Workshop Manager

Role Description: Workshop Manager
Department: Operations
Reports to: Chief Technology Officer
Status: Permanent and full time
Salary: £38,000 - £40,000 plus performance-based bonus
 

About Us
 

At FabPub Ltd, we can design, make and create at our own fabrication facility.

We believe in craft and link our digital files to our fabrication tools (laser-cutting, 3D Printing, CNC-milling) through custom software. From design and fabrication all the way to assembly and construction, as well as website and graphic design, we provide services for every step of a project, which allows us to achieve very high standards.

We like challenges, collaborative work and beautiful designs and are open to any ideas and opportunities.

We are seeking a skilled and passionate individual to join our team to run our 3D-printing, laser cutting, wood, metal, and clay workshop in one of London’s leading fabrication spaces.

 

Role
 

We are looking for a Workshop Manager with expertise in operating and maintaining a range of digital fabrication machines, including 3D printers, laser cutters, robots, and crushers. The ideal candidate should have a systematic and proactive approach, be friendly and approachable, and work well within a team. Prior experience in managing a workshop and budgetary control is essential.

The Workshop Manager will oversee the maintenance and operation of buildings and other infrastructure to ensure all facilities are functioning optimally and safely. Responsibilities include managing maintenance, upgrading production facilities, ensuring compliance with industrial regulations, and directly interacting with customers, clients, suppliers, and others.

This is a full-time, hands-on role, where the individual will take ownership and lead in managing all our workshop areas and an outdoor yard. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of upkeep and development, ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety regulations.

 

The Responsibilities

• Work closely and communicate with the team to ensure a streamlined production.
• Ensure a clean and inviting atmosphere across all facilities.
• Ensure that the workshop, machines, bench and communal areas are kept clean and organised, introducing new systems where needed, whilst ensuring good operation of our business.
• Ensure compliance with security and safety regulations and requirements and briefing the team.
• Inducting new team members on proper use of machines and equipment.
• Manage upgrades to production facilities and equipment.
• To optimise performance of the workplace and systems.
• Be the secondary point of contact in setting up, operating & maintaining laser machines and 3D printers in line with health and safety standards and rules.
• Provide status and production reports of the machines, in liaison with the production manager.
• Liaise closely with other departments, contractors and suppliers to ensure the smooth running of maintenance operations. This includes working with the procurement manager with the intent of getting the best price and quality using processes and systems.
• Maintain an inventory of machine parts and consumables for workshop use, as well as ordering additional supplies as needed.
• Maintain and establish relationships with freelance staff and/or contractors and service staff.
• Provide advice on energy efficiency.
• Manage the budgets and accounts relevant to facility management and auditing and keeping track of regulatory inspections of equipment and facilities.

Tasks & Responsibilities
 

General

• Manage the workshop and be responsible for allocating spaces on a daily and project-by-project basis.
• Ensure that the workshop, machines, bench and communal areas are kept clean and organised, introducing new systems where needed.
• Manage the outdoor yard space in terms of allocated working areas and storage.
• Manage workshop storage & deliveries
• Ensure that maintenance work is planned in advance, that the right amount of time is set aside for it and that issues that come up during maintenance are dealt with efficiency, escalating any issues that affect the business.
• Lead and supervise teams, providing guidance, support, and motivation to achieve performance goals.
• Facilitate effective communication between different departments and levels of the organisation to promote collaboration and coordination.

Workshop Maintenance

• Maintain an inventory of tools and equipment.
• Replace blades.
• Schedule LEV testing and extraction maintenance.
• Ordering of consumables.
• Replacement of equipment where necessary.
• Maintain proper waste management.
• Schedule and track all regulatory inspections, equipment servicing and repairs.

Machine Maintenance

• Maintain the 3D printers, extruders and compressors for thermoplastics, printers including clay printers.
• Maintain the laser cutters and extraction systems.
• Maintain the woodworking machines.
• Book quarterly servicing of all the machines.

Health & Safety

• Fire Alarm testing.
• Emergency Lighting testing.
• Annual LEV Extraction testing and LOLER inspections.
• Recommending and scheduling safety training and updating policies.
• Ensure all necessary signage is in place and updated at the workshop.
• Ensure all Risk Assessments are kept updated and drafted where necessary.
• Maintaining tools and machinery to a safe standard and in line with current Health & Safety Policy and COSHH standards.

Financial

• Managing the expenditure of the workshop’s annual budget and providing monthly reports.
• Managing the budget for maintenance activities and ensure that costs are kept within budget.

Building Maintenance

• Project management improvements to the workshop.
• Support in maintaining all locks, electrics and security issues.
• Collaborate with other departments to optimise the use of space within the facility, considering functionality, safety, and efficiency.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, repairs, and equipment inventories. This information is valuable for future planning and budgeting.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implementing changes to enhance the overall efficiency of building maintenance operations.

Details of the skills, experience and qualifications

• Minimum 3 years experience using wood and metal working equipment and practical experience of fabrication processes, techniques and emerging technologies.
• Experience managing a workshop with the ability to motivate teams, design effective workspaces and manage resources.
• Experience with 3D and laser machines.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and follow processes with high accuracy.
• Good working knowledge of ISO 45001 and ISO 9001 Quality Systems.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety procedures and HSE policies.
• A didactic and patient team player.

Person specification

• Great people and communication skills paired with a high level of assertiveness.
• Attention to detail with a hands-on and proactive approach.
• Leadership skills to drive cross-functional teams.
• Ability to understand the perspectives and concerns of cross-functional team members.
• Strong organisational abilities to manage multiple tasks, projects, and priorities simultaneously while ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
• Significant management skills with the ability to motivate, assess, plan and organise resources.
• Good interpersonal skills and experience with working in a team.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, industry trends, and organisational priorities.
• Working knowledge of safe working practices and equipment used in the areas.
• Self-motivation and accountability for achieving results.

We offer

• Increased remuneration as you develop and progress in your role.
• Access to pension scheme.
• Career development and training opportunities.
• Diverse, genuinely friendly and informal working environment.
• Weekly exercise classes.
• Breakfast once a month.
• Company-wide end-of-the-year performance-based bonus.
• Enhanced family-friendly holiday and pay.
• Working Hours: 40 hours per week from Monday to Friday.