Workshop Manager

A superb opportunity for an experienced Wood Machinist to join a leading UK manufacturer and finisher of Thermowood and uk grown species primarily in the timber cladding and decking space for 25 yrs. We also build kit storage units and bicycle planter units in house. We have worked in partnership with several blue-chip companies along with some of the UK's leading house builders, property developers, architects and the general public. We are now looking to expand our customer base and further recruitment is required to support our next level of growth.

THE COMPANY

QTD started designing and installing external timber projects in 2000 and over the years has achieved many firsts in this industry, diversifying into manufacturing and surface finishing with a bespoke and customised range of high-quality, beautifully crafted & responsibly sourced timber products.

We repurpose all of our thermowood wood waste via our briquette press which is sold to domestic customers for heating.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, motivate, and manage a team of workshop staff.
• Delegate daily tasks, prioritising workflow to meet production schedules and deadlines.
• Oversee training, mentoring, and development of workshop staff.
• Conduct regular team briefings, performance reviews, and ensure clear communication of expectations.
• Maintain discipline, safety, and high morale within the workshop.

2. Workshop Operations & Production

• Oversee all daily production activities, ensuring efficiency and high-quality output.
• Ensure accurate timber inventory management for inbound and outbound materials.
• Ensure accurate inventory of required materials/ equipment in the workshop.
• Plan and schedule machinery usage, ensuring maximum productivity and minimal downtime.
• Manage workshop cleanliness, orderliness, and operational readiness at all times.

3. Machinery Operation & Maintenance

(Training provided where necessary) Be competent in operating and maintaining:

• 5-Head Moulder (including tool changes)
• Twin-Head Brushing Machine
• HD Band Resaw
• Compound Mitre Saw
• Combilift Forklift
• Compressors and air tools
• Battery-powered hand tools
• Charring and Vacuum Coating Machines
• Briquette Press, Extraction, and Worm Drive Systems

Assist or step in as required to complete complex or time-sensitive machining operations.

4. Production Processes & Quality Control

• Oversee coating, finishing, and assembly operations including charring, painting, oiling, dipping, and packing.
• Monitor quality at all stages and ensure products meet company and customer specifications.
• Maintain process documentation and report any non-conformities or equipment issues.
• Ensure protective packaging and accurate labelling for all outgoing orders.

5. Stock & Inventory Management

• Maintain adequate levels of sundries, coatings, and consumables.
• Notify procurement in office of low stock levels promptly.
• Oversee storage of briquette bags and manage wrapping, strapping, and labelling.

6. Health, Safety & Maintenance

• Enforce health & safety procedures and ensure compliance with company and legal standards.
• Conduct regular inspections of machinery, tools, and safety systems.
• Ensure safe operation of forklifts, extraction systems, and handling of finishes and coatings.
• Power down all equipment and secure the workshop at the end of each day.

Skills & Experience Required

Essential:

• Proven experience managing a small production or workshop team.
• Strong leadership, delegation, and communication skills.
• Practical, hands-on approach and mechanical aptitude.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Competent with machinery operation (or willing to train).
• Understanding of health & safety and workshop best practices.

Desirable:

• Background in timber processing, finishing, or joinery.
• Experience with coatings, charring, or specialist finishing techniques.
• Forklift licence (Combilift experience an advantage).

Personal Attributes

• Proactive and reliable – takes ownership of outcomes.
• Calm under pressure and solutions-focused.
• High attention to detail and pride in workmanship.
• Team-oriented with strong interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and efficiency.

Key Outcomes / Success Measures

• Workshop operates safely, efficiently, and to schedule.
• Staff are engaged, well-directed, and performing effectively.
• Machinery and equipment are maintained in top condition.
• Quality standards consistently met or exceeded.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Work Location: In person