Job Description

Workshop Manager & Machinist

Full-Time | Buckfastleigh | Competitive Salary

Are you an experienced joiner or machinist ready to take the next step into a leadership role? We're looking for a skilled and proactive

Workshop Manager & Machinist

to lead our busy wood workshop, support production, and help craft high-quality components for our doors, windows and yurt frames.

This is a

50/50 hands-on and managerial role

--perfect for someone who loves being on the tools as much as leading a team and driving improvement.

About the Role

As Workshop Manager, you'll oversee the day-to-day running of the workshop, ensuring production targets are met, standards remain high, and machinery and processes run smoothly. As a Machinist, you'll produce precision components and keep key equipment in top condition to maintain an efficient production flow.

You'll play a central role in strengthening our operations, supporting a talented team and ensuring our workshop is a safe, organised and productive environment.

What You'll Be Doing: Production & Workflow

Plan and manage daily workshop operations to meet (and exceed) production targets. Improve production output, machine capacity and workflow efficiency while maintaining quality. Ensure products are delivered on time and to specification. Stay up to date with best practices in production and workshop management.

Workshop Management

Oversee and assist with the maintenance and servicing of all workshop machinery and equipment. Monitor workshop performance and implement corrective actions when needed. Maintain and develop daily workshop routines and the workshop husbandry plan. Ensure safe working practices are always followed. Manage material levels to avoid production delays.

People Leadership

Allocate work effectively to ensure machines and team capability are fully utilised. Conduct quarterly 1:1 reviews, including performance discussions and goal setting. Plan and coordinate staff training and refreshers.

Machining

Machine timber from rough-sawn to finished parts for the Doors & Windows team. Produce all components required by the Frames team for yurt frame manufacturing. Keep all major woodworking machinery in excellent working order through scheduled preventative maintenance.

What We're Looking For: Essential Skills & Experience

Minimum

8 years' carpentry experience

, ideally with strong bench joinery skills. Proven experience producing windows, doors or similar joinery components. Confident, empathetic leader with strong communication and decision-making skills. Solid understanding of workshop safety, quality, productivity and inventory processes. Experience allocating work and managing production flow in a small, close-knit team. Expertise with industrial woodworking machinery (4-sider planer, spindle moulder, planer-thicknesser, panel saw, band saw, pillar drill, mitre saw etc.). Strong attention to detail and accurate record-keeping. Computer literate, with MRP experience or understanding.

Qualifications

NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Carpentry. Full driving licence. Previous supervisory experience is essential.

What We Offer

Full training in yurt construction and our in-house manufacturing methods. A varied role with a balance of hands-on machining and leadership. The opportunity to influence workshop processes and shape a growing team. A friendly, supportive environment producing high-quality bespoke products.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking
Work Location: In person