Joinery Workshop Manager

Joinery Workshop Manager

Location: Wigan, Greater Manchester
Salary: 45,000-55,000 + Excellent Benefits PAckage
Job Type: Permanent

About the Company

Our client is an established North West construction and fit-out business operating across commercial and industrial, retail and leisure, public sector, and specialist and bespoke sectors.

A key part of the business is its in-house bespoke joinery manufacturing facility , producing high-quality fitted and loose joinery for its own fit-out and refurbishment projects, as well as supply-only and supply-and-install packages for external clients.

The workshop also manufactures certified timber fire-rated doorsets, providing an important specialist manufacturing capability within the wider business. The company has a strong focus on quality, technical standards, continuous improvement and developing its people.

The Role

We are looking to appoint an experienced Joinery Workshop Manager to take responsibility for the day-to-day management and performance of a busy bespoke joinery workshop.

This is a hands-on management position, responsible for ensuring production is planned, organised and delivered efficiently, safely and to the required quality standards.

You will lead a skilled team of bench joiners, semi-skilled workers and key operatives, while working closely with the Design, Project Management and Commercial teams to ensure manufacturing programmes align with project requirements.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in bespoke joinery manufacturing , with the technical knowledge and leadership ability to manage production, improve processes, control costs and maintain high standards of workmanship.

Key Responsibilities

Production Planning & Programme

• Plan and manage the workshop production programme, coordinating manufacture against site installation and delivery dates.
• Manage workshop capacity and workload, identifying potential bottlenecks and resource requirements.
• Work closely with Design and Project Management teams to ensure drawings, specifications and approvals are in place before production.
• Provide realistic manufacturing lead times during tender and pre-construction stages.
• Monitor production against programme and report progress, risks and mitigation to senior management.
• Coordinate deliveries to site, ensuring joinery arrives correctly sequenced, protected and ready for installation.

Workshop & Manufacturing Management

• Take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the bespoke joinery workshop.
• Ensure the workshop operates in a safe, organised and efficient manner.
• Develop and improve manufacturing processes, workflow and machine utilisation.
• Oversee the accurate translation of drawings into cutting lists, CAD/CAM files and machine programmes.
• Manage the manufacture of solid surface, laminate, veneered and solid timber products.
• Resolve technical and manufacturing queries, particularly on complex or non-standard items.
• Monitor material usage and waste, implementing measures to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Fire-Rated Doorsets

• Take responsibility for the manufacture of certified timber fire-rated doorsets.
• Ensure all manufacturing is completed strictly in accordance with approved specifications and certification requirements.
• Maintain appropriate manufacturing records, traceability and labelling.
• Prepare for and support independent certification audits.
• Work closely with the Passive Fire team regarding doorset scheduling, technical requirements and delivery dates.

Team Leadership

• Lead, allocate and supervise the workshop team.
• Set clear daily and weekly production priorities.
• Establish and monitor KPIs covering output, quality, waste and programme performance.
• Identify training and development requirements across the workshop.
• Maintain training and competence records and support apprentices through their development.
• Manage attendance, timekeeping, holidays and day-to-day people matters alongside HR.
• Build a positive, professional and productive workshop culture.

Quality Assurance

• Implement and maintain robust workshop QA systems and processes.
• Ensure all manufactured items are checked against drawings, dimensions, templates and specifications before leaving the workshop.
• Work with Design and Project Management teams to approve benchmark and sample items before wider production.
• Investigate quality issues and site snags, identifying root causes and implementing preventative measures.
• Maintain consistently high standards of workmanship and finish.

Materials, Procurement & Cost Control

• Plan and order materials, boards, solid surfaces, ironmongery and consumables in line with production requirements.
• Manage workshop stock levels, storage and material handling.
• Build strong relationships with key suppliers.
• Work alongside the Commercial team on pricing, alternatives and value engineering.
• Monitor labour hours and material costs against agreed allowances.
• Identify and report cost variances and opportunities for improved efficiency.

Plant, Machinery & Health & Safety

• Ensure workshop machinery is maintained, serviced, guarded and safe to use.
• Ensure statutory inspection and examination requirements are met.
• Manage wood dust control, extraction and associated RPE requirements.
• Ensure risk assessments, COSHH assessments and safe systems of work are current and followed.
• Deliver and record toolbox talks.
• Ensure workshop operatives are appropriately trained and authorised to use machinery.
• Work closely with the Health, Safety and Compliance team on inspections, incidents and continual improvement.

Requirements

• Proven experience managing production within a bespoke joinery or specialist manufacturing environment .
• Strong knowledge of traditional and modern woodworking techniques.
• Experience working with solid surface and laminate products .
• Strong understanding of bespoke joinery manufacturing and the ability to interpret detailed drawings.
• Proven experience leading, allocating and developing a skilled workshop team.
• Experience planning production and managing workloads against deadlines.
• Strong understanding of workshop health and safety requirements.
• Commercially aware with the ability to manage labour, materials and production costs.
• Experience with quality assurance processes and manufacturing controls.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
• Excellent communication and team leadership skills.
• Reliable, organised and proactive approach to work.

What's on Offer

• 45,000-55,000 salary
• Excellent Benefits Package.
• Permanent position within an established North West construction and fit-out business.
• Opportunity to take ownership of a specialist bespoke joinery manufacturing operation.
• The opportunity to develop production processes, capacity and capability.
• Long-term career development and training opportunities.
• Company pension and employee benefits.
• A key management position with genuine influence over workshop performance and growth.

Apply

If you're interested in this opportunity, then please get in touch today with our Commercial Specialist, Mark Harris.

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Building Careers UK is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Please Note: Due to the high volume of applicants, only those shortlisted will be contacted.

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