Lead Prop Maker
40hrs per week (full time)
Permanent
£35k per annum dependant on experience
23 days holiday plus bank holidays
Benefits (on completion of probationary period): -
Friend & Family tickets
Discount in café and gift shop
Cycle to work scheme
Employee assistance programme
Life insurance
Start Date: 18th August 2025
Location: Wake the Tiger, 127 Albert Road, Bristol, BS2 0YA
Reporting to: Creative Producer (Bristol)
VISION : INSPIRE. DISRUPT. BELIEVE. For a better world.
OUR VALUES: INSPIRE - We inspire positive change through awe and amazement.
DISRUPT - We disrupt by taking risks and challenging convention.
BELIEVE - We believe action today can change the world tomorrow.
WAKE THE TIGER
Wake The Tiger is a radical creative company born in the South West and the visionary force behind the world’s first Amazement Park®. We fuse immersive art, storytelling, and purpose to create unforgettable experiences that disrupt the norm and ignite transformation. Our worlds are built to challenge perception, awaken collective imagination, and provoke real change — socially, environmentally, and culturally. We believe wonder is a catalyst, and amazement a tool — not just for escape, but for building a more connected, conscious, and courageous future.
THE ROLE
The Lead Prop Maker plays a key role in realising creative builds at Wake The Tiger, applying broad knowledge of prop-making processes, materials and construction methods to deliver a wide variety of props and scenic elements. With a generalist, hands-on approach, the Lead Prop Maker is confident experimenting with techniques and materials, contributing practical insight and creative problem-solving to meet the needs of each brief. The Lead Prop Maker works closely with the Creative and Production teams to lead workshop-based fabrication. They translate creative ideas into well-built, functional, and visually compelling pieces for the immersive environment. This role provides day-to-day guidance to other makers and freelancers on active projects, ensuring quality standards are met across construction, finish and safety. The Lead Prop Maker supports the organisation and upkeep of the workshop, helping to ensure tools, materials, and storage areas are maintained and accessible. The role also contributes to research and development, exploring new materials and build techniques to support innovation and improvement across prop builds. Hours are set via a rota, but flexibility and a willingness to take on overtime when needed are essential.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Prop Creation and Scenic Work
● Work with a range of materials to create props and scenic elements of varying sizes, including scenic finishes.
● Take the lead in creating props from a variety of communication styles, including detailed or rough drawings, written and/or verbal instructions and visual images.
● Translate creative briefs into workable designs or reference visuals to support fabrication.
● Ensure all props meet the Creative Producer's sign-off requirements by adhering to functionality, durability and safety standards.
Team Collaboration and Leadership
● Collaborate with the Creative and Production teams to realise concepts into tangible scenic elements.
● Provide day-to-day direction to other prop makers and freelancers on-site, helping guide workflow and ensure high standards of execution.
● Work closely with the Production Manager to identify freelancer requirements and advise on hiring and team structure.
● Support the R&D process by exploring build techniques, material tests, and contributing to prototype development.
Project Support & Coordination
● Assist the Production Manager in estimating timeframes and identifying project stages to inform the wider production schedule.
● Create materials and tool lists in advance of builds, and collaborate with the Production Manager to identify stock needs and confirm orders.
● Track progress across assigned builds and highlight resourcing needs or risks to the Production Manager.
● Feed into prop briefs, attend creative meetings and provide practical input on build feasibility and finishes.
Workshop and Resource Management
● Monitor the condition and availability of workshop materials, tools, and prop-specific storage, f lagging when replacements or maintenance are needed.
● Assist in maintaining workshop organisation, cleanliness, and readiness for use by all team members.
● Contribute to monthly restocking by compiling purchase lists for consumables and tools, in coordination with the Production Manager.
Health & Safety
● Support the Production Manager in upholding workshop health and safety standards, including flagging any risks or PPE needs.
● Stay informed on safe working practices when using new materials or equipment, and share insights with the wider team as needed.
SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES
Essential
● Extensive knowledge of prop-making processes, materials, and construction methods.
● Proficient in a wide range of scenic methods and finishes, for both small and large-scale projects.
● Skilled in using hand and power tools; excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
● Strong time-management and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively.
● Confident working independently on solo projects and collaboratively within teams.
● Adaptable, able to work under tight deadlines and maintain focus on objectives.
● Excellent attention to detail, communication skills, and ability to visualise and interpret briefs.
Desirable
● Proficiency with CAD software for prop design.
● Additional skills, knowledge and training in carpentry, sewing, sculpting, moulding, and casting techniques.
● Experience within the attractions, film, TV, or theatre industry.
● Previous experience managing a workshop and leading a team in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
This job description is a guideline and does not aim to detail every possible task and expectation. The role may change from time to time in line with business requirements.