Current Vacancies

Current vacancies

  • Glass Blower ‘Experiences’ & Production Assistant
  • Glass Cutter (full time)
  • Production Glass Blower (full time)
  • Administrator and customer liaison (maternity cover)
  • Retail assistant x 2 (via the Kickstart scheme)
  • Crystal Process Operative (full time)

Scroll for further details of each role

Glass Blower ‘Experiences’ & Production Assistant

Short-term contract until December 2021. However, it is possible the contract may become permanent
in 2022. Assistance towards finding suitable short-term accommodation is available.


The company is seeking to appoint a glassblower to deliver hands-on glassblowing ‘Experiences’ to the
public. Experiences mainly consist of one-on-one bauble and paperweight workshops, with occasional longer
workshops. The programme was shelved during the pandemic but with UK tourism projected to bounce back
this year we wish to resume it in June/July. In 2020 the Glassblowing Experiences programme was placed as
one of the top three, ‘Best Experiences of the Year’ by Cumbria Tourism Awards.
Depending on experience, and demand for bookings, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to
assist our full-time production blowers.
This post is ideal for a glass-blower, or recent graduate, with sound glassmaking ability and confidence to
deliver experiences who wishes to refine their skills. Cumbria Crystal is the only ‘luxury’ lead crystal
manufacturer in the UK and as such offers the opportunity to really experience the processes & techniques
used in a true production environment.


Primary Responsibilities:
• To deliver income generating glass-blowing experiences to the public.
• To assist the production blowing team when workshops are not running.
• Responsibility for the safe delivery & smooth running of the day-to-day activities.
• 5/7 working week may be required.
• Production of small stock items for sale in the Factory Shop (dependant on experience).
• To maintain the highest standards of customer experience & service.
• Work closely with key staff to ensure products are prepared & marked for collection &/or dispatch.
• Charging the furnace; lighting glory holes; ensure materials and safety equipment are available and
used appropriately.
• Occasional work with the dispatch staff & to assist with other reasonable duties as requested by the
Operations Manager.

Person Specification:
Bachelor’s Degree in Glass, or equivalent glassblowing experience.
Coldworking experience.
Experience & confidence to deliver hands-on, One-on-One, glassblowing experiences.
Fluent English speaking.
Strong time-management and organisational skills and an ability to work calmly under pressure.
Ability to communicate clearly, openly, enthusiastically and effectively with the public.
Understanding of the Health & Safety issues relating to glass making.
A positive attitude and strong work ethic.
Computer and social media skills.
Demonstrates respect and consideration towards colleagues.
Ability to work independently on your own initiative and within a team.
Reliable trustworthy and a good time-keeper.
Demonstrate good attention to detail.
A willingness to learn and take instruction.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• Glassblowing Experiences: Short Video
• Tripadvisor: Feedback about Cumbria Crystal Experiences
• Cumbria Crystal: General video about the company
• 2019 Experiences Programme


APPLICATIONS to chris.blade@cumbriacrystal.com

Please include your CV, images of your work and a brief statement outlining your experiences and suitability for the role. E-mail if you would like to arrange an informal chat prior to applying.


START DATE: End of July, but could be earlier

Glass Cutter (full time)

Job Description:

As the company’s Glass Cutter you are responsible for the specialist cutting of crystal using a variety of techniques and tools to produce the highest quality products.

Responsibilities:

  • To manage and operate various diamond and stone wheels to cut the designs.
  • Implement various cutting styles in order to create our products.
  • Operate and run various machinery and tools to aid the glass cutting process.
  • Work with precision, speed and an awareness of best Health & Safety practices.
  • Work alongside designers and assist with development, of new designs and techniques.
  • Working efficiently and effectively within the production team.
  • Maintain the cleanliness of the Cutting shops through regular cleaning.
  • if necessary assist with process operations including; crack off, grinding, beveling, linishing, edge melting, repairs, hand polishing and drilling.
  • Set up lehrs at the beginning of the day for the Glass House if necessary.
  • Awareness of quality, workmanship and maintenance issues that affect the production and the procedures involved & reporting production issues to the Operations Manager.
  •  Continuously work and strive towards maintaining and developing your skills as a Glass Cutter and undertake any training necessary in order for you to fulfil your current role and develop your skills for future progression within the Company.
  • As a named key holder you may be required to oversee the security of the factory assuring the building is securely locked.

Person Specification:

  • Through knowledge of cutting styles using diamond lathes, machinery and tools is essential.
  • Reliable trustworthy and a good time keeper.
  • Attention to detail, care, patience, and respect for the craftsmanship and time involved in making our products.
  • Demonstrate excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize busy work loads.
  • Communicate clearly, openly and effectively with customers and colleagues.
  • Ability to work independently using your own initiative and within a team.
  • Ability to interpret and follow instructions effectively.
  • Respect and consideration towards all your colleagues.

To apply or for more information send an email at chris.blade@cumbriacrystal.com

Production Glass Blower (full time)

Job Description:

As a Senior Glassblower you will support the Master Glass Blower to effectively manage the glassblowing teams to ensure the efficient production of high quality hand-blown crystal.

Responsibilities:

  • Work effectively with the glasshouse team, with a proactive approach to ensuring high standards of quality and workmanship.
  • Co-ordinate and produce products using all available techniques including mould blowing and hand glass making.
  • Assist Furnace build, filling, maintenance and repairs as necessary.
  • Assist with other repairs and maintenance in the glasshouse facility if necessary.
  • Assist our designers with the development of new collections, products and techniques. Work effectively and pro-actively with technical consultants and management.
  • Provide glass blowing demonstrations to the general public.
  • Deliver glassblowing workshops and experiences as required.
  • Work with clients, the environment agency and other official bodies, suppliers and customers as required.
  • Pro-active approach to Health and Safety, procedures and safe operation of machinery, tools, hot glass and raw materials in the glasshouse & ensure they are followed at all times.
  • To maintain an overview of the quality of production across the glasshouse team and liaise with the Master Glass Maker to ensure quality & efficient production accordingly.
  • Assist with maintenance of glass-house facilities as required.
  • Pro-active approach to minimising energy consumption and reducing waste.
  • Assist with producing/maintaining up to date Risk Assessments.
  • When more senior members of the team are absent you will be required to undertake a team leadership role.
  • Option to join the furnace alarm call-out team.
  • Continuously strive towards maintaining and developing your skills as a Glass Maker and undertake any necessary training in order for you to fulfill your role.
  • Develop, teach and mentor junior members of the glass making team as required.
  • As a named key holder you may be required to oversee the security of the factory.
  • Assist with commissioning and decommissioning of furnaces.
  • Program controllers for melting cycles, arching of pots and daily temperature settings as required.
  • Lehr programming, production & reannealing as required.


Person Specification:

  • Pro-active approach to all roles and responsibilities.
  • Ability to supervise and delegate within a team.
  • Demonstrate excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize busy work loads.
  • Communicate clearly, openly and effectively with customers, suppliers and colleagues.
  • Ability to work independently using your own initiative and within a team.
  • Reliable trustworthy and a good time keeper.
  • Attention to detail, care, patience and respect for the craftsmanship and time involved in making our products.
  • Ability to interpret and follow instructions effectively.
  • Respect and consideration towards all your colleagues.
  • Accurate record keeping.

To apply or for more information send an email at chris.blade@cumbriacrystal.com

Administrator and customer liaison

6 MONTHS MATERNITY COVER | 30 hours per week over 5 days | £ 17,960 pro-rata

Responsibilities

Manage general enquiries via phone & e-mail.

Use company CRM systems to update customer data, enquiries.

Provide the MD, Operations Manager, Finance Manager & Retail Manager with administrative support.

Manage diaries & appointments.

Maintain effective filing systems.

Ensure effective communication across the company.

Manage & maintain product information, price lists & trade catalogues.

Maintain paper & electronic records of holidays; training; near misses

Customer liaison for trade & bespoke enquiries.

Manage & maintain all office/s facilities.

Dealing with post.

Ensure company-wide documentation is accurately stored & maintained electronically.

Oversee all administrative operations to ensure the smooth running of the company.

Minute taking.

Booking accommodation and making travel arrangements.

Preparing and distributing papers and documents for meetings.

Draft letters and other documents.

Photocopying and printing.

Using various computer packages – Office 365; Word; Excel; PowerPoint, Xero (desirable)

Data protection – GDPR. Update customer databases.

Experience updating websites (desirable)

Person specification

Min NVQ L3, or equivalent in Business & Administration.

Confidence with Office 365 & database systems.

Excellent attention to detail.

Ability to pro-actively initiate sales enquiries.

Ability to stay calm under pressure.

Methodical and thorough approach to work.

Demonstrates organisation and initiative.

A great team player.

To apply or for more information send an email at sarah.goddard@turnstonehr.com

Retail Assistant x 2

Kickstart scheme. Apply via your Work Coach at the job centre.

Full time hours over 5 days.

The Retail Assistant is responsible for:

As the Factory Outlet shop Retail Assistant you will assist with the efficient running of the factory shop. The shop is situated in a busy glass-blowing factory and sells hand-blown crystal made on the premises. This role is ideally suited to a dynamic and enthusiastic individual, with excellent communication and organizational skills. It is never dull, as being part of a small, close knit team there is always something to do. assisting with the development and implementation of promotional events for the shop; processing of website sales information; handling & responding to enquiries; direct sales to customers in the shop & via the phone; handling bespoke & engraving enquiries; maintaining accurate stock records & delivering high standards of customer care; accurate record keeping; development and implementation of initiatives to build customer loyalty.

You will also organize, collate, check and prepare orders for collection &/or dispatch from the shop or via couriers. This may involve careful packing of goods to minimize breakages, preparation of all documentation and arranging dispatch via courier.

Primary responsibilities:

· Work with the Operations Supervisor, Operations Manager & Retail Manager to ensure orders are packed, labelled & dispatched in an efficient and timely manner.

· Make sales & take customer payments + cashing-up at the end of the day.

· Liaise between customers and manufacturing staff to ensure orders are processed efficiently.

· Ensure Factory Shop, internet sales, public workshop goods & orders are accurately checked prior to collection or dispatch.

· Adjust prices in store & on the till.

· Clean the shop & ensure products are well presented.

· Answer telephone calls & respond to e-mails.

· Manage wedding lists.

· Monitor product standards & feed-back and concerns to the Operations Supervisor.

· Occasional assistance with preparation & cleaning of products in the glass processing area during busy periods.

· Assist with product stock take.

· Update stock & customer records on the company IT system.

· Monitor goods going into & coming out of stock.

· Keep the stock areas clean and organised.

· Ensure the Factory Shop is clean and tidy.

· Demonstrate exceptional customer service when dealing with Factory Shop, internet & glass blowing experiences’ customers.

· Communicate effectively & politely with managers, employees & customers.

· Pro-actively work with staff to implement company policies and procedures.

· Continuously work and strive towards maintaining and developing your skills. · Undertake any necessary training in-order to fulfill your role.

· Maintain accurate records as required by your role.

· Awareness of, and adherence to, Health and Safety procedures in the factory environment and the shop.

· Opening and closing the factory shop.

· Work effectively and efficiently to meet and exceed targets.

Person Specification

· Ability to work on your own initiative and follow instruction.

· Demonstrate the ability to prioritise when dealing with busy work loads.

· Reliable trustworthy and an excellent time-keeper.

· This is a front facing role so personal presentation, appropriate to a luxury brand is important.

· Excellent attention to detail.

· Demonstrate care and respect for the craftsmanship and time involved in making the products.

· Demonstrate respect and consideration towards your colleagues and customers.

· Demonstrate ability to prioritize, interpret & follow instructions accurately.

· Demonstrate ability to work independently using your own initiative and within a team.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Demonstrate a pro-active approach to work and problem solving.

· Excellent Customer Service and telephone skills.

· Enthusiastic.

· Strong IT skills.

Please note that this is part of the Kickstart scheme. You cannot apply direct. Apply via your Work Coach at the job centre.

Crystal Process Operative

Cumbria Crystal is the last remaining UK manufacturer of luxury hand-blown and hand-cut lead crystal & one of the leading crystal manufacturers in the world. All crystal is hand-made at the Ulverston factory site.

The successful candidate must have an aptitude for practical work and possess excellent hand-eye co-ordination, dexterity and attention to detail. S/he will possess the patience and concentration required to carry out artisan work to consistently high standards.

The role involves the processing of crystal after it has been blown by the glass-blowing teams using ‘cold-working’ processes. These are specialist cutting, grinding and finishing processes specific to the glass industry which include: cracking off; grinding & bevelling; linishing; edge melting; polishing and repairing damaged crystal and also drilling/reamering decanters and stoppers.

Assistance with the organizing, collating, checking and preparation of orders for collection &/or dispatch from the shop or via couriers is key.

Other duties include assisting with essential maintenance using a variety of machines and cleaning work areas, machinery & emptying bins at the end of the day. The post-holder will be required to clean and maintain the glass furnace filter system.

From time to time there may be the occasional requirement to assist in the Glasshouse (where the glass blowing happens) and to take on other duties, when required, to meet the needs of the business.

Full training in all aspects of the role will be provided.

Primary responsibilities:

· Work with the Operations Supervisor, Operations Manager & Retail Manager

to ensure orders are completed in an efficient and timely manner.

· Undertake all production processes (cracking-off, edge-melting, grinding, drilling,

polishing & repairs) with care and attention, as outlined above.

· Assist other manufacturing staff when necessary.

· Awareness of, and adherence to, Health and Safety procedures.

· Ensure orders are accurately checked prior to dispatch.

· Monitor quality standards & feed-back concerns to the Operations Supervisor /Manager.

· Washing & cleaning of crystal during the production process.

· Assist with putting goods into stock & taking goods out.

· Update stock records accurately on the company IT system.

· Keep the stock areas clean and organised.

· Assist with stock takes.

· Ensure the walkways, process, repair and cutting areas are kept clean and tidy.

· Communicate effectively & politely with managers & employees.

· Pro-actively work with staff to implement company policies and procedures.

· Continuously work and strive towards maintaining and developing your skills.

· Undertake any necessary training in-order to fulfill your role.

· Maintain accurate records as required by your role.

· Work effectively and efficiently to meet and exceed targets.

Person Specification:

· Ability to work on your own initiative and follow instruction.

· Demonstrate the ability to prioritise goals when dealing with busy work loads.

· Reliable, trustworthy and an excellent time-keeper.

· Excellent attention to detail.

· Demonstrate care and respect for the craftsmanship and time involved in making the products.

· Demonstrate respect and consideration towards your colleagues and customers.

· Demonstrate the ability to prioritize, interpret & follow instructions accurately.

· Demonstrate the ability to work independently using your own initiative and within a team.

· Demonstrate a pro-active approach to work and problem solving.

· Enthusiastic & hard working.

To apply or for more information send an email at sarah.goddard@turnstonehr.com