Engineering Manager & Design, Product & Leadership

Bircham Wyatt Recruitment; Stowmarket; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a leader for an engineering team in Stowmarket, UK. The role involves leading a team of 11 engineers with a strong emphasis on hands-on technical work and collaboration across the business. Candidates should possess leadership capability in design, particularly within automotive or aerospace sectors, and be familiar with relevant software tools. The package includes flexible working arrangements and various benefits, reflecting a fair compensation based on skills and experience.

Benefits

£6k car allowance

Private health insurance

25 days holiday

Life insurance

Qualifications

• Experience leading engineering teams of various disciplines.
• Background in design and project management within engineering.
• Accountability and ability to enhance team success through collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop an engineering team of 11 members.
• Own engineering processes from concept design to release.
• Work across business and suppliers to ensure delivery quality.

Skills

Leadership capability

Design background in automotive or aerospace

Familiarity with SolidWorks or similar software

Self-motivated and improvement-driven

Tools

SolidWorks

Vault PDM

JD Edwards ERP

Job description

Simplified design; machines trusted for tough work.

Make your mark, bring your people forward, and leave the politics behind.

80% leadership - part of the leadership team, reporting to the MD.

20% hands on technical – its DNA. You can touch and feel prototypes and products rather than be siloed in a CAD office.

Customers love the machines for usability, robustness, servicing, fault diagnosis and repair. And because they always pick up the phone and help when there is a problem.

Their hybrid engine holds a unique position in its niche, developed from a commitment to sustainability.

Manufacturing is final assembly, working closely with suppliers for mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and engine systems. This gives them flexibility to scale.

They employ 60 people, bound by common values, who enjoy and take pride in what they do.

2025 was strong, growing to £16m turnover, with a great outlook.

You will:

• Lead, develop and retain your engineering team of 11 – design, systems and process engineering, workshop, fabrication and technical authoring.
• Work closely across the business and suppliers to ensure clarity, timeliness and quality of delivery.
• Own engineering: concept design, prototyping, project management, testing, release, technical governance. Improve time to market.

About you:

• Leadership capability with a design background in automotive, aerospace, agricultural / construction / materials handling equipment (or other industries that integrate such technologies).
• Familiar with software like SolidWorks, Vault PDM, JD Edwards ERP (or similar).
• You consistently enable people, give them the tools to succeed, and bring different departments together.
• Accountable, self‑motivated and keen to find improvements.

You may be taking a step up from managing a small team, or perhaps you have higher level experience you want to bring to an SME. It's more important that you thrive in their context and enjoy the challenges of a growing business.

Salary and package

• There isn't a fixed budget because they're open minded about level, paying fairly. I can share the range and benchmarking with you directly, to make sure it is in line with your expectations and doesn't waste your time.
• The package includes £6k car allowance, private health, life insurance, 25 days holiday and other benefits.

What else?

• Based in their offices, due to the hands on, collaborative nature of work. They can be flexible around life commitments.
• Occasional UK travel – you decide how you want to work with suppliers, customers and other stakeholders. Once a year travel for international expos.
• Full company information, candidate pack and job description available.
• No visa sponsorship available. You will need unrestricted right to work in the UK.

Next steps

• Please apply if you are ready. Don't worry if your CV isn't up to date – use what you have and we can deal with the rest later.
• If you have any questions, or need any accommodations, get in touch on (phone number removed) or greg dot wyatt at bwrecruitment dot co dot uk.
• No AI is used for assessment.
• I review every application personally and will reply within 3 days.