Makerspace Operations Specialist

Yazaki is a global leader in the research, development, and delivery of vehicle power and data solutions.

Yazaki works with virtually every major auto manufacturer globally, and we've strived to maintain strategic and stable growth throughout our 84-year history. Today, we're looking for energetic people with the potential to perform and the ability to strengthen - and thrive in - the positive work environment we pride ourselves on.

Location: Canton, MI, USA

What we are looking for:

Yazaki is looking for a Makerspace Operations Specialist to join our Advanced Engineering team in Canton, MI.

Makerspace is a community that encourages creativity, collaboration, and learning. Makerspace staff run the operation of the physical space, support the Makers, and create programming for events, learning, and mentoring.

A Makerspace Operations Specialist works so that all who enter the space have a great experience. They are the first contact for associates engaging the space. They plan events to bring the community together and create opportunities for Makers to have valuable roles in operating the space and serving the community. Through outreach events and promotion, they attract and recruit associates to join. They develop, plan, implement, and evaluate programs that support the community. They serve a variety of stakeholders in the organization, promoting cross-functional collaboration, and fostering a culture of knowledge sharing. Good communication is important. They will understand the role because they are a Maker themselves.

Staff in senior-level roles will also train and mentor less-experienced Staff and substitute for Supervisor as needed, which may include oversight of assignments and checking their work. They will have developed expertise in identifying and applying best practices, technologies, and processes.

What you will be doing:

Employees at entry-level to intermediate-experienced roles shall have the following responsibilities on increasingly complex assignments:

Customer service:

• Assist associates in getting started and with the use of the Makerspace.
• Plan and lead events such as orientation sessions, group events, or tours.
• Proactively seek opportunities to provide friendly, hands-on, and helpful support.
• Be the first point of contact for individuals or groups wanting to engage the Makerspace.

Operations:

• Develop and manage event plans, timelines, logistics, marketing, promotion, and budgets to ensure successful execution of events.
• Detail oriented and manage priorities to efficiently manage multiple tasks.
• Develop policies, processes, workflow diagrams, and other documentation as required to support the operation of Makerspace.
• Track inventory and purchase new consumables related to Makerspace and oversee the budget.
• Ensure compliance with global environmental requirements, 5S, and EHS and act as a resource and problem-solver for the organization. Follow and enforce Makerspace policies.
• Construct reports for the organization to support high-level oversight and facilitate improvement.

Maker:

• Be an active member of the Makerspace community.
• Stay current with technology trends and make recommendations for new equipment, software, and skill workshops and keep up to date on new developments in the field.
• Collaborate with staff on planning for the future.
• Effective problem solving and brainstorming with a team.

Communication:

• Effectively use written and verbal communication for promotion. Be comfortable with public speaking, running meetings, documenting results, and generally communicating with internal customers. Create content for banners, posters, monitors to promote activities.
• Prepare materials and make presentations to promote the Makerspace at internal meetings, events, and activities.

The Manager may, at their discretion, assign other or additional responsibilities to an employee in this position.

In addition to above, employees in senior level roles shall have these additional responsibilities with an increasing level of involvement in and impact:

• Support or lead annual budgeting and planning.
• Take on special roles as needed by the organization.
• Assist in the mentoring, development and monitoring of training plans for new team members.
• Assist Yazaki teams in understanding the role of Engineering and the impact it can have on teams.
• Actively work to continuously improve and develop the Engineering community.

What you will bring to the table:

IC3 Level:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as Business (Operations Management, Project Management, Marketing), Learning & Development, Creative fields (Product Design, Industrial Design), or Technical/Engineering Technology.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience.

IC2 Level:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as Business (Operations Management, Project Management, Marketing), Learning & Development, Creative fields (Product Design, Industrial Design), or Technical/Engineering Technology.
• 4–9 years of relevant professional experience.
• An Associate’s degree may be considered with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience.

What we can provide you:

• A safe collaborative learning work environment that stimulates creativity and exploration.
• Diverse teams of experts.
• Resources from around the globe.
• Supportive leadership and team members to help you do your best work.
• Opportunities for professional growth.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package including incentive compensation, 401K match, tuition assistance and a generous holiday schedule.
• Flexible hybrid schedule.

Yazaki North America is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, handicap, veteran status, or other legally protected status or characteristic. Equal opportunity extends to all aspects of the employment relationship. Yazaki North America complies with federal and state equal employment opportunity laws and strives to keep the workplace free from all forms of harassment.