Head Of Design Engineering

Aligra Personnel Ltd; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Head of Design Engineering in Thatcham, UK. You will lead a skilled team to design practical solutions that enhance public transport. The role offers hybrid working, a robust benefits package including a pension and performance-related bonuses, and the opportunity to innovate using SolidWorks and MRP tools.

Benefits

Company pension scheme – 3% employer contribution

Life assurance – 2× salary tax free

Medicash medical expenses scheme

Health & wellbeing support package

Performance-related bonus scheme

Training opportunities

Qualifications

• 8+ years in industrial/product design, including sheet metal and extrusion expertise.
• Strong leadership with proven portfolio management and delivery success.
• Expert SolidWorks user with PDM administration and MRP/ERP integration experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage design intake, scheduling and delivery targets (≥95%) with real‑time dashboards.
• Oversee SolidWorks PDM vault and ensure seamless BOM integration with MRP.
• Lead stage-gate reviews to achieve first-time right releases ≥98%.

Skills

Industrial/product design

Leadership

SolidWorks

Project management

Tools

SolidWorks

MRP systems

Job description

Looking for a new, impactful and rewarding role? Join our client in Newbury and help them shape how millions of people move every day.

As Head of Design Engineering you will lead bold, practical design work that keeps public transport running smoothly across the UK. You'll guide a skilled team, simplify complex processes and push forward smarter, more efficient engineering using the latest SolidWorks and MRP tools.

This is a real chance to make your mark, leading projects from concept to delivery, bringing ideas to life and steering innovation across new infrastructure schemes. With hybrid working after onboarding and clear scope for career progression, you will have the freedom to drive improvements and see the impact of your work in the world around you.

Benefits Package

• Company pension scheme – 3% employer contribution
• Life assurance (death in service) scheme – 2 × salary tax free
• Medicash medical expenses scheme – Level 4 for you and up to 4 children
• Health & wellbeing support package
• Performance‑related bonus scheme – paid twice yearly
• Training opportunities provided – qualification‑related pay increases

Why you'll love working here

• Lead and develop a skilled team of industrial designers with clear goals and growth opportunities.
• Drive lean product engineering and cost savings of 8‑12% on metal fabrication projects.
• Enjoy hybrid working flexibility after 3 months and a supportive, innovative culture.
• Work with cutting‑edge SolidWorks software integrated with industry‑standard MRP systems.

What we're looking for

• 8+ years in industrial/product design, including sheet metal and extrusion expertise
• Strong leadership with proven portfolio management and delivery success
• Expert SolidWorks user with PDM administration and MRP/ERP integration experience
• UK work authorisation and full driving licence for site visits

What you'll be doing

• Manage design intake, scheduling and delivery targets (≥95%) with real‑time dashboards.
• Oversee SolidWorks PDM vault and ensure seamless BOM integration with MRP (123 Insight).
• Lead stage‑gate reviews to achieve first‑time right releases ≥98% and ECN/ECO excellence.
• Apply lean engineering principles (DFMA/VA‑VE) to simplify assemblies and standardise parts.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and suppliers to maintain high quality and compliance.
• Develop design standards, SOPs, and mentor your team to raise delivery and technical standards.

Aligra has been established since 2007 and has since implemented supply partnerships with a number of the UK's leading logistics companies. Whilst we work across all industries, we specialise in recruitment and talent management for the Automotive & Engineering, Driving & Industrial, Hospitality and Professional & Executive sectors.