Head of Design Engineering

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

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Thatcham seeks a Head of Design Engineering to lead their design function. You will manage a team of designers, oversee design scheduling, and drive initiatives to enhance product quality and reduce costs. Candidates should have significant experience in product design and solid expertise in SolidWorks and PDM integration. This role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including health and wellbeing programs.

Benefits

Health & Wellbeing Programme

Life Insurance

Private Medical Insurance

On-Site Parking

Qualifications

• Experienced Engineer at Senior or Head level in product or industrial design.
• Proven experience managing design portfolios with clear schedules.
• Strong governance across BOM discipline and drawing standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Design Engineering team.
• Manage design scheduling and performance tracking.
• Drive DFMA and VAVE initiatives to simplify designs.

Skills

SolidWorks expertise

Team management

Cost reduction initiatives

Strong communication skills

Tools

SolidWorks

MRP systems

PDM software

Job description

Head of Design Engineering

Thatcham

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

Head of Design Engineer 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 Head of Design Engineering 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 Head of Design Engineering

• 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