Project Design Manager

White Recruitment Construction; England; Hybrid; GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm is seeking a Project Design Manager to lead their engineering team in Kettering with hybrid working options. This role involves managing multi-disciplinary engineering projects, ensuring design compliance, and driving process improvements. The ideal candidate has strong experience in automation and mechanical design with proficiency in AutoCAD. Competitive salary of up to £70,000 plus benefits offered.

Benefits

Salary up to £70,000

£5,000 car allowance

Private medical cover

Hybrid working options

Clear progression path towards Head of Engineering

Exciting, high-impact automation projects

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing engineering design teams within automation, machinery, or capital equipment sectors.
• Strong knowledge of AutoCAD, CE/UKCA standards, and mechanical system design.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop the Project Design Engineering team, setting standards for technical excellence and delivery.
• Oversee project design documentation, ensuring CE/UKCA compliance.
• Review design calculations and provide technical guidance across mechanical systems.
• Collaborate closely with Controls, Procurement, Installation, and Project Management teams.
• Drive improvements in engineering processes, documentation, and design quality.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Mechanical system design

Knowledge of CE/UKCA standards

AutoCAD

Education

Degree or HND/HNC in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Project Design Manager – Northamptonshire (Hybrid)

Salary: Up to £70,000 + £5,000 car allowance + private medical
Location: Kettering | Hybrid working (minimum 2 days per week on site)

Lead cutting-edge automation projects and take your engineering career to the next level.

We’re representing a market-leading provider of automated materials handling and warehouse systems who design, integrate, and support complex automation and control solutions for clients across the UK.

They’re looking for a Project Design Manager to lead a talented team delivering multi-disciplinary engineering projects – ensuring designs meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and performance.

What’s in it for you

• Salary up to £70,000 + £5,000 car allowance

• Private medical cover

• Hybrid and flexible working options

• Employee-owned organisation with a strong people culture

• Clear progression path towards Head of Engineering

• Exciting, high-impact automation projects in logistics and materials handling

Your role

• Manage and develop the Project Design Engineering team, setting standards for technical excellence and delivery

• Oversee project design documentation, ensuring CE/UKCA compliance

• Review design calculations and provide technical guidance across mechanical systems

• Collaborate closely with Controls, Procurement, Installation, and Project Management teams

• Drive improvements in engineering processes, documentation, and design quality

What we’re looking for

• Degree or HND/HNC in Mechanical Engineering or similar discipline

• Proven experience managing engineering design teams within automation, machinery, or capital equipment sectors

• Strong knowledge of AutoCAD, CE/UKCA standards, and mechanical system design

• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills