We Are Hiring!

Job Title: Analogue Darkroom Manager
Location: SW Darkroom, London, UK
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

About Us:
SW Darkroom is a creative space for photographers of all levels, oCering a fully equipped analogue darkroom space in the heart of London. We support a community of photographers, providing a space where traditional analogue techniques can flourish alongside experimental and alternative processes. Whether it's film processing, scanning, black/white printing, colour printing or encouraging alternative processes - we are passionate about keeping the art of film photography alive.

Job Description:
We are seeking an experienced Analogue Darkroom Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of our darkroom facilities. This role will be pivotal in maintaining a creative and welcoming environment for both seasoned photographers and those new to analogue processes. You will be responsible for managing the darkroom's operations, providing technical assistance, and ensuring smooth running of the space.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the daily operations of the darkroom, ensuring the facility is well-maintained and fully stocked with necessary chemicals, paper, and equipment.
• Continually ensure all operation processes are consistent to meet the expectations of clients.
• Provide expert guidance and technical support to photographers and users of all experience levels.
• Manage and maintain the darkroom equipment (e.g., enlargers, processing tanks, drying cabinets, film processor, printers, etc.), ensuring that all are in excellent working condition, troubleshoot issues.
• Coordinate with Director for any equipment repairs or maintenance beyond your expertise.
• Handle the preparation, mixing, and safe disposal of photographic chemicals in accordance with health and safety regulations.
• Organise workshops, courses, and training sessions to engage the community and promote analogue photography techniques, coordinate workshop sessions with SWD technicians.
• Cleaning. The Manager will be responsible for keeping the Darkroom clean and orderly. It would be expected that the Manager would attend each week on a day the Darkroom is closed to thoroughly clean the space, probably Tuesday.
• Minor additional maintenance to space, touch up painting to walls, etc.
• Manage bookings and schedule the use of the darkroom to ensure fair and eCicient access for all users.
• Keep up-to-date records of inventory, ordering supplies as necessary, and monitoring expenses within budget.
• Coordinate accounting (invoices, expenses) with external accountant.
• Act as a point of contact for clients, provide exceptional service, answer inquiries.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, particularly in relation to chemical handling and safe working practices in the darkroom.
• Collaborate with marketing manager to promote the darkroom’s services, events, and membership schemes through social media and other marketing channels.
• Continuously seek ways to improve the darkroom experience and develop new oCerings that appeal to the growing photography community.
• Build and manage mail system for film processing/scanning.

Requirements:

• Proven experience working in an analogue darkroom, with a strong understanding of film photography, developing, scanning and darkroom printing techniques.• Expertise in handling darkroom equipment, chemicals, and film developing processes (B&W and colour).
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks, direct people, and ensure smooth operation of the facility.
• A passion for analogue photography and a desire to foster creativity within a community space.
• Excellent communication skills and a customer-focused attitude.
• Familiarity with health and safety protocols related to darkroom work, including chemical handling and waste disposal.

Would be great if you:

• Have experience grant writing
• Have experience teaching Photography workshops
• Have a degree in Photography (MFA)

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work in a creative, artistic environment with like-minded photography enthusiasts.
• Access to state-of-the-art darkroom facilities for your own photography practise.
• Opportunities for professional development and to lead workshops.
• Competitive salary.
• Flexible schedule. SW Darkroom is open Wednesday – Saturday, the successful candidate for this role will be expected to work 5 days per week, especially the days SW Darkroom is open. However, if staff is managed to cover the days open, it would not be expected for the manager to work every Saturday for example.

How to Apply:

Please send your CV and a cover letter explaining why you are the ideal candidate for this role to melissa@swdarkroom.com