Workshop Manager

StudioXAG; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Pension

22 days holiday

Birthday off

Research budgets & trips

Mental health support

Cycle to work

Fitness discounts

Working Away from the Studio

Job summary

StudioXAG in East London is seeking a Workshop Manager to own the operational running of our busy workshop, ensuring safety, efficiency and readiness for production.

You will manage space, stock, facilities and equipment, coordinate project flow, and resolve operational blockers with Production, Traffic and the Foreman. You’ll also help develop the workshop for the future, improving systems, processes, facilities and capabilities while maintaining high Health & Safety standards.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a workshop in fabrication, manufacturing, shop fitting or similar.
• Strong knowledge of carpentry/joinery and fabrication processes.
• Highly organised, commercially aware and able to manage a complex physical environment.
• Experience managing workshop stock, facilities, equipment and maintenance.
• Comfortable working with budgets, project costs and operational data.
• A strong problem solver who anticipates issues and acts.
• Confident developing and implementing processes and systems across a team.
• Experience with Health & Safety in a workshop or production setting.
• Clear communicator able to work across Production and the wider business.
• Proactive and practical, with a passion for continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operational running and organisation of the workshop.
• Own workshop space planning and project flow through the facility.
• Manage stock, purchasing, equipment, machinery and workshop facilities.
• Oversee maintenance, servicing and workshop improvement budgets.
• Champion Health & Safety, including inductions, training, documentation and compliance.
• Support the workshop team with clear processes, communication and guidance.
• Collaborate with Production, Traffic and the Foreman to anticipate requirements and resolve blockers.
• Drive continuous improvement across workshop systems, workflow, facilities and capabilities.
• Use operational and financial data to identify efficiencies, cost savings and investment opportunities.
• Develop sustainable workshop practices around waste, recycling, reuse and resource efficiency.

Skills

Workshop management

Carpentry & joinery

Budgeting & cost

Stock management

Health & Safety

Process improvement

Project coordination

Team communication

Job description

StudioXAG creates bold spaces that tell big stories.

We create WOW moments for some of the world’s best-known brands, crafting immersive experiences that spark surprise, delight, awe and emotional connection.

We’re looking for a Workshop Manager to take ownership of the operational running of our East London workshop, creating the environment in which our makers can do their best work.

The Role

You’ll be responsible for ensuring the workshop is organised, safe, efficient and ready for production. From managing space, stock, facilities and equipment to coordinating project flow and resolving operational blockers, you’ll make sure the workshop is always prepared for what’s next.

You’ll bring structure to a busy, constantly changing environment, working closely with Production, Traffic and the Foreman to support the smooth delivery of projects.

You’ll also play a key role in developing the workshop for the future — improving systems, processes, facilities and capabilities while maintaining high standards of Health & Safety, housekeeping and operational efficiency.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

• Lead the day-to-day operational running and organisation of the workshop
• Own workshop space planning and project flow through the facility
• Manage stock, purchasing, equipment, machinery and workshop facilities
• Oversee maintenance, servicing and workshop improvement budgets
• Championing Health & Safety, including inductions, training, documentation and compliance
• Support the workshop team with clear processes, communication and operational guidance
• Work closely with Production, Traffic and the Foreman to anticipate requirements and resolve blockers
• Drive continuous improvement across workshop systems, workflow, facilities and capabilities
• Use operational and financial data to identify efficiencies, cost savings and investment opportunities
• Develop sustainable workshop practices around waste, recycling, reuse and resource efficiency

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in workshop management within fabrication, manufacturing, shop fitting, retail display or a similar environment
• Highly knowledgeable in carpentry and joinery, with a strong understanding of fabrication processes
• Highly organised, commercially aware and confident managing a complex physical environment
• Experienced in managing workshop stock, facilities, equipment and maintenance
• Comfortable working with budgets, project costs and operational data
• A strong problem solver who anticipates issues and takes action
• Confident developing and implementing processes and systems across a team
• Experienced in Health & Safety within a workshop or production environment
• A clear and confident communicator who can work effectively across Production and the wider business
• Proactive, practical and passionate about continually improving how a workshop operates

Bonus points for: experience within luxury retail, experiential or creative production; knowledge of CNC, digital fabrication or metalwork; and experience with Synergist or similar costing/financial management systems.

Location

East London studio (E10)
9am–6pm standard hours
Unofficial 5pm finish on Fridays
Flexible working hours available on request.

Benefits

• Gross profit-related annual bonus scheme
• Workplace pension
• 22 days holiday + Christmas closure + birthday off + bank holidays
• 0.5 paid days/month to get inspired
• International research budgets and trips
• YCN creative learning membership
• Spill mental health support
• Cycle to work scheme
• Fitness discounts
• 5 days 'Working Away from the Studio' able to be applied for