A well-established and highly respected manufacturing business in Sheffield is seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead their technical team. This company is known for its commitment to engineering excellence, product innovation, and high-quality manufacturing. They provide a fast-paced, collaborative environment where continuous improvement and professional development are actively encouraged.
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Job Title: Design Manager at a Leading Manufacturing Business (UK)
Full Time, Permanent
📍 Location: Sheffield, UK 🇬🇧
Company: Confidential (Well-Established Manufacturing Business)
Salary: £54,000 – £63,000 per annum + Benefits
Apply nowPosition Overview: Design Manager
This is a key leadership role within the organisation, responsible for driving technical excellence and managing a multi-disciplinary design team. As Design Manager, you will take full ownership of the design function, overseeing projects from concept through to production. You will ensure that designs are technically robust, commercially viable, and aligned with customer and regulatory requirements. You will work cross-functionally with Production, Operations, Sales, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure a smooth transition from design into manufacture, while continuously improving processes and standards within the department.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be entrusted with the following leadership and technical duties:
- Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of design engineers and technical staff, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
- Product Development Lifecycle: Oversee the full product development lifecycle from initial concept through to successful production launch.
- Technical & Commercial Oversight: Ensure all designs meet stringent performance, cost, quality, and compliance requirements. Manage design budgets, resources, and project timelines effectively.
- Process Improvement: Drive innovation and continuous improvement across all design processes, implementing best practice, governance, and robust change control.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Review and approve technical drawings and specifications. Collaborate directly with customers and stakeholders to translate complex requirements into practical technical solutions.
- Manufacturing Support: Provide expert technical support to manufacturing teams during production phases to resolve issues and ensure design for manufacture (DFM) principles are upheld.
Candidate Requirements (Mandatory)
| Requirement Category | Specific Qualification |
|---|---|
| Experience | Proven experience in a Design Manager or senior design leadership position within a manufacturing or engineering environment. |
| Technical Background | Strong technical background, ideally with a degree in Engineering or a related discipline. Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and DFM principles. |
| Team Management | Demonstrable experience managing and developing multi-disciplinary design teams. |
| Software & Systems | Experience with modern CAD systems and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools. |
| Project Management | Strong project management, organisational skills, and commercial awareness to balance technical excellence with cost control. |
| Communication | Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, able to liaise effectively across all levels of the business and with external clients. |
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal Design Manager for this role will be:
- A commercially aware design leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and is motivated by product innovation.
- A practical and strategic thinker, capable of overseeing complex projects while continuously seeking ways to improve team performance and design processes.
- A collaborative mentor who enjoys developing talent and working cross-functionally to achieve business goals.
- Detail-oriented and standards-focused, ensuring all designs comply with relevant industry regulations and company quality benchmarks.
What’s on Offer
- Competitive Salary: A salary package ranging from £54,000 to £63,000 per annum, commensurate with experience.
- Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package accompanying the permanent role.
- Impactful Role: A key leadership position with direct influence on product innovation and manufacturing success in a respected company.
- Professional Growth: Excellent opportunities for further career development within a stable, forward-thinking organisation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What type of products does the company manufacture?
The job description focuses on “engineered products” in a manufacturing context. The specific sector (e.g., industrial machinery, consumer goods, automotive components) is not detailed, but the role requires broad experience in design for manufacture.
2. How many people will I be managing?
As a Design Manager, you will lead a multi-disciplinary design team. The exact size would be confirmed during the interview process, but it implies responsibility for several design engineers and technical staff.
3. Is this a hands-on design role or purely managerial?
This is a hybrid leadership role. While you will have overall responsibility and will review designs and approve drawings, the core function is managing the team and process. However, a strong technical background is essential to provide credible leadership.
4. What does “commercially aware” mean in this context?
It means you understand that design decisions have financial implications. You must be able to balance creating the best technical solution with cost control, ensuring designs are profitable and aligned with business goals.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced Design Manager or senior design leader ready to drive innovation and technical excellence in a respected Sheffield manufacturer, we encourage you to apply.
Submit your application via the original listing:
👉 Apply for Design Manager Position