Design Engineering Manager

Connect Group; Coventry; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established engineering company in Coventry is seeking a Design Engineering Manager to lead a dynamic design team while contributing hands-on to innovative machinery projects. You will drive technical excellence and team leadership, ensuring high-quality designs and project delivery. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of design experience, with strong leadership skills and proficiency in Solid Edge and AutoCAD. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of the design function while remaining engaged in engineering activities.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in engineering design.
• 5+ years in leadership or project management.
• Strong technical expertise across various machinery.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of design engineers on technical projects.
• Develop innovative machinery solutions meeting client needs.
• Act as key interface between departments for project delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Technical expertise in mechanical systems

Team management

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Solid Edge

AutoCAD

Job description

Are you a talented Design Engineer with leadership experience who feels your management responsibilities aren't fully recognised or rewarded? We're working with an established engineering company looking for a Design Engineering Manager to lead their Technical & Design team while continuing to contribute hands‑on to exciting, bespoke machinery projects.

This is a true player/manager role, perfect for someone who wants to grow in leadership while still staying involved in engineering design.

The Role

• Lead a team of 5 experienced design engineers, overseeing technical projects, design methodology, and delivery to tight deadlines.
• Manage the development of innovative machinery and tooling solutions for clients, ensuring designs are manufacturable, cost‑effective, and compliant with relevant standards.
• Act as the key interface between design, manufacturing, and other departments, ensuring smooth project delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Work hands‑on as a Design Engineer on specific projects, using your technical expertise in mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and PLC‑controlled systems.
• Drive continuous improvement within the design function and ensure all IP and technical documentation is managed appropriately.

Who We're Looking For

• Experienced Design Engineer with 10+ years in engineering design and 5+ years in a hands‑on leadership or project management role.
• Skilled in managing small teams, design projects, and budgets.
• Strong technical expertise across mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and software‑controlled machinery.
• Proficient in Solid Edge (or equivalent 3D CAD) and AutoCAD (or equivalent 2D CAD).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; able to motivate a team and manage challenging situations tactfully.
• Degree‑qualified in Mechanical, Electrical, or relevant Engineering disciplines is advantageous.

Why This Role is Different

This is an opportunity to step into a position where your leadership and managerial contributions are truly valued. You'll shape the direction of a talented design team, have autonomy in your projects, and still enjoy the hands‑on engineering work you love.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and lead a dynamic design function while making a real impact, we want to hear from you.