Product Design Manager

DK Recruitment; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Plymouth is looking for a Design Manager to oversee their Product Design function. The role involves ensuring efficient design processes, managing a team of 10, and driving process improvements and automation. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership skills and experience in project management within engineering. The company offers a dynamic work environment with growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of process optimisation and automation methodologies.
• Experience leading process improvement initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and prioritisation of product design activities.
• Drive continuous improvement in the product design process.
• Manage projects from concept to realisation.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Strong leadership abilities

Proficiency in analytical tools

Ability to drive continuous improvement

Strategic thinking

Ability to work autonomously

Tools

Workflow management tools

Job description

Overview

DK Recruitment are working with a world-renowned, precision Engineering business based in Plymouth who are expanding their Engineering Management team. The business has a strong culture of innovation, professional growth and are offering an exciting career journey.

The position of Design Manager is to ensure the performance of the Product Design function supports the strategic direction of the business through 'fit for purpose' planning, skills and capacity requirements. You will be responsible for a team of 10 staff.

The role will be working within the existing Product Lifecycle Management approaches, this role will lead the evolution of the product design process to be more responsive, agile and robust. The focus will be on modernising and automating design, documentation, tooling, and instruction processes to enable timely, cost-effective, and profitable product realisation while upholding high-quality standards. This position will also support the strategic management of workflows, projects, and priorities within the function, driving continuous improvement and efficiency.

Key Role Responsibilities

• Planning to achieve OTD of design release to customer commitments
• Lead the planning and prioritisation of the product design team\'s activities, focusing on efficiency and innovation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the product design process, including the identification and implementation of automation opportunities.
• Project manage the development of new designs, ensuring processes are streamlined and quality is maintained.
• Develop, implement, and maintain guiding design rules for products and their realisation, with an emphasis on automation and standardisation.
• Oversee the generation of comprehensive product data packs, defining finished products and optimising steps throughout the product lifecycle through improved processes.
• Lead the validation and verification of designs, proactively managing risks associated with new processes and technologies.
• Modernise and support functions such as knowledge base development, calculations, documentation, and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) maintenance through automation and improved systems.
• Provide ongoing expert support to the wider business, disseminating knowledge, and leading problem-solving efforts with a focus on process enhancement.
• Develop and maintain close cooperation with all aspects of the business locally and at other sites to foster a culture of continuous improvement and digital transformation.

Experience, Knowledge & Skills required

Knowledge:

• Process optimisation and automation methodologies
• Project management and risk management
• Business processes and methods
• Quality assurance principles
• Understanding of design for manufacturing and assembly
• Familiarity with digital transformation in engineering

Experience:

• Leading process improvement or automation initiatives within an engineering or product development environment.
• Managing projects from concept to realisation.
• Implementing and maintaining design standards and procedures.
• Applying risk management techniques.
• Experience with workflow management and optimisation tools.

Skills:

• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and presentation).
• Strong leadership and team collaboration abilities.
• Ability to drive continuous improvement and embrace new technologies.
• Proficiency in analytical tools, statistical methods, and problem-solving techniques (e.g., 6 Sigma, 8D).
• Strategic thinking and ability to adapt quickly to new challenges.
• Ability to work autonomously and empower team members