Production Manager

Role Description

We are looking for an experienced  Production Manager  to take responsibility for delivering artworks, furniture and bespoke commissions from research and development through to fabrication, delivery and installation.

Reporting to the Design Manager, you will translate creative deesigns into clear production plans and completed works, balancing design integrity with budgets and deadlines. You will build productive relationships with specialist workshops and improve the systems that support delivery across the gallery.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the realisation of distinctive pieces for collectors, exhibitions and international fairs.

Main purpose of the job

To deliver artworks, furniture and bespoke commissions from research and development through fabrication, delivery and installation. To meet agreed quality standards, budgets and deadlines and be accountable for the systems that deliver them.

Key duties

• Deliver each production project against its agreed brief, budget and deadline. Resolve risks and secure approval for changes to scope, cost or timeline.
• Set priorities and allocate work to the Production Coordinator. Agree deadlines, review completed outputs and coach them to improve accuracy and delivery.
• Establish production schedules with milestones and dependencies for all active projects. Track progress and implement recovery plans when deadlines are at risk.
• Prepare production budgets, compare quotations and approve expenditure within agreed authority. Reconcile actual costs against budget and deliver savings without impacting quality.
• Select fabricators, workshops and suppliers against quality, cost and capacity requirements.
• Provide clients and internal teams with clear progress updates and decisions required.
• Visit workshops to verify prototypes, samples and finished works against approved design, material and technical specifications, taking appropriate action to resolve defects.
• Close out outstanding issues including client complaints.
• Establish consistent production processes and complete records, specifications, installation guides and care instructions.
• Conduct post-project reviews to identify improvements in process and production that will be implemented in future projects.

Key results and objectives

• Projects delivered on time and on budget.
• Zero defects on completed pieces.
• Timelines and cost forecasts maintained for every project.
• Installation and care documents delivered with every piece.
• Processes improved.

Responsible for staff

Production Coordinator

Skills and experience required

• 5 years expireience managing production of artworks, custom furniture or lighting from design to fabrication and installation.
• Strong knowledge of materials, finishes and fabrication methods.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, set appropriate standards and assess quality.
• Preparing budgets and controlling costs.
• Managing multiple, diverse concurrent proejcts.
• Selecting manufacturers, resolving problems and communicating with clients and workshops.
• Setting priorities and coaching junior staff, supported by accurate project documentation and practical problem-solving skills.

Salary: £45,000-£50,000 depending on experience

Reports to: Design Manager

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter explaining why you are interested in the role to [email protected]