At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and management of innovative R&D spaces for cutting-edge robotics.
- Company: Join a pioneering humanoid robotics company based in London with global R&D hubs.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment, opportunities for growth, and a culture of innovation.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of robotics, shaping environments that drive speed and creativity.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in facilities or technical operations, ideally in R&D or advanced manufacturing.
- Other info: Experience in robotics or automation is a plus; thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Job Description
About Us
We are a next-generation humanoid robotics company headquartered in London, with R&D hubs in Boston and Vancouver. Our mission is to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective humanoid robots to mass adoption. To support this mission, we are developing world-class spaces that enable our teams to do what they do best – design, build, learn, and iterate at rapid speed.
We’re hiring a Head of Spaces to lead our global facility strategy, with a focus on delivering technically complex R&D environments across existing and new sites. This is a role for someone who can drive projects from requirements definition through construction, commissioning, and long-term operational excellence.
About the Role
As Head of Spaces, you will be responsible for ensuring our teams operate in environments that are not only functional and safe—but scalable, adaptable, and built for the pace of high-growth product development. From brownfield build-outs to continuous upgrades, you will translate company-wide requirements into fit-for-purpose, high-performance facilities.
In this role you will own the planning, delivery, and management of all physical environments that enable engineering and company operations—from collaborative workspaces and lab floors to test zones and logistics areas. You will lead brownfield and retrofit programmes across our sites, ensuring they meet the exacting needs of modern robotics engineering
This is a highly cross-functional, technically grounded leadership role. You’ll partner with hardware, software, and operations teams to turn functional requirements into physical reality—ensuring that space never becomes a blocker to speed, safety, or innovation.
This role also includes accountability for general office management, including oversight of our workplace operations team and front-of-house function. You’ll ensure the daily experience in each site reflects our culture and values—providing a seamless, well-run environment for employees, visitors, and partners.
What You’ll Do:
Facility Strategy & Planning
- Define and lead the physical environment strategy across lab, workspace, test, integration, prototype manufacturing, and office areas
- Translate functional and technical requirements from all parts of the business into clear, scalable space plans
- Lead site assessments, feasibility studies, and future planning across global locations
- Develop and maintain design standards for our labs and shared workspaces
Programme Delivery (Brownfield & Fit-Out)
- Own the full lifecycle of facility programmes: scoping, budgeting, planning, contractor management, delivery, and commissioning
- Oversee brownfield upgrades to enable evolving R&D, prototype manufacturing, and testing needs
- Manage external architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants
- Coordinate delivery timelines with product, hiring, and operational roadmaps
Prototype Manufacturing & Lab Readiness
- Ensure infrastructure supports mechatronics-heavy workflows including actuator assembly, sub-system integration, electronics rework, and test rig operation
- Define layouts and utility requirements (power, ESD, ventilation, compressed air, equipment mounting, etc.) for in-house prototyping and low-volume builds
- Establish protocols for safe operation, material flow, and flexible reconfiguration of physical spaces
Office Operations & Workplace Experience
- Lead general office and workplace management across all global sites
- Oversee a dedicated office and reception team, ensuring smooth daily operations, visitor experience, and front-of-house service
- Maintain a welcoming, professional, and functional workplace aligned with our culture and operational rhythm
- Partner with People and IT to ensure workspaces support hybrid collaboration, new joiner onboarding, and employee well-being
Facility Operations & Lifecycle Management
- Set up and oversee systems for space allocation, access control, maintenance, and infrastructure monitoring
- Lead improvements in facility uptime, utilisation, safety, and team experience
- Manage shared infrastructure including lab services, AV, security, physical IT, and environment monitoring
- Maintain compliance with local codes, safety regulations, and relevant R&D standards
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with stakeholders across engineering, manufacturing, people, logistics, IT, and workplace operations
- Work with executive leadership to develop long-term facilities strategy, capital planning, and space forecasting
- Represent facilities in company-wide planning processes, including headcount growth and program milestones
- Drive alignment between physical infrastructure and company objectives
We’re Looking For:
- 10+ years of experience in facilities, technical operations, or capital project delivery in R&D or advanced manufacturing environments
- Proven track record managing brownfield retrofits and complex fit-out programmes
- Strong technical understanding of infrastructure requirements for labs, prototype manufacturing, and mixed-use technical spaces
- Experience overseeing general office operations, reception, and workplace experience functions
- Fluency across building systems (power, HVAC, ventilation, ESD, security, etc.) and health & safety best practices
- Highly organised, delivery-focused, and skilled in leading cross-functional capital programmes from start to finish
Bonus Points:
- Experience in robotics, aerospace, automation, or electromechanical product development
- Familiarity with ISO/cleanroom environments, build/test zones, or controlled lab standards
- Track record building or scaling physical infrastructure in high-growth organisations
- Experience with real estate strategy, landlord/tenant negotiations, or hybrid campus models
Head of Spaces employer: Humanoid
Contact Detail:
Humanoid Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Spaces
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in R&D facility design and management. Understanding how to create adaptable and scalable spaces will show us that you can lead our global facility strategy effectively.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the robotics and advanced manufacturing sectors. Engaging with industry peers can provide insights into best practices and emerging technologies that are crucial for the Head of Spaces role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with brownfield retrofits and complex fit-out programmes in detail. We want to hear about specific projects you've led and how you overcame challenges in those environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of cross-functional collaboration. Be ready to explain how you've successfully partnered with various teams, such as engineering and operations, to align physical infrastructure with company objectives.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Spaces
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Spaces position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in facilities management, technical operations, and project delivery.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your 10+ years of experience in R&D or advanced manufacturing environments. Provide specific examples of managing brownfield retrofits and complex fit-out programmes that demonstrate your capability for this role.
Showcase Technical Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of infrastructure requirements for labs and prototype manufacturing. Mention any familiarity with building systems, health & safety best practices, and your ability to lead cross-functional teams effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to convey your passion for robotics and innovation. Discuss how your vision aligns with the company's mission and how you can contribute to creating scalable and adaptable environments for high-growth product development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Humanoid
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Before your interview, make sure you fully grasp the company's mission of delivering safe and reliable humanoid robots. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with this goal and how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Given the technical nature of the role, be ready to demonstrate your understanding of infrastructure requirements for labs and manufacturing spaces. Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your expertise in managing complex fit-out programmes.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration Questions
This role requires collaboration across various teams. Think of specific instances where you've successfully worked with different departments, such as engineering or operations, to achieve a common goal. Highlight your communication skills and ability to drive alignment.
✨Discuss Your Project Management Experience
Be ready to talk about your experience in managing brownfield retrofits and facility programmes. Outline your approach to scoping, budgeting, and contractor management, and provide examples of how you've ensured projects are delivered on time and within budget.