Assistant Production Manager

ABOUT SUBSTANCE

We are a collective of passionate explorers from 17 countries. We exercise the art of forgetting what we know and look to maps of the past, as we scavenge for vibrant stories about the people and cultures that our designs inhabit.

Our team of strategists, editors, graphic designers, architects, landscape designers, interior designers, product designers allow us to shape every single touch point.

Our designs are an opportunity to entertain a conversation with your guests, an invitation to interact and to contemplate, entertaining rituals and creating habits. It is an opportunity to tell your story and to tell a story that no else is telling.

Curious? Visit us at

JOB DESCRIPTION

Join our dynamic interior design studio in Hong Kong and become an integral part of our growing team. As our Production Manager, you will play a pivotal role in sourcing, producing, and documenting the furniture, fixtures, equipment (FF&E), finishes, and decor for our diverse range of design projects.

Working closely with our Operations and Creative Directors and our team of designers, you will ensure the seamless procurement and production of all project-related items for hospitality, F&B, residential and retail projects among others.

We're seeking a high-caliber individual who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. As a proven team player with the ability to work independently, you should have a deep appreciation for aesthetics and a passion for tackling the most challenging, rewarding design projects around the world.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Interior Design, Architecture, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or a related field.
• Minimum 5-6 years of relevant experience in production coordination, procurement, project coordination, or a similar role within the interior design, architecture, or procurement industry.
• Experience supporting production and procurement activities for interior design projects, preferably within the hospitality, F&B, retail, and/or residential sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple suppliers, vendors, purchase orders, deliveries, and project timelines under the guidance of a Production Manager or Project Lead.
• Previous experience working with furniture, fixtures, equipment, finishes, materials, or other interior-related products is preferred.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Proficient in using project management, procurement, and office productivity software.
• Able to read and interpret technical specifications, drawings, schedules, quotations, and design documents.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, furniture, fixtures, finishes, and relevant quality standards.
• Familiarity with supplier sourcing, quotation comparisons, logistics, shipping documentation, and delivery coordination.
• Basic understanding of international procurement and supply chain processes.
• Strong attention to detail when preparing purchase orders, cost comparisons, tracking reports, and production updates.

CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING

• Ability to identify potential production, procurement, quality, and delivery risks and **escalate** them appropriately.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, with the ability to compare costs, timelines, specifications, and supplier proposals.
• Able to support the resolution of supplier, vendor, manufacturing, and delivery issues in a timely and practical manner.
• Comfortable managing changing priorities and coordinating multiple tasks across different projects.
• Proactive, resourceful, and willing to take ownership of assigned responsibilities.

COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION

• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise professionally with designers, suppliers, manufacturers, consultants, clients, and internal teams.
• Proficient in written and verbal English.
• Cantonese and/or Mandarin would be an asset.
• Able to prepare clear project updates, procurement trackers, meeting notes, and follow-up communications.
• Experience coordinating with cross-functional teams and supporting project meetings.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive and professional relationships with suppliers and vendors.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Willingness to travel internationally to visit suppliers, manufacturers, and project sites as required.
• Interest in interior design, materials, furniture, and craftsmanship, with a good eye for quality and aesthetics.
• Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Reliable, detail-oriented, and capable of meeting deadlines.
• Willingness to learn and develop expertise in production, procurement, logistics, and project delivery.
• Able to work independently on assigned tasks while collaborating closely with the Production Manager and wider project team.

Candidates with more working experience may be considered as a Production Manager.