Design Manager
Job Purpose
The Design Manager will play a key role in translating customer requirements into engineered product solutions across a range of fabrication and engineering products. Working closely with customers, sales teams, and internal stakeholders, they will lead the design function to ensure solutions are technically robust, commercially competitive, and suitable for manufacture.
The role will drive design excellence, product optimisation, and continuous improvement initiatives, helping the business respond to changing market conditions, improve profitability, and deliver value-added solutions to customers.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineering professional who enjoys leading teams, solving complex technical challenges, and working within a manufacturing environment where design decisions directly influence product performance, cost, quality, and delivery.
Key Responsibilities
The Design Manager will:
Lead and manage the design team, providing technical guidance, mentoring, and support.
Work directly with sales teams and customers to develop practical and cost-effective engineering solutions.
Engage with customers to understand project requirements, technical specifications, and commercial expectations.
Oversee the design and development of fabricated steel structures, engineering products, and customer-specific solutions.
Ensure the timely production of accurate engineering drawings, 3D models, and technical documentation.
Utilise 3D CAD software, ideally SolidWorks, and AutoCAD to support design and development activities.
Review and approve structural calculations and engineering analyses to support product integrity and compliance.
Support finite element analysis (FEA) activities where required.
Drive product and design optimisation initiatives to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance competitiveness.
Work closely with production, procurement, quality, and customer service teams to ensure designs are practical and manufacturable.
Provide technical support during customer meetings, project reviews, quotations, tenders, and business development opportunities.
Identify opportunities for standardisation, continuous improvement, and product innovation.
Establish and maintain design standards, procedures, and best practices.
Ensure all design activities comply with relevant industry standards, regulations, and company requirements.
Manage design workloads and resources to ensure projects are delivered accurately and on schedule.
About You
We are seeking a proactive and commercially aware Design Manager who can combine strong technical expertise with effective leadership and communication skills. You will be comfortable working with customers, leading engineering teams, and delivering solutions that balance performance, manufacturability, quality, and cost.
Essential Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.
Minimum of 5 years' experience within a steel fabrication, manufacturing, or engineering environment.
Previous experience leading or supervising a design or engineering team.
Strong experience using 3D CAD software, ideally SolidWorks.
Experience using AutoCAD for technical drawing and design development.
Knowledge and experience of structural calculations and engineering analysis.
Experience working with fabricated steel products and manufacturing processes.
Strong project management and organisational skills.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
Commercial awareness with an understanding of cost control and product competitiveness.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
Desirable Requirements
Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
Knowledge of design for manufacture (DFM) and lean manufacturing principles.
Experience working in customer-facing technical roles.
Chartered Engineer status or working towards professional accreditation.Working hours : 8.30am -5pm Monday to Thursday - Friday 8.30 -15.00
What Success Looks Like
Delivery of high-quality, accurate, and manufacturable designs.
Improved product competitiveness through cost reduction and optimisation initiatives.
Strong collaboration between design, sales, and manufacturing functions.
High levels of customer satisfaction through effective technical support and solution development.
Continuous improvement of design processes, standards, and engineering capability.Cost Code - S96
About Us
We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.
We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies