WORKSHOP MANAGER
Location: Napton-on-the-Hill, Warwickshire (CV47)
Producing: Premium Solid Wood Furniture (Tables, Desks & Large Format Pieces)
Ashford Blake designs and manufactures high-end bespoke solid wood furniture — primarily dining tables, desks, breakfast bars and large-format statement pieces in oak, walnut, reclaimed timber and live-edge slabs.
Our work involves large tops, custom leg designs, integrated features and precision finishing.
We are looking for a highly skilled furniture maker who is ready to lead the workshop.
This is not a supervisory role for someone stepping away from the bench. You must be technically stronger than the team you are leading.
When a complex table build, round top, custom leg or repair issue arises — you are the solution.
The Role
You will take full ownership of:
* Workshop output and performance
* Technical standards across all builds
* Production planning and workflow
* Machinery reliability and maintenance
* Quality control and remake reduction
* Team discipline and accountability
* Occasional off-site work (e.g. resolving wood movement issues in a customer's home)
You will report directly to the Directors and be trusted with real authority.
This role suits someone who wants responsibility and challenge — not someone looking to just clock in and clock out.
Technical Capability (Essential)
You must be a skilled furniture maker with strong knowledge of both traditional and modern woodworking techniques.
Our core products are large solid wood tables and desks. That means you must be confident with:
* Large-format solid wood glue-ups
* Managing timber movement in wide tops
* Cutting and finishing round tables accurately
* Creating and refining unique leg styles
* Precision installation of features such as pop-up power sockets
* Repairing damage or machining errors cleanly and invisibly
* Resolving build issues calmly and technically
If the team lacks the skill or knowledge — you step in and solve it.
Machinery & Workshop Oversight
Full proficiency required in:
* Panel saw setup and calibration
* Planer/thicknesser accuracy
* Wide belt sander setup and use
* Extraction systems
* Sanding and finishing systems
You must be confident:
* Diagnosing mechanical faults
* Implementing preventative maintenance systems
* Minimising avoidable downtime
* Training staff in safe and accurate machine use
Leadership Expectations
You will:
* Plan and coordinate production across bespoke table and desk builds
* Enforce quality checkpoints
* Reduce remakes and timber waste
* Address underperformance directly
* Maintain a disciplined, well-organised workshop
Peak periods require drive and flexibility.
Salary
£37,000–£42,000pa depending on experience
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £37,000.00-£42,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Free parking
* On-site parking
Experience:
* Workshop Manager: 2 years (required)
* Furniture Making: 5 years (required)
Language:
* English (required)
Licence/Certification:
* Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person