Product Design Manager

CandidCapture.net; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading precision engineering company in Plymouth is seeking a Design Manager to enhance their Product Design function. The successful candidate will lead a team of 10, focusing on modernisation and automation of design processes while ensuring quality and efficiency. Ideal candidates will have experience in process optimisation, project management, and a robust understanding of engineering practices.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and prioritisation of the product design team's activities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the product design process.
• Project manage the development of new designs, ensuring streamlined processes.

Skills

Process optimisation and automation methodologies

Project management and risk management

Excellent communication skills

Strong leadership and team collaboration abilities

Proficiency in analytical tools

Strategic thinking

Job description

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.

Knowledge, Experience & Skills

• 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.