Job vacancy: Workshop Supervisor

Location: Battersea, London
Salary: £29,000 - £32,000
Contract Type: Permanent

Deadline for applicants: 15 November 2023

If you are a creative and motivated self-starter with a passion for textiles and a belief in rehabilitation and second chances this is an opportunity to join a vibrant, energetic group of people. As our Workshop Supervisor you will work with people who are committed to our mission and care deeply about providing a working environment that is inclusive, supportive and committed to the principle of equality.

The Role:

Fine Cell Work is working in partnerships with prison textile workshops in Cambridgeshire and the Midlands. We are looking for a new team member to train people in prison in textile production skills. The role will also support our Battersea workshop delivering similar training to prison leavers. The workshops are a central part of our production process whereby work produced by our stitchers in cell is made up into finished products. The workshops offer a workplace environment where participants gain valuable employment skills and training.

Initially, to gain insight into our specialised, unique production process, this role will have the responsibilities of our Production Manager (who is on sabbatical). After this on-boarding process, the role will cover supervision of prison workshops in line with our plan to develop this part of the business.  

To apply please submit a covering letter and CV demonstrating how you meet the requirements of the role to jobs@finecellwork.co.uk. Please note, applications submitted without a covering letter will not be considered.

Please note: Application deadline is 5pm on 15th November, however early applications are encouraged and interviews will be arranged accordingly.

Principal Accountabilities for the Core Job:

In the workshop in Battersea:

1. Working with the Battersea workshop manager, support the smooth running of a positive, productive workshop supporting the sales and production requirements of the charity within a structured, organised working environment.
2. Train prison leavers in machine and hand stitching techniques to enable them to construct items for commissions and sale.
3. Supporting with day-to-day supervision of and maintain positive relationships with volunteers and apprentices in Battersea Workshop.
4. Being involved in the creative process and construction of sampling new products and prototypes. Assisting with commission projects where applicable.  
5. Fostering a culture of support and learning between staff, volunteers and apprentices through role modelling Fine Cell Work’s values and mission.

In-prison workshops:

1. Responsible for the running of textile workshops in prison – training people in prison in machine and hand stitching techniques to produce items for sale.
2. Maintaining positive relationships with prison workshop staff.
3. Provide regular progress and monitoring reports to management team.

For all workshops:

1. Support with the delivery of our OCN Accredited training in all workshops including    the delivery, course content, new course development and assessment and of coursework.
2. Ensuring safety and appropriate conduct in workshop environments and amongst participants.
3. Managing workflow and allocation of tasks in line with production requirements.

Duties covering the Production Manager role:

The successful candidate will carry out following duties for the first 5 months of their role. This period will also include a monthly visit to Fine Cell Work’s prison workshops and two days a week working in the textile workshop at our hub in Battersea.

1. With the support of the Production coordinator, maintain the workflow to Fine Cell Work’s 23 cell groups, prison workshops and the Battersea hub liaising with the Battersea Workshop Manager to make the process efficient and effective.
2. Maintain the quarterly production plan for review monthly in liaison with the Design and Commissions Specialist, the Sales Lead, the Development Manager, and the Marketing and Communications Manager to support the marketing plan, events and commissions.
3. Set up and attend regular meetings on production, new products, new design development, sampling and commissions with the Battersea Workshop Manager and the Design and Commissions Specialist.
4. Manage the preparation of kits ensuring a regular supply of work to cell groups with consideration to production timelines.
5. Maintain the production database including providing cost of goods and prisoner pay for new products and updating product codes, costs and advising on margins throughout all production spreadsheets.
6. Liaise with the Volunteer and Programmes Manager to develop the volunteer workforce to match the changing needs of production.

The Person:

We are looking for a creative and motivated self-starter with a passion for textiles and a belief in rehabilitation and second chances to join a vibrant, energetic group of people who are passionate about our mission and care deeply about providing a working environment that is inclusive, supportive and committed to the principle of equality.

The following skills and experience have been identified for the role.

Essential:

- Previous experience of at least three to five years working within a production team or in the manufacturing industry.

- A knowledge and understanding of textiles, specifically product construction, fabric cutting and sewing machine skills

-  An interest in embroidery and/or needlepoint

- Training and teaching experience

- Organised, motivated and pro-active

- A positive, flexible and creative approach to workload

- Proven track record to deliver on targets.

- Ability to prioritise and remain calm when working under pressure.

- Ability to translate strategy/planning into operational implementation

- Confident working as part of a wider organisational team.

- A non-judgemental attitude towards prisoners and prison leavers and positive about rehabilitation.

- Willingness travel between workshop sites including overnight stays, no more than one day a week.

- Driving Licence and access to a vehicle

- Ability to undergo prison security vetting processes.

Desired:

- Experience of delivering services in the voluntary and public sector.

- An interest in the criminal justice system.

-  Strong IT skills

Fine Cell Work offer the following benefits to all our team members:

• A supportive learning culture and opportunities to develop in your role
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata) increasing after 2 years of service
• Employer pension contribution of 5% after 3 month probationary period
• Season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme

Fine Cell Work is committed to the principle of equality. No job applicant, employee, volunteer or worker is discriminated against either directly or indirectly on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religious belief, sex, marital or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy status, age or disability and we will maintain a neutral working environment in which no employee or worker feels under threat or intimidated.

How to apply:

To apply please submit a covering letter and CV demonstrating how you meet the requirements of the role to jobs@finecellwork.co.uk. Please note, applications submitted without a covering letter will not be considered.

Please note: Application deadline is 5pm on 15th November, however early applications are encouraged and interviews will be arranged accordingly.

This job is based in the FCW office in Battersea, London.