***Only applications emailed to sales@cornerstone-north.org with a covering letter clearly stating the role you are applying for will be considered***
Position Title: Workshop Operative – Social Enterprise
Salary: £27,787.5
Hours:37.5 Location: Durham Reports to: Workshop Lead
Job Summary:
The Workshop Operative plays a key role within the social enterprise part of the charity, working hands-on in furniture manufacturing, facilitating training courses, supporting community events, and assisting with the collection and deliveries of furniture, donations, and materials. This role involves contributing to the operational success of the workshop, assisting with sales events, helping with maintenance tasks, and supporting the overall growth of the charity's activities. The position is dynamic, with the opportunity to engage in both practical and developmental aspects of the organisation.
Key Responsibilities:
Workshop Operations:
· Actively engage in manufacturing tasks to produce high-quality furniture, ensuring attention to detail and efficiency in the process.
· Maintain a safe and organised workshop environment by adhering to health and safety protocols, reporting potential hazards, and assisting in safety checks.
· Support the transportation of materials and furniture, including assisting with deliveries and collections in a timely manner.
· Contribute to the upkeep of the workshop and the main hub building, performing routine maintenance and reporting issues for repair.
· Complete maintenance tasks as required, ensuring that all necessary repairs and upkeep are handled promptly and efficiently.
Training and Community Engagement:
· Support individuals attending training programmes by offering guidance, assistance, and encouragement, fostering a positive learning environment.
· Step in and take the lead in facilitating training programmes or activities in the absence of the Workshop Lead, ensuring a smooth and continuous learning experience.
· Step in to liaise with schools, other charities, and organisations to coordinate and support educational collaboration and project delivery when the Workshop Lead is absent.
· Assist in the development and delivery of training initiatives that promote skill-building and personal growth for attendees.
· Step in as Assistant Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) when the Workshop Lead is absent, ensuring safeguarding protocols are followed.
Business Development and Support:
· Contribute ideas and participate in business development activities to increase income and enhance the sustainability of the workshop and its training programmes.
· Collaborate with team members to brainstorm and implement initiatives that support the growth of the social enterprise.
· Assist with planning and supporting sales events, ensuring the smooth operation of events, and contributing to fundraising efforts when needed.
· Work with and provide guidance to volunteers in the workshop, ensuring they have the support needed for effective participation.
Additional Duties:
· Assist with ad-hoc tasks across various areas of the charity, supporting colleagues in different departments and ensuring flexibility to address any emerging needs.
· Perform ad-hoc maintenance tasks within other areas of the charity, such as the housing service, ensuring that any required repairs or upkeep are completed.
· Perform other duties as required to support the ongoing operations and success of the charity’s social enterprise activities.
Qualifications and Requirements:
· Essential: Experience in woodworking, including the use of tools and machinery.
· Essential: Full, clean driving licence and access to a vehicle for transportation needs.
· Desirable: Experience in maintenance and/or training.
· Basic technical or vocational knowledge is beneficial but not mandatory.
· Practical experience in manufacturing, DIY, or carpentry is desirable.
· Commitment to safety standards and maintaining a safe working environment.
· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with colleagues and external partners.
· Creative thinking with a proactive approach to business development and problem-solving.
· Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers, and external partners.
Personal Attributes:
· Positive, solution-focused attitude.
· Flexibility and adaptability to work in a dynamic and changing environment.
· Willingness to contribute to the wider goals and values of the charity.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .