items.
• Maintain a high level of health and safety across all workshop operations.
• Manage the stock of all tools, materials, and consumables.
• Oversee the maintenance of all workshop machinery and tools.
• Work closely with internal teams to guarantee smooth, end-to-end project delivery.
• Work with the Scenic PMs to lead the growth and development of the Scenic department and team.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ROLE

• Proven expertise in CNC programming for various materials (wood, plastics, non-ferrous metals).
• Demonstrated experience operating and troubleshooting industrial CNC routers / mills.
• Experience in managing CNC production workflow, including job scheduling, material nesting, and quality control of cut parts.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from complex technical drawings, CAD files (e.g., AutoCAD, Vectorworks), and 3D models (e.g., SketchUp).
• Proven experience in scenic build within the events, theatre, or exhibition industry with a strong technical knowledge of scenic materials and construction methods with expert proficiency in various fabrication techniques including carpentry, metalwork (welding, cutting, grinding), rigging principles, and general construction.
• Strong understanding of scenic painting techniques, prop making, and finishing processes.
• Highly organised, comfortable interpreting client designs, and adept at stakeholder management.
• Proficient in the safe operation of a wide range of power tools, hand tools, and workshop machinery (table saws, panel saws, routers, etc.).
• Experienced in leading, developing, and managing a team.
• Flexible and able to adapt to changing project requirements, designs, and priorities.
• Able to maintain a calm, methodical approach when working under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Passionate about the industry, problem-solving, sustainable practices, and innovative builds.
• Attention to Detail : Meticulous eye for detail, ensuring high standards of quality and accuracy in all fabricated elements.
• Time Management : Proven ability to manage tight deadlines and work efficiently in a fast-paced, dynamic production environment.
• Adaptability : Flexible and able to adapt to changing project requirements, designs, and priorities.
• Safety Conscious : Unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe working environment for all team members.
• Budget Acumen : Ability to manage and track project costs effectively.
• Creativity : A passion for scenic artistry and an understanding of design aesthetics.

WHAT WE OFFER

• 28 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays) + volunteer day.
• Employee quarterly bonus scheme
• Enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Shared Parental leave
• A 1.5 : 1 matching pension structure
• Help@hand enhanced benefits app, TELUS tool, annual eye test and many more
• A company committed to investing in people with tailored training programmes and development budgets
• Enhanced and ongoing wellbeing & sustainability incentives and activities throughout the year
• International travel for work
• Season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
• Life Assurance & Group Income Protection scheme

OUR VALUES

MPG employees share a set of core values :

• CREATIVITY ignites us
• INTEGRITY defines us
• TEAMWORK empowers us
• EXCELLENCE drives us

PASSION unites us

If you're passionate about scenic design and construction and ready to play a pivotal role in enhancing the creativity and efficiency of project delivery within MPG, we'd love to hear from you.

By applying for this role you are consenting to Metro Production Group processing your data for recruitment purposes only in accordance with Article 6(1) (b) of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The data of unsuccessful candidates will be destroyed after a period of six months, in line with ‘best practice’ and our legal obligations.