From Apprentice to Contracts Manager – Jason Rider Steps into Key Leadership Role
Ornate Interiors is proud to announce the promotion of long-serving team member Jason Rider to the position of Contracts Manager, marking a major milestone in his 21-year journey with the company.
Jason began his career at Ornate Interiors through a block release apprenticeship in both solid and fibrous plastering. Introduced to the team by his uncle, Jason freely admits he’d never even heard of fibrous plaster before his interview—but it quickly became his area of passion.
“As a young lad, I was lucky to just about hold onto my job in the early days,” Jason recalls. “But once I started taking things seriously, everything changed. I was trusted with more responsibility, became Workshop Foreman, and now I’m stepping into this new role—which still feels surreal.”
In his new position as Contracts Manager, Jason will be overseeing project delivery across a range of heritage restoration sites—coordinating teams, managing client relationships, and ensuring the outstanding standard of work Ornate Interiors is known for.
“This move from the workshop to the office is a big change—one I never really imagined for myself,” he said. “It’s outside of my comfort zone, but that’s how you grow, right? I’m ready for the challenge and excited to get stuck in.”
Managing Director Ronnie Clifford, who has worked closely with Jason throughout his career, shared:
“Jason is one of those people whose potential you spot early. He had raw talent, a bit of mischief, and a strong instinct for craftsmanship. Once he locked in, we knew he’d become something special. Watching him evolve into a leader and take on this role makes me incredibly proud—not just of him, but of what our apprenticeship programme can achieve.”
Ronnie also reinforced the company’s belief in training and mentoring from within:
“Apprenticeships are at the core of what we do. Taking young people with the right attitude and helping them grow into experts keeps our skills alive and the quality high across every project.”
When he’s not managing projects or mentoring new talent, Jason enjoys travelling with his family and supporting his son from the sidelines—rain or shine—at junior football matches. (Though he says he’d take the sunshine over the sideline showers any day!)
Jason’s journey is proof that dedication, resilience, and a love for the craft can lead to incredible opportunities—and his new role marks an exciting chapter for both him and the future of Ornate Interiors.