Workshop Operations Manager
At a glance
- Contract Type
- Full-time
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:00
- Salary
- £30,000.00 to £35,000.00 per annum depending on experience.
- Location
Portslade, BN41 2PA
- Skill requirements
Workshop Management: Prior experience running or supporting a creative workshop or maker space
Health & Safety: Solid understanding of H&S practices; COSHH experience desirable (training provided if needed)
Organisation: Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
Technical Knowledge: Broad hands-on making experience – woodwork, scenic construction, prop making, or similar
Communication: Clear communicator able to brief and supervise team members effectively
Problem Solving: Practical and proactive approach to maintenance and project challenges
Procurement: Experience with sourcing and negotiating with suppliers and tracking workshop budgets
Leadership: Capable of leading small teams and fostering a collaborative, respectful working environment
- Flexibility: Willingness to adapt roles as needed and assist with installations or other duties outside core hours
Full Job Description
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Workshop Operations Manager with a fabrication background to join the team at Plunge Creations, one of the UK’s leading creative construction and prop-making companies.
Based in our busy workshop in Portslade, this role is central to ensuring the smooth, safe and efficient running of our production space. This is a highly hands-on role, involving in-house fixing and repairing, alongside day-to-day workshop operations.
The Workshop Operations Manager plays a key part in enabling our talented makers to deliver high-quality builds across a wide range of exciting and varied projects — from immersive installations to large-scale props and set pieces.
Workshop Management (Core Responsibilities)
- Ensure day-to-day smooth and safe running of the workshops, offices and yard areas of all the buildings used by Plunge Creations and it’s associated companies
- Develop, implement and maintain Health & Safety policies in conjunction with external advisors (e.g. Complete Health and Safety)
- Conduct or delegate toolbox talks, inductions, and regular H&S briefings
- Maintain up-to-date COSHH documentation and ensure compliance across the workshop
- Manage stock control, ordering, and replenishment of materials, consumables, tools and fixings
- Source suppliers and negotiate best prices to stay within budget
- Maintain, track and arrange servicing of buildings, tools, machinery, equipment and vehicles. Ensure timely servicing and repairs.
- Coordinate annual fire safety checks and PAT testing
- Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of all company vehicles, including organising payment of vehicle tax and arranging MOTs
- Oversee cleanliness, organisation, and layout efficiency of the workshop, offices and storage areas. Help ensure all buildings and facilities meet compliance standards for safety, accessibility, and legal requirements
- Organise contractor visits for any machinery or maintenance tasks not done in-house. Also, coordinate and respond to emergency repair needs to minimise disruption to workshop or project delivery
- Ensure correct waste and recycling management procedures are followed
- Liaise with landlords, service providers, and utility companies regarding building and facility needs
- Manage budgets for building, equipment, and vehicle upkeep to ensure cost-effective operation
- Collaborate with the Production Team to ensure project readiness and workshop availability
- Provide cover for the Production Manager or Resource Manager as required, and vice versa
Ad Hoc Making and Fabrication
- Undertake hands-on fabrication or making work as required to support project deadlines or specialist builds
- Assist in on-site installations (rigs/de-rigs) when needed, subject to prior agreement
- Support safe handling and storage of tools, chemicals, and materials during making tasks
Apply
Please send CV to perrine@plungecreations.co.uk