Fixing Factory Workshop Manager

Join to apply for the Fixing Factory Workshop Manager role at The Restart Project

Location: This role will be split between two London Fixing Factory sites located in Barking and Victoria

Hours: Part time, 4–4.5 days per week. Exact hours will be agreed with the successful candidate, but at least one weekend day will be required

Deadline to apply: 9am on Monday 26 January 2026

For comprehensive information on how to apply, the full job spec, and hiring process please visit: https://therestartproject.org/jobs/

About the role: Passionate about repair? Love working in the community to help people embrace low‑waste lifestyles? Ready to manage a team of volunteers to get our latest Fixing Factory locations up and running? We want to hear from you!

As one of our Fixing Factory workshop managers, you’ll be responsible for the day‑to‑day operations of our two newest Fixing Factory sites, helping members of the public to fix their broken items, and managing a successful team of volunteers and freelancers to support along the way.

You’ll deliver a programme of activities to teach people the basics of repair and change their mindset around electronic waste. The two new sites will be trialling a scaled‑back Fixing Factory model compared to our other three sites, so you’ll be a key part of developing and iterating a new way of delivering a Fixing Factory.

The two new sites will be in shared spaces with other community organisations. A key part of this role will be to build and maintain positive relationships with others managing and using the spaces.

You will split your time between the two new Fixing Factory locations, working remotely with a passionate Fixing Factory team, including workshop managers for other sites, and a central development and project management team. You’ll also work closely with Possible, our partner on the Fixing Factories project.

Key responsibilities

Activity and delivery

• Take responsibility for overseeing on‑site repairs at the two Fixing Factory locations, ensuring they are completed safely, effectively, and to a consistent standard.
• Deliver a regular programme of activities at the two sites, including community drop‑in repair sessions, workshops for the general public, and sessions for volunteers to repair damaged electronic goods.
• Work with the Fixing Factory Lead to make changes in response to feedback and project needs.
• Participate in the necessary training needed for the role.
• Take responsibility for ensuring health and safety, safeguarding, and first aid protocols are implemented and adhered to at the two sites at all times.
• Ensure activities provide an inclusive and pleasant environment for staff, volunteers, and members of the public.
• Implement processes to manage the inventory of equipment, consumables, spares, and repaired items at the Fixing Factory.
• Ensure workshop, tools, and equipment are maintained and well organised.
• Help build a volunteer community at both sites that feels empowered to take the lead on the delivery of some of the core Fixing Factory activities.
• Supervise Fixing Factory volunteers and freelancers, including leading volunteer inductions, regular work and wellbeing check‑ins, volunteer team meetings, and celebrations with support from the Fixing Factory Lead.
• Create an open, welcoming, inclusive environment for volunteers, whilst encouraging collaboration and skill sharing.
• Ensure there is a sufficient and growing pipeline of volunteers and freelancers, including leading recruitment for specific roles to run core Fixing Factory activities.

Relationship management

• Build and maintain positive relationships with local stakeholders, including the managers and users of both shared sites, members of the public, local repair businesses, local authorities, volunteers, and community fixing initiatives, with support from the Fixing Factory Lead.
• Maintain an open and honest line of communication with the Fixing Factory Lead, other workshop managers, operational group, and Possible colleagues.

Monitoring and evaluation

• Collect and train volunteers to collect monitoring and evaluation data related to the Fixing Factories with support from the Fixing Factory Lead.
• Work with the Fixing Factory Lead to track and grow onsite income‑generating activities to ensure that the shop meets its objectives for financial sustainability. This includes overseeing:
• Paid workshops and training sessions, including generating bookings from the public
• Potential for small‑scale sales of refurbished items
• Encouraging donations during the delivery of core activities

Finance management

• Follow agreed Fixing Factory finance processes, including correct and timely categorisation of regular project income and expenditure (training will be provided) with support from Fixing Factory Lead.
• Manage your Fixing Factory locations\’ day‑to‑day site finances: petty cash, buying materials, workshop consumables, and reimbursing volunteers\’ expenses.

Communications

• Respond to enquiries about your Fixing Factory sites via email with support from the Fixing Factory Lead.
• Update the Fixing Factory website, Eventbrite, and Ticket Tailor booking systems for events with support from the Fixing Factory Lead and Possible comms team (training will be provided if needed).
• Publicise workshop activities and off‑site events locally with support from the Fixing Factory Lead.
• Respond to press and comms requests when needed (for example, providing quotes or facilitating visits from journalists). This does not necessitate acting as a “live” press spokesperson unless you are comfortable with this.
• Where requested, facilitate comms team interactions with your Fixing Factory volunteers, including requests for interviews and comms training requirements, with support from the Fixing Factory Lead when needed.

Organisational and partner involvement

• Attend monthly workshop manager meetings, weekly team meetings, monthly 1:1s, local partners group meetings, and any other meetings requested that contribute to the effective running of Fixing Factories.
• Represent Restart at public events and meetings where appropriate.
• Participate in organisational strategy development and reviews.
• Be a team player: skill sharing, chipping in on communal tasks, and helping each other out.

Person Specification

• You are able to repair electrical items independently, confidently, safely, and quickly, or you demonstrate an understanding of electrical knowledge with the ability to learn how to repair electrical items quickly
• You have a strong commitment to safety and wellbeing
• Passion for teaching others how to repair
• Proven excellent time and task management
• Proven to be focused and meticulous when recording information
• Experience working in and with the community, including outside of normal working hours
• Demonstrable excellent in‑person communication skills
• Experience and ability to work well as a team member and respond well to feedback
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and use own initiative
• Commitment to The Restart Project’s mission

Great‑to‑haves

• Experience overseeing a site‑based project
• Experience leading a group to deliver an activity

What we offer

• Employer pension contributions of 8%
• 28 days paid holiday (pro‑rata) plus bank holidays, and additional days between Christmas and the New Year when the office is closed
• A shorter working week, in which employees work 90% of their paid hours, once probation is passed. This is reviewed on an annual basis
• Scope to take real ownership and drive the project forward
• A commitment to professional development with training opportunities
• We provide the chance to make a difference in a fun, eclectic, and creative atmosphere, where work can move quickly and not be hampered by bureaucracy.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Part‑time

Job function

Management and Manufacturing

Industries

Computers and Electronics Manufacturing