Engineering Design Manager

Owen Daniels; Ellesmere; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering manufacturer in England is seeking a proactive Design Manager to lead their engineering design function. Responsibilities include managing the Design Engineering team, overseeing engineering documentation, and driving continuous improvement. Candidates should have a degree in Mechanical Engineering and strong CAD skills. This role offers competitive salary and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Opportunities for progression

Collaborative culture

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership experience in an engineering design or manufacturing setting.
• Solid understanding of fabrication and assembly processes.
• Proven ability to mentor, develop, and lead technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the in-house Design Engineering team.
• Oversee the creation of engineering drawings and design documentation.
• Drive continuous improvement and support new product development.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strong CAD skills (Inventor, AutoCAD LT)

Excellent communication skills

Project management

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

CAD tools (Inventor, AutoCAD LT)

Job description

Overview

Design Manager A long-established, innovation-led manufacturer is seeking a proactive Design Manager to lead its engineering design function. Specialising in bespoke and standard stainless-steel thermal solutions, the business has over six decades of engineering heritage and is continuing to grow through product innovation and a focus on quality. This is a senior opportunity to take ownership of the design department, drive continuous improvement, and play a key role in delivering complex, high-specification projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the in-house Design Engineering team, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality, cost-effective solutions.
• Oversee the creation of engineering drawings, technical files, and design documentation.
• Provide technical oversight to ensure compliance with PED, CE/UKCA, ASME, and other industry standards.
• Work cross-functionally with Sales, Production, Procurement, and Quality to align design with manufacturability and customer requirements.
• Allocate resources across bespoke and standard product development, balancing priorities and project timelines.
• Drive continuous improvement, standardisation, and value engineering across the design function.
• Support new product development, R&D, and innovation activities.
• Participate in design reviews, customer meetings, and factory acceptance tests.
• Ensure effective utilisation of CAD tools (Inventor, AutoCAD LT) and ERP/MRP systems to enhance design efficiency.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and engineering excellence within the team.

Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in an engineering design or manufacturing setting.
• Strong CAD skills (Inventor, AutoCAD LT) and experience managing design documentation.
• Solid understanding of fabrication and assembly processes (e.g. welding, sheet metal forming, pipework).
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Proven ability to mentor, develop, and lead technical teams.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Key leadership role within a well-established, forward-thinking engineering business.
• Genuine opportunities for progression and professional development.
• Collaborative, values-driven culture committed to excellence and innovation.
• Involvement in complex and interesting projects across thermal and stainless-steel solutions.
• Modern facilities and supportive working environment in the heart of Shropshire.

If you're a technically strong and people-focused Design Manager looking to make a long-term impact within a dynamic and reputable engineering business, we'd love to hear from you.

Know someone who could be a fit? We welcome referrals and offer a referral bonus for successful introductions.