StudioFFE is a leading, modern furniture manufacturer with a reputation for quality and innovation. Based in a convenient Normanton location, we specialise in the production of commercial furniture for clients including the Department for Education (DfE) and Ministry of Defence (MoD). With a strong pipeline of work and a progressive approach, we’re experiencing high demand and are looking for the right candidate to join our team immediately.
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Operations Manager to take full ownership of our manufacturing and workshop operations.
This is a senior leadership position suited to someone already operating at, or ready to step up into, a strategic operations role within a manufacturing environment—ideally furniture or FF&E.
As Senior Operations Manager, you will be responsible for the overall accuracy, efficiency, and performance of our workshop and production teams. You will act as the internal operational lead, ensuring machines, people, materials, and workflows are aligned to deliver projects on time, to spec, and profitably.
You will play a key role in shaping systems, improving processes, and supporting the business as it continues to scale.
Manufacturing & Workshop Leadership
- Full responsibility for day‑to‑day workshop and production operations
- Manage machine shops, assembly cycles, finishing, and logistics workflows
- Ensure production schedules are realistic, efficient, and met consistently
- Drive continuous improvement across manufacturing processes
- Lead, manage, and develop teams across workshop and operations
- Set clear expectations, monitor performance, and address issues proactively
Operational Systems & Software
- Use and improve operational software (ERP / production planning / tracking systems)
- Ensure accurate job tracking, scheduling, and resource planning
- Work with directors to refine reporting and performance visibility
Quality, Accuracy & Delivery
- Ensure manufacturing accuracy, quality standards, and safe working practices
- Identify risks early and resolve bottlenecks before they impact delivery
- Own responsibility for workshop output and operational reliability
Essential skills and experience
- 5–10 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment
- Strong understanding of machine shops, production workflows, and assembly cycles
- Proven experience running workshops accurately and efficiently
- Experience managing teams of at least 10 people
- Confident working with operational software and production systems
Highly Desirable
- Background in furniture, joinery, or FF&E manufacturing
- Experience scaling or professionalising workshop operations
- Calm, decisive leadership style with strong problem‑solving ability
You will be practical, commercially aware, and comfortable taking responsibility. This is not a purely desk‑based role—you should be confident operating at workshop level as well as in senior discussions.
Why Join Us?
- Senior leadership role with real authority and impact
- Opportunity to step into a position replacing founder‑led operations
- Varied, challenging work in a respected manufacturing studio
- Competitive salary with long‑term growth potential
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