Jan Hendzel Studio is seeking a senior furniture maker to join its team in London.

South East London, full-time, freelance with potential to become permanent.

Join our workshop

Jan Hendzel Studio is looking for an experienced furniture maker to join our award winning team. We create expressive furniture, sculptural objects and bespoke interiors that combine impeccable design, craft and precision.

Working primarily with British-grown timbers, we push the boundaries of what can be achieved with wood while maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality, longevity and responsible production. Our projects range from one-off bespoke commissions and commercial joinery to public-facing sculptures, artist collaborations and our own furniture collections exhibited internationally.

As our business continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced senior furniture maker to join our workshop team. This role offers the opportunity to work on ambitious and technically demanding projects, with the potential to develop into a permanent position and, for the right candidate, progress into a workshop manager role as the business grows. However, this is not a requirement, and we are equally interested in hearing from exceptional makers who wish to remain focused on workmanship and production.

This is an in-person role based in our South East London workshop, ideally five days per week, with an immediate start preferred.

The role

We are looking for a highly skilled and proactive furniture maker with substantial experience in solid timber furniture production. Our work is often technically challenging and sculptural in nature, requiring a strong understanding of joinery, material behaviour and production processes.

You will play a key role in bringing projects from concept to completion, contributing practical solutions to design challenges while helping maintain high standards of quality, efficiency and workshop organisation.

Due to the bespoke and project-led nature of our work, some flexibility around working hours and occasional additional time may be required to help meet project deadlines.

Key responsibilities:

manufacture high-end bespoke furniture and joinery to an exceptional standard
interpret technical drawings and specifications accurately
lead projects through all stages of production, from material preparation to final assembly
develop practical solutions to complex joinery and production challenges
work closely with designers, suppliers and external collaborators
mentor and support junior furniture makers and apprentices
maintain workshop systems, organisation and quality control standards
keep accurate records of project and production time
ensure machinery, hand tools and workshop equipment are maintained to a high standard
contribute positively to a collaborative and ambitious workshop culture

Skills and experience

Essential:

minimum five years’ professional experience in bespoke furniture making or fine joinery
extensive experience working with solid timber and hardwood furniture construction
excellent understanding of traditional and contemporary joinery techniques
strong woodworking machine and bench joinery experience
ability to read and work confidently from technical drawings
excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
understanding of timber grain, movement and material selection
strong organisational skills and ability to work efficiently under deadlines
positive, proactive and collaborative attitude
passion for craftsmanship and continuous professional development

Highly desirable:

eight to ten plus years’ of professional furniture-making experience
CNC programming and operation experience (three-axis CNC)
experience producing one-off bespoke pieces as well as batch production work
lathe experience and confidence with complex timber turning
ability to design and manufacture custom jigs and workshop solutions
experience managing projects and coordinating workshop workflows
furniture installation and site-fitting experience

Of interest:

experience working with reclaimed and sustainable timbers
understanding of green timber applications
design training or design-led project experience
interest in material innovation and timber culture

About you

You are an experienced furniture maker who takes pride in producing exceptional work. You combine technical skill with curiosity, initiative and a genuine passion for design and craft.

You enjoy solving problems, collaborating with others and contributing to a workshop environment where quality, creativity and continuous improvement are valued. You are comfortable taking ownership of projects and helping less experienced makers develop their skills.

A comprehensive set of personal hand tools would be necessary.

What we offer

opportunity to work on unique and ambitious design-led projects
day rate based on your experience, with a structured review and increase at three months
clear potential for long-term progression as the studio grows
professional development and specialist training opportunities
a supportive, creative and collaborative workshop environment
the chance to help shape the culture and future direction of a growing business
team lunches prepared on a rotating basis
summer and Christmas social events, plus occasional team activities

How to apply

Please submit the following via the apply for job button below:

CV
portfolio
phone number
current availability and notice period
a brief introduction outlining why you would like to work with us and what you would bring to the role

Please use “senior furniture maker” as the subject line.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and interviews will follow.

Due to the anticipated volume of applications, we may not be able to respond to every applicant. We thank you in advance for your interest in joining Jan Hendzel Studio.

Jan Hendzel studio

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Senior furniture maker