Senior Makerspace Manager & Educator

Colville Search; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Colville Search is recruiting a Senior Makerspace Manager & Educator in London for a hands-on leadership role. You will run the makerspace day-to-day, teach curriculum, and lead a small team in a start-up environment that values creativity, fabrication and education.

You will design engaging courses for students aged 5–18, develop new projects, ensure safety and documentation, and collaborate with the CCO to grow the space into a sustainable learning hub.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience teaching machinery and fabrication.
• 3+ years' experience developing curriculum.
• Strong experience teaching students aged 5–18.
• Experience teaching fabrication courses in a makerspace or similar.
• Strong knowledge of 3D printing, laser cutting and other fabrication equipment.
• Experience with 2D/3D design software.
• Knowledge of programming, computer science and robotics.
• Experience working with high-potential students.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proactive, growth-minded approach in a start-up environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain and teach students how to use specialist machinery and equipment.
• Teach and support students with 3D printing, laser cutting, soldering, woodworking and dye sublimation.
• Develop and deliver fabrication and makerspace courses.
• Create clear machinery guides and training materials.
• Mentor a small team and ensure timely delivery of projects.
• Collaborate on in-person and hybrid learning experiences.
• Support family engagement, events and speaker series.
• Contribute to developing a sustainable, future-focused makerspace.

Skills

Makerspace leadership

Curriculum development

Teaching machinery & fabrication

3D printing & laser cutting

2D/3D design software

Programming & robotics

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Fusion 360

Tinkercad

3D printers

Laser cutters

Soldering equipment

Woodworking tools

Dye sublimation equipment

Job description

An exceptional opportunity for a hands-on educator, maker and leader to join an ambitious new London innovation space shaping the future of education.

This is a genuinely exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation focused on STEM+, creativity, innovation and experiential learning for students aged 5–18.

We are looking for a Senior Makerspace Manager & Educator who combines strong technical fabrication skills with a passion for teaching and curriculum development. This is an in-person, hands‑on leadership role within a dynamic start‑up environment, with significant scope to grow as the organisation develops.

The Role

Working closely with the CCO, you will take ownership of the day‑to‑day running of the makerspace, whilst also teaching, developing curriculum and leading a small team.

You will be responsible for:

• Operating, maintaining and teaching students how to use a wide range of specialist machinery and equipment.
• Working confidently with Adobe Illustrator, Fusion 360 and Tinkercad.
• Teaching and supporting students with 3D printing, laser cutting, soldering, woodworking and dye sublimation.
• Supporting computer science, programming and robotics projects.
• Developing and delivering engaging fabrication and makerspace courses.
• Creating innovative, hands‑on curriculum for students aged 5–18.
• Developing "low floor, high ceiling" projects that allow students with different abilities to engage and progress.
• Ensuring exceptional standards of safety, hygiene and safeguarding.
• Creating clear machinery guides, training materials and documentation that students can easily understand.
• Managing and mentoring a small team, ensuring projects and deliverables are completed on time.
• Working closely with the wider team to create inspiring in‑person and hybrid learning experiences.
• Supporting family engagement, speaker series, open houses and other events.
• Working with leadership to develop a sustainable, future‑focused makerspace.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who is technically brilliant, creatively curious and an exceptional educator.

You will ideally have:

• 5+ years' experience teaching machinery and fabrication.
• 3+ years' experience developing curriculum.
• Strong experience teaching students aged 5–18.
• Experience teaching fabrication courses and working within a makerspace or similar environment.
• Strong knowledge of 3D printing, laser cutting and other fabrication equipment.
• Experience with 2D/3D design software.
• Knowledge of programming, computer science and robotics.
• Experience working with high‑potential students.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• A proactive, growth‑minded approach and the ability to thrive within a start‑up environment.

The Opportunity

This is not simply a facilities or workshop management role. It is an opportunity to help shape an entirely new approach to learning, combining technology, fabrication, creativity and education.

In the short term, you will teach courses, support the studio and develop your understanding of the organisation's curriculum framework. Longer term, you will have the opportunity to take significant ownership of the makerspace and ensure its smooth operation when the CCO is not onsite.

The organisation offers mentorship, training and genuine opportunities to develop into a senior leadership position, including managing and mentoring staff.

Location: London

Working pattern: Primarily in person, with occasional weekend work for events and programmes

First Aid: Must be current or brought up to date