Design Office Manager - Solidworks

The Alan Nuttall Partnership; Dudley; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company based in Dudley is seeking a talented Design Office Manager to join their dynamic Design team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a team, overseeing the design of bespoke retail equipment, and ensuring high-quality technical outputs. Ideal applicants will have strong CAD skills, particularly in SolidWorks, and prior experience in retail shopfitting.

Benefits

Continuous Service Annual Leave increases

Life Assurance

8% Employer Contribution Pension Scheme

Tax-free Partnership Dividend Scheme

Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, and Bereavement leave

Access to an Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior CAD Design or Design Engineering role.
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks or equivalent CAD package.
• Excellent understanding of manufacturing processes and materials.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of design engineers and CAD draughtspersons.
• Oversee the creation of detailed technical drawings for various components.
• Ensure designs are optimized for manufacturability and cost-efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management

CAD Design

Attention to Detail

Communication

Education

Relevant engineering or product design qualification

Tools

SolidWorks

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Role Summary

Nuttall is a well-established manufacturing company based in Dudley, renowned for delivering high-quality, innovative products across various sectors. We pride ourselves on a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and technical excellence. As we grow, we’re looking for a talented and motivated Design Office Manager to join our dynamic Design team and help shape the next generation of our manufacturing solutions.

The role will be to specialise in the design of retail equipment within Interior Shop Fit Outs. Knowledge of CAD Design, and familiar with using SolidWorks and having a background within retail shopfitting is paramount.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

As Design Manager, you will take the lead in managing and mentoring a small team of design engineers and CAD draughtspersons. You will be responsible for overseeing the creation of accurate, detailed technical drawings for a variety of components, including sheet metal, welded assemblies, joinery elements, acrylic, and glass. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both strong technical capabilities and the ability to guide, develop, and coordinate the efforts of the design team to ensure timely and high-quality delivery.

The position is focused on the design of bespoke retail equipment used in interior shopfitting, and prior experience in this area is essential.

Team Leadership & Management

• Manage, mentor, and support a small team of design professionals.
• Allocate design tasks, oversee workflow and output, and conduct regular design reviews.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous development.
• Provide technical guidance and training to team members.

Design & Technical Delivery

• Produce, review, and approve detailed CAD drawings using SolidWorks.
• Ensure designs are optimised for manufacturability, value engineering, and cost-efficiency.
• Lead the development of production drawing packs, cutting lists, and material requisitions.

Project & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Liaise with Production, Contracts, and Project Management teams to ensure alignment on technical requirements and timelines.
• Attend internal and client meetings to present concepts, resolve design queries, and gather specifications.
• Conduct site surveys as necessary to inform design solutions.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation, including part numbers, BOMs, and routings.

Quality, Innovation & Improvement

• Champion design quality and proactively identify opportunities for improvement.
• Flag potential design or production issues early and offer practical solutions.
• Contribute to process improvements and standardisation across the department.

Person Specification / Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a senior CAD Design or Design Engineering role within a retail interiors, manufacturing, or shopfitting environment.
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks (or equivalent 2D/3D CAD package).
• Excellent understanding of sheet metal, joinery, acrylic, glass, and fabrication processes.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team, while also managing your own workload.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication skills and confidence in representing the department internally and externally.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Desirable

• Experience producing production-ready technical documentation and drawing packs.
• Exposure to ERP or PLM systems.
• Relevant engineering or product design qualification.

Company Benefits: Continuous Service Annual Leave increases, Life Assurance (after a qualifying period), 8% Employer Contribution Pension Scheme, Participation in tax-free Partnership Dividend Scheme, Enhanced Illness, Maternity, Paternity, and Bereavement leave, Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (mental health, professional financial advice), Great scope for progression and continued learning/development