Workshop Assistant Manager
For over 40 million people in the UK, spectacles are the first thing reached for in the morning, and the last thing taken off at night. Even the overworked smartphone cant seize pole position. But the optical industry hasnt changed in over three centuries. Products are tired, standards are poor, and glasses wearers have got used to sub-standard experiences. The reason we exist is to change this for the better. Were not an eyewear brand. Were a spectacles maker. At the heart of our business are our frames - handmade from the best materials. Designed to be worn, serviced, repaired and renewed.
The Workshop Assistant Manager oversees the day-to-day running of Cubitts Kings Cross spectacle-making workshop covering CNC operation, hand-making and repairs & restoration. The role leads and coaches the workshop team, including CNC Operators, Makers and Apprentice Spectacle Makers, planning the day, allocating tasks, and maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship, safety and efficiency. Reporting directly to the Design Lead, the Workshop Assistant Manager plays a key role in rolling out new equipment, technology and process improvements across the workshop, while ensuring production output is maintained effectively and creativity is championed alongside day-to-day delivery, all while representing Cubitts values and mission with pride.
Workshop Assistant Manager tasks will include:
Team Leadership: Lead daily shifts, planning workloads, allocating tasks across CNC, making and repairs, and communicating priorities clearly to the team.
Coaching & Development: Act as a role model and mentor to CNC Operators, Makers and Apprentice Spectacle Makers, offering guidance, feedback and structured training to help the team build their skills.
Quality Control: Own quality standards across the workshop, spotting issues early, leading root-cause fixes, and coaching the team on maintaining consistent craftsmanship.
Technology & Process Adoption: Lead the workshop's adoption of new equipment and planned technological improvements, training the team on new tools and processes as they roll out.
Production Planning & Output: Plan and prioritise the workshop's workload across CNC, making and repairs, ensuring production output is maintained effectively against volume and turnaround targets.
Stock & Materials: Oversee stock of raw materials and tools, working with suppliers and stores to ensure the workshop has what it needs.
Creative Culture: Champion creativity alongside production efficiency, protecting time and space for the team to experiment with new techniques, finishes and ideas.
Reporting & Escalation: Act as the primary point of contact for the workshop, keeping the Design Lead informed of performance, risks and opportunities.
Operational Support: Build strong product and process knowledge, and help resolve escalated queries from stores, customer service or the wider team.
What is expected of a Workshop Assistant Manager
A strong communicator can explain complex information in a way that's easily understandable by non-experts across the whole company; presents with clarity and confidence, and gives and receives feedback constructively.
Collaborative team player builds relationships, values contributions from peers, and works effectively with others to get things done.
Technically capable deep understanding of CNC operation, spectacle making and repair processes, and every stage of production, able to guide others confidently across all of them.
Disciplined operator upholds clear workspace and safety standards personally and across the team every shift, flagging recurring causes of delay rather than absorbing them silently.
Reliable executor delivers work efficiently, consistently meets deadlines, and follows through on commitments.
Innovative mindset curious, open to new ideas, and willing to test and learn from mistakes to improve workshop processes.
Team-accountable owns quality and output standards for the team, not just personal work.
People-focused leader developing leadership skills by considering how best to support, develop and get the best from the team.
2026 Goals
Goals for this year, agreed alongside the workshops production operating model:
Team development
Deliver structured training plans for all CNC Operators, Makers and Apprentices, with progress reviewed quarterly.
Quality
Achieve <1% defect/rework rate across CNC, making and repairs output.
Technology adoption
Lead successful rollout of planned workshop technology improvements, with the team trained and operational on schedule.
Our Values
Pioneers
We try to improve things, by doing things better or more simply celebrating both innovation and failure.
Managers
Challenges both themselves and their team to think outside the box
Innovate, and improve
Leads by example, using their initiative to keep things moving forward
Courageous and supportive, urging their team members to take risks and learn from their mistakes
An infectious, positive force, no matter what challenges they face
Pushes themselves and their team to learn and grow both personally and professionally
Proud
We take pride in doing things properly, even when were exhausted.
Managers
Leads by example by being deeply committed to performing to a high standard
Encourages and supports their team to strive for consistency, quality and attention to detail
Always goes the extra mile, both in their own work and for their team to ensure things are done properly
Inspires and supports their team to find the best possible outcomes and to exceed expectations
For all
We treat everyone with the same warmth and respect, and without ego.
Managers
Humble and empathetic, fostering unity and inclusiveness amongst and across teams
Shares challenges and encourages their team to overcome them together
Communicates openly and honestly,listening to and respecting everyone's point of view
Identifies, develops, and celebrates individuals and team strengths and achievements
Some nice things youll get
Complimentary spectacles and discount
Complimentary eye examination for you, your friends and family
Spectacle making class
Cycle to work Scheme
Buy and sell holiday
Life assurance
Community socials
Refer a friend scheme
Annual season ticket loan
Personalised training & development
Discounted gym membership
Sabbatical
Paid time away for the important moments in life
Contract type
Full Time, 40 hours
Job grade
Assistant Manager Level 1
Working location
Workshop based, Kings Cross, London
