Design Manager

Luton Bennett; Reading; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design company in Thatcham is seeking a Design Manager to oversee the design function. You will lead a team of designers, manage schedules, and drive initiatives to reduce costs. The ideal candidate has experience in industrial design, expert SolidWorks skills, and a proven track record in managing design portfolios. This role offers a competitive salary and benefits including a wellbeing programme.

Benefits

Health & Wellbeing Programme

Life Insurance

Private Medical Insurance

On-Site Parking

Qualifications

• Experienced Engineer at Senior level in product or industrial design.
• Proven experience managing design portfolios with schedules.
• SolidWorks expert with advanced PDM administration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Design Engineering team.
• Administer SolidWorks PDM and CAD to MRP integration.
• Drive initiatives to simplify designs and reduce costs.

Skills

Leadership

Design Engineering

SolidWorks

Cost Reduction Initiatives

Continuous Improvement

Tools

SolidWorks

PDM Systems

MRP Systems

Job description

Design Manager

Thatcham

£65,000 to £75,000 + Heath & Wellbeing Programme + Life Insurance + Private Medical Insurance + On-Site Parking

Design Manager required to lead the design function for an impressive growing business. You will oversee the product design, portfolio planning and the integration of PDM and MRP systems.

This role will involve a varied mix of hands on and hands off responsibilities. You will lead and manage a team of 3 designers, manage the design schedule and will also drive initiatives to reduce cost of manufacture. You will communicate internally with production, quality and supply chain to ensure high quality production time and time again.

The Design Manager Role:

• Lead and manage the Design Engineering team (Senior and Junior Designers).
• Manage design scheduling, capacity planning, and performance tracking.
• Administer and enforce SolidWorks PDM discipline and CAD to MRP integration.
• Drive DFMA and VAVE initiatives to simplify designs, standardise components, and reduce costs.
• Ensure on-time, first-time-right design releases.
• Develop and maintain design standards, drawing practices, and sign-off gates.
• Work closely with Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure repeatable, high-quality production.
• Promote a lean, accountable, and continuous improvement culture within the design office.

The Design Manager:

• Experienced Engineer at Senior or Head level in a product or industrial design for metal, fabrication, or construction-based products.
• Proven experience managing design portfolios with clear schedules and delivery metrics.
• Proven engineering department management experience.
• Expert SolidWorks user with advanced PDM administration skills.
• MRP or ERP integration experience.
• Proven success in DFMA and cost reduction initiatives.
• Strong governance across BOM discipline, ECN/ECO, tolerance analysis, and drawing standards.
• Excellent understanding of manufacturing methods including extrusions, sheet metal, welded fabrications, and jigs/fixtures.