Product Design Manager

Centre for Process Innovation Limited; Sedgefield; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative research and development organization in Sedgefield seeks an experienced Product Design Manager to lead a team in delivering complex projects. This hybrid role combines technical leadership, strategic planning, and team management. Candidates should possess significant expertise in product design, strong communication skills, and a relevant degree. The position offers generous benefits, including up to 36 days of holiday.

Benefits

Up to 36 days holiday

Life assurance and accident insurance schemes

Qualifications

• Significant industrial experience at a senior level.
• Experience in managing teams within an operational environment delivering complex technical projects.
• Demonstrable experience in performance management and strategic planning.

Responsibilities

• Leading and developing a high-performance team.
• Managing project delivery and resource planning.
• Acting as technical lead on complex product design projects.

Skills

Technical expertise in product design

Leadership

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

HNC / Foundation Degree in a Scientific/Engineering discipline

Job description

£50,000 - £66,000 per annum - dependent on experience

CPI helps make great ideas and inventions areality. We’re ateam of intelligent people using advances in science and technology to solve the biggest global challenges in healthcare and sustainability.

Through our incredible people and innovation infrastructure, we collaborate with our partners in industry, academia, government, and the investment community to accelerate the development and commercialisation of innovative products.

From health technologies and pharmaceuticals to sustainable food and materials innovations, we turn the entrepreneurial spirit and radical thinking of our people and partners into incredible impact that makes our world abetter place.

Hybrid Working

We’re embracing hybrid working to build ahappier, more productive, and environmentally conscious workplace. Discover more about our new flexible working approach.

Why this role is important for CPI’s work

At CPI , we enable the translation of bright ideas into revolutionary products and processes. Our Product Design team plays apivotal role in shaping the future of advanced manufacturing and device innovation.

We are pleased to announce that we now have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Product Design Manager to join our established and growing product design team to provide high-level technical leadership and manage ateam of up to 8 specialists, supporting them in the delivery of complex, high-impact projects. The successful individual will act as atechnical authority, shaping strategy, driving innovation, and ensuring delivery excellence across collaborative and commercial R & D programmes.

The Role

Key tasks in the role will include (but are not limited to the below). Please download the full job description on the CPI Careers page :

• Leading and developing a high‑performing team, setting clear objectives and providing coaching and feedback
• Managing project delivery, resource planning, and feeding into CAPEX and OPEX budgeting
• Acting as technical lead on complex product design projects, offering expert guidance and innovative solutions
• Translating market strategy into actionable plans and OKRs
• Building and maintaining external stakeholder networks to identify new opportunities
• Supporting with bid development and customer engagement with technical insight
• Ensuring compliance with SHE, GMP, and quality standards
• Maintaining accurate documentation of technical data and decisions

The person we are seeking

The successful candidate should be educated to a minimum of HNC / Foundation Degree (or equivalent) in a Scientific/Engineering discipline plus significant industrial experience at a senior leveland;

• Have significant technical expertise in product design and device technology
• Possess experience in managing teams within an operational environment delivering complex technical projects
• Hold strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Have demonstratable experience in performance management and strategic planning

It would also be advantageous if the successful candidate had a supervisory or management qualification and;

• Chartered status with a relevant professional institution
• Have engagement with professional networks or bodies

If you are someone who thrives in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment and is passionate about leading innovation in product design, then this could be the role for you!

What does CPI offer you?

At CPI , we offer a wide range of benefits to our employees, this includes:

• Up to 36 days holiday, including bank holidays – Plus a holiday purchasing scheme
• Life assurance and accident insurance schemes

Please note that this role will require a minimum of 2 days per week on site at Sedgefield

CPI is an organisation based in the UK. Commencement of employment is conditional to demonstrating right to work in the UK, sponsorship may be available.