Careers at Pottery West

 
 

Pottery West is a ceramics studio based near Penistone, South Yorkshire, established in 2015. We specialise in making thrown functional tableware for a variety of clients as well as for our own online shop.

Studio Assistant / Production Potter

Pottery West – Catherine & Matt West

Bullhouse Mill, Millhouse Green (near Penistone), S36 9NN

Pottery West is the ceramics studio of Catherine and Matt West. We design and produce hand-thrown tableware. We are based at Bullhouse Mill near Penistone, a rural location at the edge of the Pennines.

We are seeking a skilled and committed Studio Assistant / Production Potter to join our small team. This is a hands-on role within a focused production environment, suited to someone who takes pride in repetition, precision and craftsmanship.

The Role

You will work primarily on the production of hand-thrown tableware, supporting all aspects of studio practice. This is a physical and practical role within a working ceramics studio, requiring consistency, concentration and care. As we work in a specific way, we will provide training upon all tasks

Key Responsibilities

  • Throwing to specification (weight, form and finish)

  • Trimming and finishing work to a high standard

  • General clay preparation, including pug milling

  • Glazing and glaze preparation

  • Loading and unloading electric kilns

  • Kiln and equipment maintenance

  • Quality control across production

  • Cleaning and maintaining an organised studio environment

  • Packaging and processing online and wholesale orders

  • Assisting with order management

  • Representing Pottery West at craft fairs and trade events when required

Essential Skills & Experience

  • Confident and consistent thrower, able to work to specification

  • Experience working in a professional or production studio environment

  • Strong attention to detail and quality control

  • Ability to maintain focus during repetition throwing

  • Organised and self-motivated, able to manage your time effectively

  • Able to work flexibly as an integral member of Pottery West, bringing lots of positive energy to your work. 

  • Open to feedback and able to follow precise instruction

  • Physically able to carry out all necessary tasks (i.e. lifting 12kg bags of clay, 25kg bags of glaze materials, and working on your feet as well as sitting/standing at a potters wheel throughout the day).

  • Right to work in the UK (we are unable to sponsor visas)

  • UK driving licence or reliable means of transport (for travel to the workshop which is in a rural location).

Desirable

  • Degree in ceramics or related discipline

  • Experience with electric kiln firing

  • Experience in glazing and glaze mixing

  • Experience managing online or wholesale orders

We would consider strong final-year ceramics students with relevant production experience.

Hours & Salary

  • Part-time (3 days per week)

  • Standard working day: 09:00–17:30 (7.5 hours with 1 hour break)

  • Starting annual salary: £26,000 - £28,000 depending on experience (for 3 days per week this would be £15,600 - £16,800 as pro rata)

  • Pension scheme included

  • Holiday entitlement in line with UK statutory requirements


There is scope for the successful candidate to rent studio space for their own practice under a separate agreement.


While most of our work is fired in electric kilns, there may be opportunities to assist with alternative firings (e.g. gas or wood) where applicable.


Please note: we have a studio dog, and children are occasionally present in the workshop.


Pottery West is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

To Apply

Please email Catherine and Matt West at info@potterywest.co.uk with:

• A CV

• A covering letter outlining your interest in the role

• A digital portfolio (PDF or link) showing relevant throwing work

Deadline for applications: June 5th

Longlisted candidates will be invited to a preliminary video call interview.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and a paid trial session in the weeks following.


If you have any questions about the role, please get in touch — we’d be very happy to hear from you.