Technical & Production Lead

ABOUT ATHEM

ATHEM is a creative production company specialising in large-scale brand experiences and installations in the physical environment.

From spectacular building façades and immersive retail environments to pop-ups, window displays and creative construction site coverings, we bring ambitious creative concepts to life through technical expertise, craftsmanship and innovative production solutions.

Part of The Independents, an international group of leading creative agencies, ATHEM works with some of the world’s most prestigious brands across luxury, fashion, beauty and lifestyle.

Following the opening of our London office in 2026, we are now building a strong local team to support our growing portfolio of projects across the UK.

We are looking for an experienced Technical & Production Lead to take ownership of the technical development and execution of our UK projects, while helping us build our local production capabilities.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who combines strong technical expertise with a hands-on, entrepreneurial mindset and an ambition to play a key role in the growth of a business.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Working closely with our UK Project Manager, who oversees project coordination, budgets and client relationships, as well as HQ’s creative and graphic production teams based in Paris, you will take ownership of technical design, production development and execution of UK projects.

You will be expected to develop buildable solutions, produce detailed technical drawings and specifications, challenge manufacturing approaches and ensure the highest standards of execution.

You will work across a diverse range of projects, including:

• Temporary architectural and façade installations

• Retail environments, pop-ups and showrooms

• Bespoke installations and event scenography

• Window displays and visual merchandising

• Creative construction site coverings, including hoardings and scaffold wraps

• Large-scale brand activations and special projects

Beyond project delivery, this is an entrepreneurial opportunity to help build ATHEM UK’s technical and production function from the ground up. You will have the autonomy to introduce new approaches, build local supplier relationships and shape how we work, with the opportunity to grow into a broader leadership role as the business develops.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Technical design & development

• Translate creative concepts into technically feasible, buildable and cost-effective solutions

• Conduct site surveys, identifying technical, structural, access and regulatory constraints.

• Independently produce detailed execution drawings, construction details, and technical specifications for manufacturers and contractors.

• Define materials, construction methods and fixing systems, ensuring compliance with relevant UK regulations and safety requirements.

2. Production & installation

• Develop production strategies and support the UK Project Manager with cost estimates, supplier selection, negotiations and value engineering.

• Work closely with manufacturers and workshops throughout fabrication, overseeing technical development, prototyping and quality control.

• Supervise the technical execution of on-site installations and dismantling operations, ensuring safety and quality standards.

• Anticipate and resolve technical issues throughout fabrication and on-site execution.

3. Develop ATHEM UK’s technical & production capabilities

• Establish technical standards, tools and processes to strengthen our UK production capabilities and improve efficiency, quality and responsiveness.

• Develop a reliable network of UK manufacturers, fabricators, installers and specialist contractors.

• Bring fresh ideas and innovative approaches to production, actively identifying opportunities to improve how we work.

• Contribute to the wider UK business strategy, with the opportunity to take on increasing responsibilities and help build a dedicated technical and production team as the business grows.

4. Innovation & Sustainability

• Explore new materials, technologies and manufacturing techniques to expand our creative and technical capabilities.

• Champion more sustainable production approaches, including responsible material selection, local sourcing, reuse and waste reduction.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for a highly skilled, hands-on technical professional who combines strong design and fabrication expertise with a practical, solutions-driven mindset.

You have a strong understanding of how things are made, a sharp eye for costs and quality, and the confidence to take ownership of technical challenges, from detailed design through to on-site execution.

Above all, you are proactive, resourceful and excited by the opportunity to help build a new technical function, shape its ways of working and grow into a broader leadership role as the business develops.

Essential experience & skills

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in technical design and production, ideally within temporary architecture, experiential environments, exhibitions or retail installations

• Proven ability to independently develop buildable solutions and produce detailed 2D/3D execution drawings, technical specifications and fabrication-ready documentation, with advanced proficiency in AutoCAD, Rhino or equivalent CAD software

• Strong knowledge of materials, construction methods and manufacturing processes, with hands-on experience working with fabricators, contractors and specialist suppliers.

• Good understanding of UK construction regulations, health & safety requirements and the technical constraints of temporary installations

• Solid commercial awareness, with experience in production estimating, supplier negotiations and value engineering on complex projects,

• Experience conducting site surveys, overseeing fabrication and supervising on-site installations.

• An entrepreneurial, proactive and solutions-driven mindset, with strong organisational and communication skills and the confidence to take ownership in a fast-paced environment

• Professional fluency in English is required.

Nice to Have

• Established network of UK-based manufacturers, fabricators and specialist suppliers

• Experience delivering projects for luxury, fashion or premium retail brands.

• Experience working on heritage or listed buildings, particularly in central London

• Familiarity with planning permissions, advertising consent and other regulatory requirements for temporary external installations (especially Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea)

• French language skills

WHAT WE OFFER

• Contract: Permanent, full-time position.

• Location: London, with offices in Farringdon.

• Hybrid working: 1–2 days working from home per week, subject to project requirements.

• Salary: around £50,000 per annum, depending on experience and profile.

• Annual leave: 25 days, plus UK bank holidays, plus time off in lieu policy

• Equipment: company MacBook and mobile phone

• Relevant technical and safety training, including IPAF certification, will be supported by ATHEM.

• Start date: As soon as possible.

Additional Information

• Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

• The role requires regular in-person site surveys, supplier meetings and workshop visits. Flexibility to work occasional evenings, nights and weekends is essential, as installations and dismantling operations frequently take place outside standard working hours.

• A dedicated onboarding and training programme will be provided in London and in Paris, working alongside our HQ technical, production and operations teams to gain an in-depth understanding of ATHEM’s expertise, processes and ways of working.
  

If you are interested, please apply and send your CV and portfolio