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
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