Design Office Manager

Design Office Manager Salary/Rate: £Competitive + Private Health Insurance Hailsham, East Sussex Design Office Manager We supply specialist equipment designed and manufactured in-house for the Advanced Materials industry, our technology is sold throughout the world and offers customers research or production scale machines to process feedstock material into a range of high value-added products for the aerospace, defence, and general engineering sectors. Role Description This is a fantastic office-based opportunity for a proven leader to take ownership of the design function, ensuring technical excellence, whilst developing a high-performing team working on both new and existing projects. This is an exciting opportunity to step into a leadership role. If you have strong management skills, technical expertise, and experience liaising with production teams, please submit your CV and a cover letter. Main Duties and Responsibilities * Lead, manage, and develop a team of designers. * Provide hands-on leadership, coaching, and support to ensure the team delivers highquality, creative, and technically sound designs. * Oversee and review designs to ensure all safety, fabrication, and installation requirements are met. * Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest technical standards. * Work closely with the production team to ensure designs are optimised for manufacturing efficiency and installation. * Attend meetings with customers, suppliers, and internal teams to align design solutions with project requirements. * Collaborate across departments to drive cost-effective and efficient design for manufacture and installation. * Work closely with R&D and commercial teams to ensure design requirements are captured and flow down into the design. Skills & Experience * Proven experience managing a design team in a manufacturing or construction-related industry. * Proficiency in CAD software. * A detail-orientated and disciplined approach to design. * Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a team. * Experience working closely with production and manufacturing teams to ensure designs are practical and efficient for fabrication. The role is based at our Hailsham site but may involve occasional UK travel and short overseas visits in support of our worldwide customer base. Due to the nature of the work this role cannot be fulfilled by working on a remote basis. Essentials: Full UK Driving Licence and ability to travel globally as required Working Hours: 37.5 hour working week Holiday entitlement: 25 days Plus, Bank holidays Job Type: Permanent Start Date: Immediate Contract Length: Permanent