WORKSHOP LEAD CRAFTSPERSON. THIN SHEET METAL & GENERAL FABRICATION – WITH POTENTIAL FOR SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND OWNERSHIP.
Location: Pershore / Worcester, Worcestershire
Employment type: Full‑time, permanent
Salary: Up to £35,000 gross (dependent on experience)
Benefits: Job Security, Pension, on‑site parking, discretionary bonus scheme +
If your interested feel free to give me a call on 07900 414144 to have a chat.
This is more than a job
This role is for someone exceptional with metal — particularly high‑quality, hand‑worked thin sheet metal — who is looking for more than just another workshop position.
You may already be an outstanding thin sheet metal worker with years of experience. Or you may be someone who is simply naturally gifted when working with metal, has proven it over time, and wants to apply that skill at the very highest level.
If you take genuine pride in craftsmanship, accuracy and detail — and have the ambition to help run, shape and potentially own part of a specialist business in the future — this is a rare opportunity.
About Camelot Real Fires
Camelot Real Fires is a family business established in 1972. We are likely the only company in the UK specialising at this level in bespoke, handmade open fire canopies, fire baskets and dog irons, with a reputation built steadily over decades.
At present our work is:
- Premium and bespoke
- Handmade to order
- Supplied across the UK, with growing international demand
Paul Shaw, second‑generation owner, is focused on preparing the business for its next 50 years — protecting its heritage and craftsmanship while expanding into new product areas and markets. The business grew 25% last year with a small, highly skilled team.
You can see more at https://www.camelotrealfires.co.uk
The role
This is an existing role, replacing a valued team member who is leaving to pursue other interests.
We are looking for a craftsperson with real flair and technical ability, particularly in thin sheet metal work. The pieces we create will require your best workmanship. There is no filler, primer or topcoat to hide imperfections and these are premium pieces of furniture in our customers room. Everything is visible. Everything matters. But the results are deeply rewarding — and we have the knowledge, processes and experience to support you in refining or developing the specific skills we need (we’ve done this before).
The role also requires:
- Heavier welding and cutting to fabricate traditional fire baskets
- Working with steel, cast iron, copper and brass
- Producing work to a premium, luxury finish
Beyond fabrication, there are opportunities to become involved in:
- Design development using 2D CAD
- Workshop improvement and management
- Helping shape how the business operates and evolves
This is a hands‑on role — but not a narrow one. The scope grows with the right person as they deliver and develop.
Role in more detail
Working alongside our other skilled craftsperson, working from 2D CAD drawings, you will be responsible for making our canopies from thin sheet, dog irons and fire grates from 20-25mm bar, and fabricating other items from outsourced laser cut / CNC folded components. All our work is metal work and handmade.
The role involves cutting, welding, marking out, full size templating of some designs provided using board before manufacture, sheet metal work, drilling, riveting, hand beating, rolling, swaging, folding, grinding, cutting back, polishing, painting, spraying. We can offer training in all of these areas if needed.
If you do it already you will know that fabricating work can be dirty and noisy - but we offer PPE and equipment to improve your working day and keep you safe.
Accurate and on time production is crucial: This role is responsible for the accurate fabrication, to design, to required timescales and to agreed quality standards.
Have a sound working knowledge of the theory and practice of MIG and possibly TIG welding ideally with qualifications to support this - in particular how to manage heat in a with thin sheet welding.
You
Ideally, you will have 5+ years’ relevant experience and be able to demonstrate it. If you don’t have every skill, you must show a proven ability to learn properly — by working alongside those who know.
Character is critical:
- You must be the right personal fit
- You must share our values
- You must want to belong, not just pass through
You will be:
· Self-motivated and happy working on your own to get pieces out of the door.
- Willing to take responsibility for accurate, on‑time production to agreed standards from the workshop.
- Confident with cutting, welding, assembly, templating, marking out, hand‑forming, finishing and spraying.
- Able to demonstrate the energy to get the work done, working smart and giving us a full productive day every day you’re with us. Being here on time each working day is really important.
Strong English comprehension and practical maths skills are essential. MIG welding knowledge is required; TIG experience is beneficial, particularly with thin sheet heat control.
People who have worked for us have commuted from: Pershore, Tewkesbury, Evesham, Alcester, Broadway, Worcester, Malvern, Droitwich, Studley, Upton
The business owner – Paul Shaw – you will be working closely with him.
Pauls background is in Marketing, Sales and business development with an automotive and hand crafted metal bias. Though self-taught, Paul is the technical and design lead of the business. He can make everything the business offers.
As the 2nd generation owner of the business he’s increased annual turnover by 250% and the business has always been profitable. With a strong strategic background and experience of developing small businesses he has the skill and knowledge to share with the right candidate technically in the workshop and in developing and leading the business.
More than employment: a long‑term succession opportunity
Camelot is now in year 4 of a 10‑year succession plan. For the right individual, there is potential — over time — for equity or ownership involvement.
This is not automatic, rushed or guaranteed. It would only follow:
- A sustained period of working together
- Clear evidence of technical ability, commercial understanding and values alignment
- Demonstrated ownership and responsibility — ensuring things get delivered, without excuses
You need to understand metal to understand Camelot. That’s why this role matters so much to the future of the business.
Working environment
Camelot operates from premises in Pershore alongside other complementary businesses in the room‑heater market, creating a wider working community and shared problem‑solving culture.
We are process‑driven for a small business. Structure matters. Change is welcome — but only when it genuinely improves outcomes.
The future
We are expanding into new product ranges that are less constrained by regulation and installation, designed in‑house and finished in our workshop.
If you bring curiosity, commercial awareness and the discipline to excel in your core role, the long‑term potential is significant.
What we offer
- Competitive salary reflecting skill and responsibility
- Consistently high‑quality, varied craftsmanship work
- Support and training to give the specific skills and processes we need
- Real influence in a respected premium business
- Honest, values‑led working environment
- Long‑term progression — potentially far beyond employment
- A genuine meritocracy
Pay: £33,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee mentoring programme
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Profit sharing
Application question(s):
- Can you commute to Pershore - WR10 2EY
Experience:
- Thin sheet fabrication: 5 years (required)
Language:
Work Location: In person
