Workspace Manager / Technician – Central Research Lab – London

The business:

The successful candidate will support the set-up and management of the Central Research Laboratory (CRL), working closely alongside the director of operations.

The CRL will be an innovative, first of its kind facility for the UK. Its purpose is to provide a comprehensive support structure for individuals and early stage businesses that design and make physical products. It is also to cultivate a vibrant and supportive community of designers and makers.

The CRL offer will include:

inspiring, collaborative workspace
technical and commercial mentoring
seed funding
a high specification prototyping facility
a vibrant, pro-actively curated cultural, research and events programme

The CRL is positioned at the ‘professional’ end of the makerspace, incubator and co-working market; targeted at those with the skills and ambition to develop innovative products and create sustainable businesses, but who need a supportive environment in which to pursue these goals.

The role:

The purpose of the studio and technical manager role is to:

support a culture of collaboration between members of the CRL community
ensure that the CRL’s shared workspace is effectively managed
work alongside the director of operations to provide technical support to CRL members, including development of CAD files, machine use and early stage prototyping

During the CRL’s Prototype period (from August 2015 to September 2016) the studio and technical manager will be one of the most important people our members interact with; they’ll need to develop strong personal relationships with start-up teams and help them to achieve their goals in whatever way they can.

As a result, the role will be varied and exciting. One day it might involve sorting out workshop management issues, the next it might mean working side-by-side with a designer to translate a hand sketch into a CAD file, or helping a start-up assemble their prototype. You’ll be a core part of the CRL community and will be given the freedom to develop the role in line with your skills and the needs of members.

The successful candidate will report directly to the director of operations, Ashley Sayed.

The terms:

Initially, employment will either be on a freelance or one year fixed term contract basis (depending on the preference of the candidate). However, for the right person we would be keen to extend the role to a full-time position once the full CRL facility launches. We are open to either part-time (at least three days per week) or full-time options.

Salary range (dependent on experience): £22,000 to £32,000 (pro rata if part-time).

Holiday: 25 days per annum
Other flexible benefits will be considered

The location:

During the CRL Prototype period, members and staff will be located in our temporary studio in The Shipping Building. This is a beautifully restored former industrial building at the heart of The Old Vinyl Factory site in Hayes, west London, and houses a number of exciting businesses, including the new UK HQ of SONOS and smaller product businesses like Sky Futures. The building has a fantastic café/restaurant designed by Morag Myerscough, as well as bike storage and showers.

Once we launch the bespoke CRL building in September ‘16, the CRL will move to a tailored 25,000 sqft space designed by world-class practice AHMM (known for The Tea Building in Shoreditch and the Sterling Prize nominated Angel Building). The facility will provide a unique mix of high spec’ prototyping workshops, an inspiring event venue and beautiful workspaces.

Desired skills and experience:

personal expertise in product design and early stage prototyping
expert knowledge of a range of rapid prototyping tools and equipment
knowledge of/interest in industrial design, rapid prototyping and manufacturing
knowledge of/interest in sustainable design and manufacturing practices
knowledge of, and strong connections within, the London design and maker community
interest in start-ups and business growth
experience of managing and office or creative studio
mentoring, student aide or teaching experience
fantastic customer service skills and a desire to work closely with people
ability to quickly learn new software applications
analytic thinking aimed at resolving customers’ issues in a proactive manner

www.centralresearchlaboratory.com

How to apply

Send CV and cover letter/portfolio to a.sayed@cathedralgroup.com

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