About this role
Design Manager
Ready to lead a design function, not just work within one?
This is a Design Manager role with real ownership, leading the team behind innovative products in one of the fastest-growing industries around.
As a Design Manager you will lead and develop the mechanical design team, taking ownership of design projects from concept through to manufacture while setting the standards, priorities and direction the team works to. You will still be hands-on with SolidWorks where it counts, but your focus shifts to leading people, managing workloads and making sure the team delivers high-quality, manufacturable designs on time. The products support an industry whose importance is growing fast on the back of AI and surging digital demand, so it is a genuine chance to lead a capable team through a period of real growth. If you are an experienced designer ready to step up into management, this role gives you the authority and the team to make your mark.
Job Responsibilities Leading and developing the mechanical design team, including mentoring, supervision and performanceOwning mechanical design projects from concept through to production releaseSetting and maintaining design standards, processes and quality across the teamPlanning and coordinating design workloads, resource and priorities to hit project deadlinesReviewing and quality-checking design work for accuracy, manufacturability and adherence to standardsProducing and overseeing detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies and manufacturing drawings in SolidWorksOverseeing site surveys and their translation into accurate design briefsLiaising with manufacturers and suppliers to resolve technical issues during productionSupporting procurement with materials knowledge, technical input and design-for-manufacture improvementsWorking with senior management to align the design function with wider business goals Skills and Experience To succeed as a Design Manager you will need: Proven experience in mechanical design, ideally with team leadership or management responsibilityStrong SolidWorks capability, including CAD, Sheet Metal, Assemblies and WeldmentsThe ability to lead, mentor and develop a design team in a technical environmentStrong mechanical engineering knowledge with a practical understanding of manufacturing processesExperience setting design standards and managing project workloads and prioritiesThe ability to interpret and translate site survey data into accurate designsExcellent problem-solving skills, able to break down complex technical issuesA degree or HND in Mechanical Design, Mechanical Engineering, Product Design or similarThe ability to manage multiple projects and a team in a fast-paced environment Pay and Benefits As a Design Manager you will receive: A salary of up to £55,000 per annumMonday to Friday, office-basedThe chance to lead the design function behind innovative products in a fast-growing sectorTraining and support to develop your leadership and technical skillsA supportive, collaborative working environment Ready to apply? Stepping into a Design Manager role at a business riding the growth of one of the most important industries around is a rare opportunity. You would lead a capable team, own the design function and shape how quality products get delivered, with the authority and support to do it properly. If you are ready to take the step up into design leadership, apply now.