Senior Fabrication and Production Manager

Job description

Scope of the Role: Collaborative. Positive. Respectful. Organised. Exceptional People Skills. The Senior Fabrication Production Manager at Echo Studios is responsible for delivering exceptional, brand‑led retail displays, fixtures, and custom installations for luxury fashion and cosmetics clients. The role ensures every item manufactured meets the highest standards of finish, precision, and brand compliance, while being delivered on time, on budget, and installation‑ready. This position bridges design intent and flawless physical execution , leading skilled workshop teams to produce premium, customer‑facing environments where detail, tolerance, safety and presentation are critical. Echo is a high paced, and often highly pressured, production house. Positivity is key in everything we do. Whether you’re collaborating with colleagues, communicating with clients or focusing on the task at hand, our approach is to always remain constructive. Respecting each other’s contribution is essential as we believe every individual has something to offer, and the key to being successful at Echo is an ability and willingness to collaborate. Main Duties and Responsibilities: Luxury Production Leadership Lead all fabrication activity for high‑end retail fixtures, counters, gondolas, plinths, displays, and bespoke brand elements Deliver consistently premium finishes suitable for luxury store and cosmetics environments Plan and control multiple concurrent projects with immovable retail launch and install deadlines Ensure all items are packed, protected, and prepared to arrive on site in perfect condition Brand Standards & Quality Excellence Uphold strict brand guidelines, material specifications, colour tolerances, and finish standards Implement multi‑stage quality control checks, with zero‑defect expectations Champion right‑first‑time manufacturing and eliminate rework Review drawings, samples, prototypes, and mock‑ups to verify appearance, feel, and detailing Team Leadership & Craftsmanship Lead and develop highly skilled fabricators across joinery, acrylic, metal, modelling, finishing, and assembly Set clear expectations around workmanship, cleanliness, care, and accountability Coach teams to understand luxury brand expectations, not just technical drawings Build pride in craft and attention to detail throughout the workshop Technical & Cross‑Functional Collaboration Work closely with Technical Design, Project Management, and Creative Teams Review drawings for buildability, tolerance, finish sequencing, safety and material behaviour Input into value engineering without compromising brand or aesthetic intent Support design development with practical, fabrication‑led solutions Commercial & Resource Management Manage labour through department head collaboration and resource allocation against project budgets and margins Control material usage, wastage, and specialist finishes Support accurate forecasting and reporting on live luxury client projects Balance speed of delivery with absolutist quality standards Health, Safety & Professional Standards Maintain exemplary workshop housekeeping suited to high‑end production Ensure strict compliance with UK health & safety legislation Protect people, products, and finishes through best‑practice processes Lead by example with calm, professional conduct under pressure Continuous Improvement & Capability Building Drive improvements in processes, tooling, machinery, and finishing capabilities Support investment in equipment aligned with luxury production standards Promote innovation in materials, fabrication methods, and assembly techniques Skills & Experience Essential Proven experience managing fabrication or production teams in luxury retail, cosmetics, or fashion environments Exceptional understanding of premium materials, finishes, and detailing with particular attention to sustainability Strong technical knowledge across joinery, acrylic, metal, spray and surface finishes Extensive knowledge of suppliers and onboarding processes Experience delivering projects to fixed retail launch and store opening dates Confident, detail‑driven leader with high personal standards Clear understanding of budgets and estimation processes Highly Desirable Experience working with global luxury or beauty brands Understanding of POS, permanent fixtures, and global roll‑out programmes CNC, laser cutting, technical drawing and advanced fabrication process knowledge Familiarity with installation logistics and site finish expectations Desirable Personal Attributes Meticulous and uncompromising on quality Calm and decisive under pressure Brand‑aware with strong aesthetic judgement Commercially disciplined yet craftsmanship‑led Respected, credible workshop leader Knowledge of the print industry is an advantage. CAD, Sketchup, Adobe Creative Cloud experience is a bonus. Success Measures Zero‑defect delivery to site On‑time performance against retail launch dates Brand and client satisfaction Reduction in rework and waste Team capability, engagement, and retention TeamWork Positive and constructive collaboration is key to everything we do at Echo. Maintaining regular, clear and positive communication with all teams and Directors is essential to ensuring jobs and projects are completed correctly. Ad Hoc Echo is a dynamic, busy company with a close working team and as such we often require our employees to work on additional bespoke projects outside of their daily duties. This is also aimed to encourage and broaden individual skills and ambitions. To perform other reasonable tasks as required by the Directors or your department head. Follow and promote to colleagues, visitors and the public all health and safety procedures and protocols. Follow Echo’s sustainability policies and procedures. Promote sustainable operations to colleagues, clients and suppliers. A quick learner with a positive approach will pick up everything they need to know at Echo. Equality and Diversity: We promote a working environment in which diversity is recognised, valued and encouraged. We acknowledge the multicultural and diverse nature of the UK workforce and society in general. We are committed to principles of fairness and mutual respect where everyone accepts the concept of individual responsibility. It is therefore your responsibility to make sure you observe and adhere to this policy at all times.