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, with expertise in R&D environments required.
- Other info: Experience in robotics or advanced manufacturing is a plus!
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
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 give you an edge, as this role requires a strong grasp of modern engineering environments.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the robotics and advanced manufacturing sectors. Attend industry conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about their experiences in managing complex facilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills by discussing specific examples of past projects where you successfully led brownfield retrofits or fit-out programmes. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the complexities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research our company culture and values thoroughly. Being able to articulate how your vision for workplace experience aligns with our mission will make you stand out during discussions with our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Spaces
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in facilities management, technical operations, and project delivery. Emphasise any specific projects that involved brownfield retrofits or complex fit-out programmes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for robotics and how your background aligns with the company's mission. Discuss your experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing complex projects, showcasing your ability to drive operational excellence.
Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly outline your technical understanding of infrastructure requirements for labs and manufacturing spaces. Mention your familiarity with building systems and health & safety best practices, as these are crucial for the role.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Provide examples of your leadership in previous roles, particularly in managing office operations and workplace experiences. Highlight how you have improved team environments and ensured operational efficiency in high-growth settings.
How to prepare for a job interview at Humanoid
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Before the interview, make sure you grasp the company's mission of delivering safe and reliable humanoid robots. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your enthusiasm for their vision.
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your experience with facilities management, especially in R&D or advanced manufacturing environments. Highlight specific projects where you managed complex fit-out programmes or brownfield retrofits.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since this role requires working with various teams, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with engineering, operations, and other departments. This will show your ability to drive alignment and support company objectives.
✨Prepare Questions About Future Planning
Demonstrate your strategic thinking by preparing insightful questions about the company's future facility strategies and how they plan to scale their operations. This shows your interest in long-term growth and operational excellence.