Design Manager

White Label Recruitment Ltd; Crewe; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK-based engineering firm is seeking a Design Manager to lead a dynamic engineering team. This role requires a Chartered Engineer passionate about design and innovation in mechanical systems. Responsibilities include overseeing the full design process, driving innovation, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Competitive salary up to £70,000 plus benefits including an annual bonus, holidays, and a supportive work culture.

Benefits

Annual bonus (up to 10%)

24 days holiday plus bank holidays

Pension scheme

Free on-site parking

Supportive open culture

Qualifications

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status essential.
• Degree-qualified (BSc/MSc) in Mechanical Engineering or similar discipline.
• Strong background in mechanical design and manufacturing.
• Skilled user of SolidWorks.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the design engineering team.
• Take ownership of the full design process from concept to testing.
• Drive innovation across new and existing products.
• Ensure compliance with UK and international standards.
• Collaborate with Sales, Production, and Supply Chain teams.

Skills

Leadership

Mechanical design

SolidWorks

Innovation

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar discipline

Chartered Engineer (CEng) status

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Overview

White Label is partnered with a forward-thinking UK manufacturer of engineered containment and process systems, supplying bespoke solutions to leading clients across highly regulated industries. With a superior product range, impressive global customer base and ambitious growth plans, the business is now seeking a Design Manager to lead a fantastic engineering team and drive continued innovation in product design and manufacturing. This is a fantastic opportunity for a Chartered Engineer who is passionate about design leadership, product development, and engineering excellence, and who wants to make a real impact in a technically advanced, collaborative environment.

The company offers a competitive salary up to £70,000, plus:

• Annual bonus (up to 10%)
• 24 days\' holiday plus bank holidays
• Pension scheme
• Free on-site parking
• Genuine scope to influence design strategy and innovation
• Supportive, open culture where ideas and improvement are encouraged

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the design engineering team, ensuring alignment with business strategy and production capability.
• Take ownership of the full design process — from concept through manufacture, installation, and testing — for complex containment and process systems.
• Drive innovation across new and existing products, embedding design-for-manufacture principles and introducing new technologies.
• Oversee compliance with UK, EU and international standards (including CE marking and relevant pharmaceutical or industrial regulations).
• Collaborate with Sales, Production and Supply Chain to ensure designs meet both technical and commercial objectives.
• Manage the development and protection of intellectual property, including design registrations and patents.
• Champion quality, product safety, and continuous improvement across the engineering function.
• Represent the business with professionalism at client sites, exhibitions, and trade shows as required.

Experience Required

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status essential.
• Degree-qualified (BSc/MSc) in Mechanical Engineering or similar discipline.
• Strong background in mechanical design and manufacturing, ideally with experience in containment, process, or pharmaceutical equipment (advantageous but not essential).
• Skilled user of SolidWorks and sound understanding of design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Experience ensuring product safety, compliance, and technical quality.
• A proactive, innovative mindset with excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Why Join?

• Be part of a growing UK manufacturer with global reach and cutting-edge technology.
• Shape the future of product design and innovation within a supportive and ambitious team.
• Enjoy a hands-on leadership role with autonomy, technical challenge, and visibility across the full project lifecycle.
• Work in an environment where your ideas are valued and your expertise makes a tangible difference.

Apply now for immediate consideration or contact me for a confidential discussion about the opportunity