Technical Group Leader DFuel and Fashion

University of East London

We’re the University of East London (UEL), founded in 1898 and proud to change lives through education. Our goal is to advance industry 5.0, careers-first education and provide a clear path to the jobs and opportunities of the future. We’re committed to driving diversity in the 5.0 talent pipeline, working in partnership to promote talent wherever it is found and creating a sustainable, inclusive and green future.

But we can’t achieve this alone. We need forward-thinking, innovative and curious individuals to join our community and help shape what comes next. At UEL, you’ll work with colleagues who share a passion for creativity, technology and positive change, in an inclusive and welcoming environment that is constantly evolving.

About the School / Service

The Technical Services team supporting the Schools of Arts & Creative Industries (ACI) and Architecture, Computing & Engineering (ACE) is a crucial part of the University of East London’s infrastructure. Working as a unified and collaborative technical team, we support students and staff across both Schools by providing specialist expertise, facilities and resources that enable high-quality learning, teaching, research and public-facing activity.

Our technicians work collectively across a wide range of disciplines and facilities, supporting practical teaching, experimentation, exhibitions and research activity. The team operates with shared goals, common standards and a strong culture of collaboration, ensuring consistency, resilience and innovation across ACI and ACE.

This is an exciting time to join Technical Services at UEL as we continue to invest in our people, spaces and technologies. We are committed to professionalising technical roles, encouraging cross-team working and building an inclusive, forward-looking technical community that is closely aligned with curriculum development and industry practice.

About the Job

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Technical Group Leader to provide leadership across our Digital Fabrication Labs (dfUEL) Print and Fashion technical provision.

In this role, you will lead a team of skilled technicians supporting students, academic staff and researchers across ACI and ACE. You will oversee specialist workshops, equipment and digital manufacturing resources, ensuring safe, effective and innovative technical support that enhances learning, teaching and research.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone passionate about technical innovation, collaboration and enabling creative practice.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading, supervising and developing a multidisciplinary technical team across Digital Fabrication, Print and Fashion.
• Managing specialist workshops, labs and equipment supporting digital manufacturing, fabrication and fashion technologies
• Supporting curriculum delivery, research and exhibitions through expert technical advice, demonstrations and workshops
• Ensuring safe, compliant and well-maintained technical environments, embedding health and safety best practice
• Working closely with academic colleagues and professional services to align technical provision with teaching and research needs
• Contributing to the continuous development of technical services, processes and future investment planning
• Supporting the day-to-day operations of Digital Fabrication including the ABB robotic arm and related software including Grasshopper.

About You

You will be a confident and collaborative technical leader with experience in digital fabrication, manufacturing, fashion technology or related creative and technical disciplines. You may have deep expertise in one area, combined with the curiosity and willingness to work across a broad technical portfolio.

You will bring:

• Experience leading or supervising a technical team within higher education, industry or a creative/technical environment
• Strong technical expertise in at least one relevant area (e.g. digital fabrication, CNC, robotics, fashion technology, model making or applied materials)
• A genuine passion for supporting students and staff in practical, hands-on learning environments
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines and departments
• A proactive approach to technical innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement
• A strong commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and to working in line with UEL’s values

Benefits Package

At UEL, we believe that a great role is about more than just a salary. It’s about the complete package, including our outstanding work environment and inclusive culture.

We offer a genuinely competitive salary, dependent on experience (DOE), alongside a comprehensive benefits package.

You can explore our full benefits package here:  https://uel.ac.uk/benefits-professional-services-positions

Equal Opportunities

As an inclusive, equal-opportunities employer, our Stonewall membership and Athena Swan awards reflect our ongoing commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and honest that there is more to do. We are determined to keep moving forward so everyone at UEL can thrive.

So, if you’re ready to lead technical innovation, support creative and digital education, and make a real impact at the University of East London, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today.

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of applications. Early applications are encouraged.

To contact the recruitment team please phone +44 20 8223 3000 x 4600 or e-mail jobs@uel.ac.uk

CVs without a completed application form will not be accepted.

At UEL we are committed to working together to build a community which values diversity in both our staff and student populations, is representative and inclusive, enabling all to progress and thrive.