Departments
The Elf Assembly is organised into five specialist departments, each responsible for a distinct part of the making process, but none working in isolation. Collaboration is built in, not bolted on.
Behind every finished toy is a shared effort.
Behind every finished toy is a shared effort. The Elf Assembly is organised into specialist departments, grouped by function rather than rank. Each plays a distinct role in the life of a toy, from first sketch to final delivery, with collaboration built into the structure itself.
Departments are designed to support craft, learning, and collective responsibility, not hierarchy. Elves often work across teams as skills develop and projects demand.
Creative
Where ideas are imagined, tested, and refined
The Creative group is responsible for shaping new toys before they reach the workshop floor. This is where imagination meets planning, testing, and technical problem-solving.
Design Division
- Concept sketches
- Toy design standards
- Colour studies
- Seasonal updates to the internal toy catalogue
- UX of instructions (diagram style)
Prototyping Division
- 3D models
- Material tests
- Mechanism trials
- Safety and durability testing
- Proof-of-concept builds
Engineering Division
- Toy Engineering Unit
- Sleigh Maintenance Unit
- Workshop Mechanisms Team
Crafting
Where toys are made by hand
Crafting departments handle the physical making of toys. Traditional skills sit alongside specialist techniques, with quality and care shared across teams.
Woodshop
- Wooden toys and structures
- Timber shaping
- Joinery
- Carving
Metalshop
- Metal and mechanical toys
- Hinges and fixtures
- Decorative metal components
- Sleigh mechanical parts
Textiles
- Soft toys
- Fabric components
- Doll clothing
- Decorative ribbons
Finishing
Where toys come to life
Finishing is a dedicated department responsible for the final appearance, feel, and consistency of every toy before it leaves the workshop. It is both a craft discipline and a quality gate, ensuring each piece meets Assembly standards.
Finishing
- Sanding and edging
- Fine detailing
- Paintwork and varnishing
- Quality consistency checks
Wrapping
- Packaging and boxes
- Tissue, ribbon, and tags
- Assembly of delivery-ready toys
- Labelling and categorisation for dispatch
Operations
Keeping the Assembly moving
Operations ensures that toys, materials, and information flow smoothly, especially during peak seasonal periods.
Logistics
- Toy categorisation
- Load planning
- Sleigh delivery manifests
- Time-zone coordination
- “Night-run readiness” workflows
Dispatch
- Post handling and letter sorting
- Sorting incoming wishes
- Maintaining letter archives
- Seasonal rush processing
Supplies
- Timber supplies
- Fabrics, paints, and tools
- Magical components, where required
- Sustainability and ethical sourcing policies
Support
Looking after the Assembly itself
Support departments keep the cooperative healthy, organised, and safe.
Administration
- Schedules and coordination
- Assembly documentation
- Learning and devlopment
- Talent Acquisition
- Elfish Resources (People team)
Maintenance & Facilities
- Tool repair
- Bench maintenance
- Lighting and heating systems
- Safety protocols
Curious about life inside Elf Assembly?
Explore current roles, apprenticeships, and how we work together.