Joinery Office Manager
Role
As Joinery Office Manager, you will be responsible for the effective management and administration of the office function, ensuring that projects are supported from initial design through to manufacture and installation. You will oversee a two-person CAD design team, coordinate communication with clients, and ensure that all office administration processes are completed accurately and efficiently.
You will act as the primary point of contact between the business and its clients during the design and pre-production stages, managing the approval process for drawings, ironmongery selections, paint colours, and other project-specific requirements.
Reporting directly to the Production Director, you will work closely alongside the Joinery Workshop Manager to ensure smooth communication between the office and workshop, supporting efficient project delivery, maintaining high levels of customer service, and ensuring business processes are followed consistently.
As part of the management team, you will be expected to take a proactive approach to problem solving, continuous improvement, and supporting the growth and culture of the business.
Responsibilities
Office Management & Administration
- Manage the day-to-day operation of the office and administration functions.
- Ensure all project administration is completed accurately and in a timely manner.
- Develop, maintain, and improve office systems, procedures, and documentation.
- Monitor project documentation to ensure records remain accurate and up to date.
- Support the Production Director with reporting, planning, and business administration requirements.
- Maintain filing systems, project records, and document control procedures.
CAD Design Team Management
- Manage and oversee the workload of the CAD design team.
- Allocate design work and prioritise tasks in line with agreed project programmes and delivery dates.
- Monitor progress against deadlines and identify potential bottlenecks or resource issues.
- Provide support, guidance, and mentoring to CAD team members to encourage professional development and continuous improvement.
- Conduct regular workload reviews and performance discussions with the design team.
- Ensure drawings are issued accurately and within required timescales, role to include final check of all drawings prior to issue.
Client Liaison & Project Coordination
- Act as the primary office contact for clients during the design and pre-production stages.
- Issue drawings for review and approval.
- Coordinate and record client feedback and design amendments.
- Manage the approval process for ironmongery, paint colours, finishes, and other project-specific selections.
- Ensure all client decisions are clearly communicated to the workshop and project teams.
- Maintain professional and positive relationships with clients, consultants, suppliers, and subcontractors.
- Follow up outstanding approvals and information requests to avoid delays to production.
Procurement & Supplier Management
- Order materials, ironmongery, consumables, and other project-related items as required.
- Liaise with suppliers regarding quotations, lead times, deliveries, and product specifications.
- Monitor supplier performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Manage the return and replacement process for faulty, damaged, or incorrect supplier products.
- Ensure procurement activities align with project budgets and delivery requirements.
Finance & Commercial Administration
- Process supplier invoices accurately and within agreed timescales.
- Verify invoices against purchase orders, delivery notes, and agreed costs.
- Authorise and sign off invoices within delegated authority levels.
- Assist with cost tracking and provide information required for financial reporting.
- Monitor outstanding supplier queries and resolve discrepancies promptly.
Quality & Non-Conformance Management
- Maintain records of non-conformances across the business.
- Investigate issues with suppliers, materials, or internal processes as required.
- Coordinate corrective actions and monitor progress through to resolution.
- Ensure lessons learned are communicated and implemented where appropriate.
- Assist in identifying recurring issues and recommending process improvements.
Health & Safety & Compliance
- Support and oversee the management of health and safety systems throughout the business.
- Maintain health and safety records, inspections, risk assessments, and training documentation.
- Coordinate statutory inspections, certifications, and compliance requirements.
- Promote a positive health and safety culture throughout the organisation.
- Ensure office activities comply with company procedures and relevant legislation.
- Support the Workshop Manager and Production Director in implementing health and safety improvements.
Communication & Business Support
- Work closely with the Workshop Manager to ensure effective communication between office and workshop operations.
- Attend weekly production meetings and provide updates on design progress, client approvals, procurement status, and administration matters.
- Highlight risks, delays, or issues with proposed solutions.
- Assist with business improvement initiatives and implementation of new systems or processes.
- Provide support across other areas of the business as required to maintain operational efficiency.
Key Skills & Attributes
- Strong organisational and administrative skills.
- Excellent communication and client relationship management abilities.
- Experience managing workloads and coordinating teams.
- Good understanding of joinery, construction, manufacturing, or project-based environments.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Commercial awareness and confidence dealing with suppliers and procurement activities.
- Problem-solving mindset with the ability to work independently.
- Competent in Microsoft Office and project administration systems.
- Positive attitude with a willingness to support continuous improvement and business growth.
Reporting Structure
Reports To: Production Director
Direct Reports: CAD Design Team (2 Designers)
Works Closely With: Joinery Workshop Manager, Production Director, Workshop Staff, Installers, Suppliers, and Clients.
Essential Skills & Experience
* Excellent organisational and time management skills.
* Strong communication and client-facing abilities.
* Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
* High attention to detail.
* Confident using Microsoft Office and project management systems.
* Experience in joinery, construction, manufacturing, or a similar project-based environment.
* Ability to read and understand technical drawings.
* Commercial awareness and problem-solving skills.
Desirable Experience
* Previous experience within bespoke joinery, timber windows and doors, or construction.
* Understanding of CAD drawings and manufacturing processes.
* Experience managing production schedules or purchasing.
* Knowledge of ironmongery, timber products, and finishing specifications.
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking someone who thrives on organisation, enjoys working with people, and takes pride in ensuring projects run smoothly from concept through to completion. This role would suit an ambitious individual looking to become an integral part of a growing bespoke joinery business with a reputation for quality and craftsmanship.
To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter explaining why you’d be a great fit for Hawker Joinery.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Experience:
- Joinery: 5 years (required)
Language:
Work Location: In person
