Machinist & Workshop Manager
Full-Time | Buckfastleigh
Are you an experienced joiner or machinist ready to take the next step into a leadership role? We’re looking for a skilled and proactive Machinist & Workshop Manager to lead our busy wood workshop, support production, and help craft high-quality components for our doors, windows and yurt frames.
This is a 50/50 hands-on and managerial role—perfect for someone who loves being on the tools as much as leading a team and driving improvement.
About the Role
As Workshop Manager, you’ll oversee the day-to-day running of the workshop, ensuring production targets are met, standards remain high, and machinery and processes run smoothly. As a Machinist, you’ll produce precision components and keep key equipment in top condition to maintain an efficient production flow.
You’ll play a central role in strengthening our operations, supporting a talented team and ensuring our workshop is a safe, organised and productive environment.
What You’ll Be Doing: Production & Workflow
- Plan and manage daily workshop operations to meet (and exceed) production targets.
- Improve production output, machine capacity and workflow efficiency while maintaining quality.
- Ensure products are delivered on time and to specification.
- Stay up to date with best practices in production and workshop management.
Workshop Management
- Oversee and assist with the maintenance and servicing of all workshop machinery and equipment.
- Monitor workshop performance and implement corrective actions when needed.
- Maintain and develop daily workshop routines and the workshop husbandry plan.
- Ensure safe working practices are always followed.
- Manage material levels to avoid production delays.
People Leadership
- Allocate work effectively to ensure machines and team capability are fully utilised.
- Conduct quarterly 1:1 reviews, including performance discussions and goal setting.
- Plan and coordinate staff training and refreshers.
Machining
- Machine timber from rough-sawn to finished parts for the Doors & Windows team.
- Produce all components required by the Frames team for yurt frame manufacturing.
- Keep all major woodworking machinery in excellent working order through scheduled preventative maintenance.
What We’re Looking For: Essential Skills & Experience
- Minimum 8 years’ carpentry experience, ideally with strong bench joinery skills.
- Proven experience producing windows, doors or similar joinery components.
- Confident, empathetic leader with strong communication and decision-making skills.
- Solid understanding of workshop safety, quality, productivity and inventory processes.
- Experience allocating work and managing production flow in a small, close-knit team.
- Expertise with industrial woodworking machinery (4-sider planer, spindle moulder, planer-thicknesser, panel saw, band saw, pillar drill, mitre saw etc.).
- Strong attention to detail and accurate record-keeping.
Qualifications
- NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Carpentry.
- Full driving licence.
- Previous supervisory experience is essential.
What We Offer
- Full training in yurt construction and our in-house manufacturing methods.
- A varied role with a balance of hands-on machining and leadership.
- The opportunity to influence workshop processes and shape a growing team.
- A friendly, supportive environment producing high-quality bespoke products.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £36,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
Work Location: In person
