Production Manager - Bespoke Furniture and Lighting

Location: Avington (near Winchester) SO21 1DAHours: Full time on site, Monday to Friday, 08:30–16:30Reports to: Director of Bespoke / Chief Operating OfficerStarting salary: £42,500 About Max Rollitt BespokeMax Rollitt Bespoke is a collection of handcrafted furniture and lighting designed by Max Rollitt and made in the UK.

Inspired by historic forms and reinterpreted for modern living, each piece is made with care by skilled artisans and trusted makers, combining traditional craftsmanship, customisation, character and long-lasting quality.The collection relies on a carefully coordinated network of specialist workshops, makers, finishers, polishers and upholsterers. This role is central to ensuring that complex, made-to-order furniture production is planned, monitored and delivered to the standards expected of Max Rollitt Bespoke.Role OverviewThe Production Manager will be responsible for coordinating the end-to-end production process for Max Rollitt Bespoke, managing a complex supply chain of component suppliers, specialist makers and bespoke craftspeople. Working closely with the Director of Bespoke and the Chief Operating Officer, the role will ensure that orders move efficiently through planning, purchasing, manufacture, finishing, upholstery, quality control and final assembly.This is a hands-on, detail-focused position requiring strong production planning, supplier management, scheduling and communication skills, together with a sound understanding of high-quality furniture production, principally using solid timber construction.Key ResponsibilitiesManage a complex supply chain of suppliers, including component suppliers, craft-based workshops and providers of bespoke elements.Create, issue and follow up supplier purchase orders, ensuring that materials, components and services are available in line with production requirements.Build and maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers, while identifying and introducing new potential suppliers where appropriate.Coordinate supply chain logistics using just-in-time principles to support efficient production and minimise avoidable delays or excess stock.Ensure consumables, materials and stock levels are available to support manufacture, finishing, upholstery and final assembly.Schedule, monitor and coordinate in-house workshops, including polishing and upholstery, to ensure work is completed to agreed timelines and quality standards.Develop and maintain clear production schedules, including Gantt chart planning, milestone tracking and progress reporting.Monitor project progress closely, identifying risks, bottlenecks and changes early, and communicating updates clearly to relevant stakeholders.Check production quality at key stages and ensure corrective action is put in place where required.Work collaboratively with internal teams and external makers to ensure each piece meets the design intent, production specification and quality expectations of Max Rollitt.Experience and Skills RequiredDemonstrated experience managing supply chains, preferably within furniture, interiors, manufacturing, craft or high-quality made-to-order production.Experience working with craft-based workshops, specialist makers or small-batch manufacturing environments.A strong understanding of furniture production, particularly solid timber construction and traditional making methods.Excellent project management skills, with the ability to create, maintain and communicate clear production schedules.Experience using Gantt charts or similar project planning tools to monitor progress, dependencies and deadlines.Strong purchasing and supplier coordination skills, including raising purchase orders and following through to delivery.Excellent communication skills, with the ability to adapt quickly and calmly when priorities, timelines or production requirements change.A sharp eye for detail and a thorough, methodical approach to planning, tracking and quality control.Confidence checking production quality and coordinating corrective action where needed.Good working knowledge of project management, ERP or MRP systems. Experience with Wrike and/or Workhorse would be advantageous.Strong understanding of furniture construction drawings – ability to use AutoCAD advantageous.Desirable ExperienceExperience or practical understanding of traditional upholstery techniques.Experience or practical understanding of French polishing and specialist furniture finishing techniques.Existing relationships within the furniture, interiors, craft or specialist workshop supply chain.Experience in a luxury, heritage, bespoke or design-led production environment.Personal AttributesHighly organised, proactive and methodical.Calm, practical and solutions-focused when production challenges arise.Collaborative and relationship-led, with confidence working across suppliers, workshops and internal teams.Adaptable and agile in response to changing priorities or project requirements.Committed to quality, craftsmanship and the long-term value of well-made furniture.To Apply: Please apply sending your CV via LinkedIn. Closing date is 23rd September.