The posting
Job description
BIG’s Copenhagen office is looking for a skilled and motivated Workshop Manager with experience in architectural modelmaking, craftsmanship and fabrication to lead our workshop at our headquarters in Nordhavn. Our workshop turns design ideas into study models, presentation models, material samples and full-scale mock-ups. You will combine hands-on fabrication with responsibility for priorities, capacity, budgets and team development, working closely with architectural teams from early concept to final presentation.
You will lead an experienced modelmaking team, building on the makers’ shared operational responsibilities and specialist expertise. You will establish realistic delivery commitments, resolve competing demands and turn improvement ideas into practical results. Day-to-day coordination and technical initiative remain collaborative, with clear management support and decisions.
Key responsibilities
- Lead and develop the team through clear expectations, regular feedback, defining development goals and manage performance
- Oversee shared production planning, agree priorities and capacity with the team, and resolve competing requests with project managers and Partners. Address delivery risks early and agree changes to commitments when urgent work is added.
- Delegate effectively, agree delivery ownership for each model and support the makers’ technical judgement. Remain actively involved in fabrication, prototyping and problem-solving alongside the team.
- Advise architectural teams on model strategy, materials and fabrication methods; ensure models meet agreed briefs, quality standards, deadlines and budgets.
- Oversee workshop and project budgets, purchasing controls and cost reporting with the team and Finance. Prepare investment proposals and operate within agreed spending and staffing authority.
- Ensure equipment reliability through planned maintenance, appropriate routine servicing and qualified external repair support for fabrication machinery, printers and extraction systems.
- Ensure safe and organised workshop operations with the team and BIG’s safety organisation, including risk assessments, safety data, inductions and training records in line with applicable requirements.
- Develop and implement a prioritised workshop improvement plan with the makers, combining traditional craft and digital fabrication. Assess new tools and methods and advance sustainable material use, reuse, recycling and waste reduction.
- Assess outsourcing and additional capacity needs, coordinate approved external fabrication and check supplier deliverables. Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and specialist workshops.
- Ensure the team maintains the material library, model archive and workshop records. Coordinate occasional workshop-related office support with Office Operations, subject to production capacity.
Your experience and approach
- A relevant education in architecture, modelmaking, carpentry, product design or a related discipline.
- At least five years of relevant modelmaking or fabrication experience, including demonstrated team leadership and successful delivery of architectural models.
- Strong hands-on modelmaking skills, including woodworking, assembly and finishing, supported by sound judgement about materials, fabrication methods and visual quality.
- Confidence operating relevant workshop machinery and digital fabrication equipment safely, with an understanding of routine maintenance and when specialist support is required.
- Proficiency in Rhino and preparation of files for digital fabrication, including experience with 3D printing and laser cutting.
- Solid knowledge of workshop safety and the safe handling of machinery, materials and chemicals.
- The ability to delegate, develop colleagues, respect specialist expertise and communicate expectations clearly. You can resolve conflicting demands constructively.
- Experience planning workloads and managing budgets and administration while maintaining delivery quality.
- Evidence of initiative: you have identified improvements, followed them through and achieved practical results in a workshop or production environment.
- Excellent spoken and written English.
Additional experience Experience with CNC machining, metalwork, plastics, composites, resin or full-scale mock-ups is an advantage. Knowledge of Grasshopper and Revit, sustainable production methods and external fabrication networks is also welcome.
How to apply Please submit your CV and a portfolio showing relevant modelmaking or fabrication work, identifying your contribution and any team leadership responsibilities. Include a brief example of a workshop or production improvement you have implemented.
We are looking to fill this position as soon as possible, so please don’t delay your application. Interviews are conducted on an ongoing basis, and the job advert will be taken down when the right candidate has been found.
Diversity has been part of our DNA since BIG's foundation. A multitude of cultures and backgrounds creates a new point of reference which leads to amazing insights. At BIG, we value, celebrate and support diversity because it makes our team, work and the built environment better. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and take affirmative action to employ equally regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or gender.
