Engineering Manager: Lead R&D, Design & Manufacturing

Polkadotfrog; Essex; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Polkadotfrog is hiring an Engineering Manager in Colchester, Essex. This permanent, on-site role leads the Design & Engineering teams, directing R&D and new product development while shaping technical strategy across the business.

You will mentor a small team of engineers and designers, own projects from concept to production, and balance technical and commercial goals to deliver robust solutions.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in engineering design within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in engineering leadership or management with mentoring.
• Understanding of CAD design processes and technical drawing.
• Experience taking products from concept to manufacture.
• Solution-focused with balance of cost, quality, manufacturability and commercial considerations.
• Strong problem-solving and ownership of complex challenges.
• Collaborative working ethic across business units.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership across the business, acting as a trusted source of engineering expertise and guidance.
• Lead, mentor and develop a small team of Engineers and Designers, supporting their technical and professional development.
• Take ownership of R&D projects, from early-stage concepts and feasibility work through to formal approval and, where required, into production.
• Develop practical, robust and commercially viable solutions to complex engineering and technical challenges.
• Work closely with Product, Design and Technical teams to resolve unusual or challenging engineering issues.
• Develop a strong understanding of the technical standards, regulations and requirements applicable to the company’s products.
• Communicate complex technical requirements clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical colleagues.
• Support the wider business in responding to complex customer technical queries, providing clear and commercially appropriate solutions.
• Work closely with Purchasing, Finance, Manufacturing and other functions to develop robust business cases for new products and engineering initiatives.
• Work alongside Purchasing to identify and lead cost-reduction and value-engineering initiatives, delivering measurable savings for the business.

Skills

Engineering leadership

People management

CAD design

Product development

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Polkadotfrog is hiring an Engineering Manager in Colchester, Essex. This permanent, on-site role leads the Design & Engineering teams, directing R&D and new product development while shaping technical strategy across the business.

You will mentor a small team of engineers and designers, own projects from concept to production, and balance technical and commercial goals to deliver robust solutions.