Jobs in Farningham

Scenic Workshop Manager

Purpose of Role

An experienced and highly capable Scenic Workshop Manager is required to lead the delivery of high-quality scenic builds across a wide range of live events, productions, and experiential projects.

This is a senior position requiring strong technical expertise alongside proven leadership capability. The role is responsible for managing a large, multi-disciplinary workshop team, ensuring all projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest creative and construction standards.

Working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, the Scenic Workshop Manager plays a key role in translating creative concepts into practical, buildable solutions while maintaining operational efficiency and a positive, high-performing team culture.

Overview of Role

The Scenic Workshop Manager will:

* Support senior leadership in ensuring the workshop runs efficiently and effectively

* Oversee workshop staff and freelancers, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations

* Maintain strong team cohesion and high morale across the workshop

* Support training, development, and upskilling of workshop team members

* Resolve team issues or disputes, escalating to HR where appropriate

* Deliver high-quality output with minimal errors and strong attention to detail

* Demonstrate effective decision-making and prioritisation under pressure

* Plan and manage workflow scheduling across all scenic projects

* Ensure strong coordination and communication across all departments

* Maintain high standards of pre-site preparation and readiness

* Promote and maintain a strong health & safety culture, minimising risk and incidents

Workshop Leadership & Management

* Lead, manage, and develop a large scenic workshop team including carpenters, metalworkers, scenic artists, and freelancers

* Allocate resources effectively across multiple concurrent projects

* Foster a collaborative, high-performance, safety-first working environment

* Provide ongoing performance management, mentoring, and training support

Project Delivery

* Oversee construction of scenic elements from concept through to completion

* Interpret technical drawings and ensure accurate, efficient build execution

* Collaborate closely with designers, production managers, and clients

* Ensure all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to required quality standards

Operational Management

* Manage workshop scheduling, workflow planning, and capacity allocation

* Monitor and control project budgets, materials, and labour costs

* Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and output

* Oversee procurement of materials and equipment as required

Health & Safety

* Ensure full compliance with all relevant UK Health & Safety legislation

* Maintain robust RAMS, safe systems of work, and workshop procedures

* Promote a proactive, safety-first culture across all teams

* Ensure all staff are trained and competent in tool and machinery use

Technical Oversight

* Provide expert guidance on scenic construction methods, materials, and finishes

* Troubleshoot technical challenges and develop practical, buildable solutions

* Oversee maintenance and safe operation of all workshop tools and equipment