HEAD OF OPERATIONS

FRD Designers & Makers are a bespoke lighting and furniture manufacturer working with leading interior designers, architects, and high-profile clients across the international luxury interiors industry. The business delivers design-led, low-volume, high-quality products through an in-house workshop and specialist supply chain.

ABOUT THE ROLE

FRD are seeking a Head of Operations to take ownership of the day-to-day operational performance of the business, ensuring that projects flow smoothly from enquiry through design, production, QC, and delivery.

This role sits at the centre of the business, providing structure, prioritisation, and delivery discipline across design, production, purchasing, and project management. The Head of Operations is responsible for balancing capacity, quality, cost, and delivery while protecting the workshop from unrealistic commitments and maintaining client confidence.

The role is hands-on and operational, requiring strong judgement, calm leadership, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced bespoke manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Flow Control

• Own the end-to-end operational workflow from enquiry to dispatch

• Define and manage release gates from enquiry to design and design to production

• Ensure work is accepted and scheduled in line with available capacity

• Act as the central point of prioritisation across departments

Production & Capacity Management

• Develop and maintain realistic production schedules

• Forecast design and production capacity and identify upcoming constraints

• Balance workload to avoid peaks, bottlenecks, and reactive firefighting

Project & Delivery Oversight

• Provide delivery oversight across all live projects

• Support project managers in programme development and issue resolution

• Intervene on at-risk projects to stabilise delivery and protect client relationships

• Ensure QC events are properly prepared and readiness confirmed

Commercial & Performance Control

• Monitor labour performance and identify variance against estimates

• Support pricing, quoting assumptions, and delivery commitments

• Align operational output with revenue expectations without destabilising delivery

• Identify inefficiencies and drive continuous improvement

Stakeholder & Client Support

• Support senior client-facing relationship management

• Act as an escalation point for operational issues

• Maintain clear, honest communication internally and externally

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in operations, project delivery, or manufacturing leadership

• Strong understanding of bespoke or low-volume manufacturing environments

• Ability to balance competing priorities across design, production, and delivery

• Strong planning, organisational, and decision-making skills

• Confident communicator at all levels

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Commute to Wimborne St. Giles, Dorset

• Valid driver's license

• Authorised to work in United Kingdom

WHAT WE OFFER

• Casual dress

• On-site parking

WHY WORK WITH US?

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a very ambitious and forward-thinking company. FRD have collaborated with incredible international brands; from interior designers to architects, artists to stately homes. We are proud of the great working relationships we have developed and have become a trusted partner to many; with clients returning to us for multiple commissions.

As Head of Operations you will have the opportunity to manage a team which believes great design and traditional techniques still matter. We value attention to detail, and we take genuine pride in our work and the people who contribute to our company.

Please apply with a CV and covering letter to FRANCISR@FRDLTD.CO.UK