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- Tasks: Manage the Slade workshop, provide technical instruction, and ensure a safe environment for students.
- Company: The Slade School of Fine Art is a leading art school focused on contemporary art and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with opportunities for professional development and a creative work environment.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant community at the intersection of art and technology, making a real impact on students' learning.
- Qualifications: Experience in a technical role at an art school, with strong knowledge of workshop processes and health and safety.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term position for approximately 11 months, starting from September 2025.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About us
The Slade School of Fine Art is an art school where staff and students approach contemporary art practice, and the history and theories that inform it through experimentation, imagination and research-oriented practice. In 2025, the Slade is launching a new BA Art and Technology programme, which is an interdisciplinary degree focused on the interconnections between art practice and a range of new and disruptive technologies. It will also open a new studio space at UCL East to support students, academic staff and researchers to explore the intersection of art, technology and society through critical enquiry and studio practice.
About the role
Please note: This is a fixed-term role for approximately 11 months to provide cover for maternity leave. We are recruiting for a Workshop Manager (fixed-term) who will be responsible for managing the Slade workshop and team of technicians and participate in its day-to-day running. The job is ‘hands on’ and the postholder will provide technical instruction, supervision and will work day-to-day in the workshop as part of the team. The postholder will continue with ongoing improvements monitoring and reviewing the workshop’s safety arrangements. Through their management of the workshop the role holder will provide a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for our students and researchers. The successful candidate will lead on providing a high standard of support to all workshop users, taking timely action on staff and student feedback. They will provide technical instruction and ensure students are equipped with skills and confidence to use the Slade Workshop. This is a full-time role which equates to 36.5 hours per week (Monday - Friday), working on-site. Please note: Due to the time critical nature of this role, you must already have right to work in the UK and need to be eligible to start work from 1st September 2025.
About you
Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge
The successful candidate will have experience working in a technical role at an art school or similar, delivering inductions, technical workshops and working with students (individually and in groups). They must have experience of line management, supervising a technical resource and health and safety management in a workshop environment, ensuring compliance and maintaining currency in regulatory requirements. Extensive specialist knowledge on a broad range of workshop processes, with particular emphasis on woodwork, ceramics and casting, and experience of reviewing operational arrangements, strategic planning and report writing are essential.
Skills and Abilities:
The candidate will have the ability to effectively manage workshop operations whilst organising a complex workload. They must also possess the ability to line manage staff effectively and make best use of experience, specialist knowledge and skills within the workshop team. The candidate must have the ability to communicate effectively, while responding sensitively to the needs of staff and students, and display excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
How To Apply
Please apply on the UCL Jobsite where you will find the job description and further guidance.
What We Offer
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/.
Workshop Manager (Fixed-Term) employer: UCL
Contact Detail:
UCL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Workshop Manager (Fixed-Term)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Slade School of Fine Art's ethos and recent developments, especially the new BA Art and Technology programme. Understanding their focus on interdisciplinary practices will help you align your experience and ideas with their vision during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff and students from the Slade to gain insights into the workshop environment and expectations. This can provide you with valuable information that may not be in the job description and can help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've managed workshop operations and ensured safety compliance in previous roles. Highlighting your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the Workshop Manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups. Be ready to share how you've successfully engaged with students and staff in the past, as this role requires a strong focus on creating an inclusive and supportive workshop environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Workshop Manager (Fixed-Term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Workshop Manager position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in technical roles within art schools or similar environments. Be specific about your skills in managing workshops, delivering inductions, and ensuring health and safety compliance.
Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your ability to manage complex workloads and communicate effectively. Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams and responded to feedback from staff and students in previous roles.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that connects your background to the Slade School's mission and the specific requirements of the Workshop Manager role. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the position and the opportunity to contribute to the new BA Art and Technology programme.
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Make sure to highlight your extensive knowledge of workshop processes, especially in woodwork, ceramics, and casting. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques and how you've applied them in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves line management, be ready to share examples of how you've effectively supervised a team. Discuss your approach to managing staff and how you ensure a collaborative and supportive environment.
✨Emphasise Safety Management Experience
Given the importance of health and safety in the workshop, be prepared to talk about your experience in maintaining safety standards. Share any relevant procedures you've implemented or improvements you've made in past roles.
✨Communicate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
The role requires excellent analytical skills, so think of instances where you've successfully resolved issues in a workshop setting. Be ready to explain your thought process and how you approached challenges.
