Workshop Manager

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Job title: Workshop Manager

Reporting to: General Manager

Working hours: Full time, Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm

Location: Makerversity, Somerset House, London

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Makerversity is a creative community and workspace with dedicated making workshops accessed by our members. Our workshop spaces include digital fabrication, woodwork, metalwork, biological materials, electronics and fashion as well as processes run by our members in private spaces.

The Workshop Manager will be responsible for ensuring a safe and reliable experience and journey through the workshops and Makerversity site. The role will involve working closely with the whole team, especially the General Manager and Director, to improve and develop our workshop offering.

Responsibilities

1. Lead the Workshop team to ensure efficient operations, including education and inductions of members and equipment maintenance. The candidate will be responsible for maintaining and sometimes fixing workshop equipment.
2. Develop and report on OKRs and processes for workshop usage, occupancy and member support.
3. Ensure machine downtime is under 5% and maintain high workshop utilisation.
4. Oversee Health & Safety policies, risk assessments and systems for a safe work environment.
5. Manage workshop budgets, supplier contracts and optimise financial efficiency.
6. Collaborate on machine investment planning and space improvements.
7. Ensure the upkeep and maintenance of workshop spaces, subcontractor management, and customer service quality.
8. Support member practices, managing workshops, and inductions while fostering a productive membership culture.

Essential Experience/Qualities

1. A can do attitude, interest in making and passion for helping others
2. Leadership and team management experience, particularly in a workshop or makerspace environment.
3. Strong organisational skills for managing a complex space, equipment and resources.
4. Experience in Health & Safety management, including risk assessments and compliance.
5. Proven financial management, including budgeting, supplier negotiation and cost efficiency.
6. Proficient in workshop operations, machine maintenance and handling breakdowns.
7. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills to support member needs and improve space utilisation.
8. Ability to innovate and implement processes for lean practices and service delivery improvement.
9. Skilled in using technology to optimise workshop operations and member services.

Desired

1. Familiarity with AI, automation and software solutions to enhance service delivery.
2. Certification in Health & Safety qualifications like IOSH Managing Safely, First Aid and/or Fire Marshal training.
3. Experience in developing Sustainability policies and practices.

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What we offer you

We offer a flexible and supportive working environment, with a range of benefits and opportunities to develop.

This Includes:

• £40,000 per annum
• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays
• Makerversity membership
• Annual personal training budget and other personal development opportunities
• Volunteer & Protest days
• Pension contribution
• Team away days & community parties
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee Assistance programme
• Low rates in The Paint Room, Makerversity members only bar and cafe
• Discount at all Somerset House cafes, bars, exhibitions and special events
• Part of a 3,000 strong Creative Community at Somerset House

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Everyone at Makerversity shows

• Enthusiasm and can-do attitude
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills
• Collaborative: you must enjoy working within a team and be good at working with others to make great things happen
• Practical and hands on: you like rolling your sleeves up and getting stuck in.
• Great at multitasking and good attention to detail
• A good understanding of the design and digital making world

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Please provide a CV and Covering Letter including the following information:

• Your interest in working for Makerversity and this position
• Details of your relevant knowledge, skills and experience

Please email your CV and Covering letter to jobs@makerversity.org

Deadline: Monday 18th November, 12pm 2024

Remote & in person interviews: w/c Monday 2nd December 2024

To apply for the role, you must be eligible to work in the UK. We are not a sponsoring organisation.

If you have any questions or to submit applications or request information in an alternative format, please email hello@makerversity.org

Equity and Inclusion

At Makerversity, we're committed to breaking down barriers and creating an open, inclusive space for all. We actively encourage applications from those who are underrepresented in the creative and cultural sectors—this includes, but isn’t limited to, individuals of African, Caribbean, Arabic, Latin American, East Asian, South Asian, and South East Asian heritage; members of traveller communities; disabled individuals; LGBTQIA+ people; and those from low-income backgrounds.

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