Description
At theprintspace, we’re not just the world leaders in fine art and photographic printing — we’re rewriting the rules of art commerce. For nearly two decades, we’ve helped define the gold standard in print and presentation for world-leading artists, galleries, and institutions, combining obsessive craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.
We’re now looking for an exceptional Finishing Department Manager to lead the operations of our London finishing studio — someone who brings precision, authority, calm leadership, and craft pride in equal measure.
Why this role is unique
Based in our state-of-the-art Shoreditch studio (the beating heart of London’s creative community), this role sits at the intersection of museum-grade finishing, workflow excellence, and hands-on leadership.
You will:
- Lead the team responsible for framing, mounting, and high-end finishing, producing work that meets gallery and museum presentation standards
- Own the finishing department’s performance — from quality control and workflow efficiency to delivery timelines and cost awareness
- Help shape how theprintspace shows up in the world by ensuring every finished piece reflects our reputation for precision, excellence, and consistency
This is a high-impact, high-responsibility role. You are the ultimate custodian of finishing quality — the person who ensures every artwork leaves our studio looking flawless, intentional, and world-class.
What you'll do
Finishing Operations Leadership
- Lead and coordinate our Framing & Mounting teams to hit production goals with consistency and pride
- Plan workloads, manage SLAs, and keep production moving efficiently — even in peak periods
- Oversee the integration of CNC cutting alongside traditional finishing methods
- Maintain quality control throughout production to ensure every piece meets theprintspace standard
- Monitor stock, materials, and equipment maintenance to minimise downtime, waste, and risk
- Run regular team briefings and ensure strong collaboration across departments
- Manage freelancers and flexible schedules when demand increases
- Maintain a clean, organised, and safe workspace where craftsmanship can thrive
Quality & Technical Oversight
- Uphold museum-grade standards across framing, mounting, and advanced finishing (Diasec, acrylic, aluminium, CNC-routed substrates)
- Supervise precision cutting and finishing processes to ensure defect-free results
- Introduce and refine best practices that improve both efficiency and craftsmanship
- Oversee maintenance schedules for CNC and mounting equipment to keep output stable and dependable
Framing & Hands-On Finishing (Player–Manager Role)
- Produce bespoke and ready-made frames to exact specifications, consistently meeting gallery and client standards
- Cut and prepare mouldings, mountboard, glass, and backing materials with speed, accuracy, and care
- Use a CNC cutter to prepare and finish framing components and materials where required
- Assemble frames with clean joins, accurate alignment, and a flawless finish — no compromises
- Install fixings, hanging systems, and fittings suitable for gallery display and client presentation
- Inspect finished framed works for presentation, cleanliness, and alignment prior to QC sign-off
- Work confidently with production and workflow software to track jobs, deadlines, SLAs, and department priorities
- Collaborate closely with mounting, printing, and dispatch teams to keep workflow smooth, fast, and organised
Team Development & Culture
- Coach and train staff in advanced finishing and CNC workflows
- Balance scheduling, performance, and flexibility while protecting team wellbeing
- Foster a culture built on precision, pride, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Ensure full compliance with health and safety standards — no shortcuts, ever
Who you are
You are:
- A calm, capable leader — hands-on when needed, structured when it matters
- Obsessive about quality (in the best way), with a strong eye for detail and finishing standards
- A natural organiser who creates clarity, rhythm, and momentum in busy production environments
- Someone who earns trust through consistency, competence, and how you show up day to day
- Solutions-focused — you don’t just spot issues, you fix them
You love:
- High craft standards and the satisfaction of flawless output
- Mentoring a team and helping people get better at what they do
- Making studios run smoother, faster, and smarter without sacrificing quality
- Working in environments where reputation is built on precision
What we're looking for
- Proven experience leading a framing, mounting, or fine art finishing team
- Strong technical knowledge of fine art presentation and CNC-driven workflows
- Confidence in production planning, team leadership, and quality management
- Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills
- A hands-on, proactive leader who thrives in a creative, fast-paced studio environment
Why join us
- Lead a talented team producing artworks for world-renowned artists and galleries
- Be part of a creative, supportive culture where quality and innovation come first
- Work with world-class tools and materials that blend craftsmanship and technology
- Play a key role in protecting and elevating theprintspace’s reputation for fine art excellence
At theprintspace, we believe in the meritocracy of ideas and the strength of diverse voices. If you’re passionate about craft, precision, leadership, and helping deliver museum-grade work at scale — we’d love to hear from you.
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