Technical Manager (STEAMhouse)

Are you an experienced Technical Manager with expertise across at least two of the workshop areas (wood, metal, digital prototyping and print) and a demonstrable interest in making and production in a wide range of contexts using traditional and digital tools and techniques?

Are you an agile practical problem solver, able to provide high-level technical advice and propose innovative solutions to complex creative and design challenges?

Can you demonstrate an awareness of collaborative maker spaces?

We are looking for an experienced Technical Manager to provide specialist expertise and professional understanding to support the successful delivery of the STEAMhouse Phase 1 project.

The role will be responsible for managing the four STEAMhouse production workshops (digital prototyping, wood, metal, print) and the Technicians associated with these workshop spaces. The role will also work with the STEAMhouse Creative Director to create systems to manage access to the facilities and coordinate the delivery of workshop inductions, training and short courses focused on skills development.

The role will advise on, and approve, use of the STEAMhouse production workshops and work with SMEs to increase product and/or market viability, working with the Challenge Workshop Broker, Creative Director and the Product Development Experts.

As Technical Manager you should have:

• A demonstrable interest in making and the production of ‘things’ for a wide range of contexts using traditional and digital tools and techniques.

•  Demonstrable professional experience in a workshop environment and substantial practical experience of fabrication processes, techniques and emerging technologies.

• Experience of working with others and enabling them to prototype ideas and develop new products, processes, design objects and/or artworks. Experience of working across creative disciplines or with other sectors would be an advantage.

• Experience of working in an SME environment, working with, or supporting SMEs with innovating practices and/or developing new products.

• Prior experience of working in a maker space, public workshop or educational environment and designing inductions and skills development programmes.

• Experience of working in a public facing role would be advantageous

• Experience of managing people and leading a small team

• Experience of working in an open innovation led environment would be an advantage.

• Excellent people skills and be prepared to encourage and guide users with a wide range of competencies.

• Experience of working within a team and able to offer advice and direction to STEAMhouse users and fellow staff members in the form of technical advice, practical demonstration, product development, formal training and informal individual and group meetings, whether face-to-face, by email or telephone.

• Relevant technical qualifications.

• Knowledge of safe working practices, materials and equipment used in a range of workshops.

• Knowledge of traditional, digital and industrial production techniques and processes.

• A degree or have a relevant business/professional qualification

This post is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) resources and partially funded by Arts Council England. The position is full time.

For further information about this role please refer to the below Job Description and Additional Information which provides key information about the role.

As part of your application, please ensure you upload a CV and Cover Letter. You are advised, where possible, to remove personal details such as your name from your CV and Cover Letter.

Shortlisted candidates will be expected to undertake a short presentation during the interview.