Scenic Workshop Manager

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