Project Design Manager

JR United Kingdom; Huntingdonshire; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing and engineering company based in Huntingdon is seeking an experienced Project Design Manager to lead multiple product development projects. Ideal candidates will have substantial experience in a similar role, strong technical skills in SolidWorks, and the ability to manage design teams successfully. This permanent full-time role offers a competitive salary starting from £40,000 and the chance to shape design processes in a forward-thinking environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Career development opportunities

Diverse project portfolio

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in a Design Manager or similar role within manufacturing or engineering.
• Strong technical design background, particularly using SolidWorks.
• Clear experience managing design projects and teams to successful delivery.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple live design projects ensuring delivery to standard and on time.
• Lead and develop the in-house Design Team.
• Act as the primary point of contact for project-related design activities.

Skills

SolidWorks

Project management

Team leadership

Design for Manufacture

Tools

Engineering reviews

Tooling processes

Job description

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Project Design Manager - Product Development & Engineering
?? Based in Huntingdon (easily commutable from Cambridge, Peterborough, St Neots, Bedford, Ely, March, Stamford, Alconbury and surrounding areas)
?? Salary: From £40,000 per annum, with flexibility for highly experienced candidates
?? Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm

Our client, a well-established manufacturing and engineering business based in Huntingdon, is seeking an experienced Project Design Manager to lead their design function across multiple product development projects.

This is a senior-level opportunity for a candidate with proven experience managing design teams, delivering technically complex projects, and working closely with tooling, production, and external clients. The successful candidate will take full ownership of design planning, coordination, and execution while contributing hands-on using SolidWorks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage multiple live design projects, ensuring delivery to standard (e.g. EN, BIFMA) and on time
• Lead, support, and develop the in-house Design Team, including performance management and objective setting
• Act as the primary point of contact for project-related design activity, both internally and with customers
• Take part in engineering reviews and contribute to technical discussions with clients
• Use SolidWorks to design components and assemblies for manufacture
• Oversee the application of circular design, tooling, and DFM (Design for Manufacture) best practices
• Coordinate with sales, tooling, and production to ensure aligned and efficient design output
• Attend tooling trials and provide input as required
• Chair bi-weekly design meetings and conduct regular internal project updates
• Work from the Huntingdon site, with occasional travel to other company locations as needed

The Ideal Candidate:

• Substantial experience in a Design Manager, Project Design Lead, or similar role within manufacturing or engineering
• Strong technical design background, particularly using SolidWorks
• Excellent understanding of tooling processes, manufacturing methods, and production efficiency
• Clear experience managing design projects, teams, and timelines to successful delivery
• Confident in external meetings, customer communication, and cross-functional coordination
• Highly organised, technically competent, and capable of balancing project oversight with hands-on input

What's on Offer:

• Competitive base salary starting from £40,000+ (negotiable depending on experience - no upper limit for the right person)
• Permanent, full-time role with career stability and development opportunities
• Diverse and technically stimulating project portfolio
• Chance to shape design processes and outcomes in a forward-thinking engineering business

If you're an experienced Design Manager ready to take ownership of diverse and technically engaging projects, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now with your CV or contact us for a confidential discussion.

This vacancy is being advertised on behalf of Staffing Match who are operating as an employment business.