At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the CAD department, ensuring smooth project flow from design to manufacture.
- Company: Established solid surface fabrication company with a fun and professional culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company vehicle, generous holiday allowance, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in a leading industry.
- Qualifications: Experience managing CAD teams and strong understanding of manufacturing processes.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 40000 £ per year.
My client is a leading solid surface fabrication company that has been established over 35 years, during which they have amassed a wealth of knowledge, experience and achieved various accreditations from brand leaders.
Their UK wide client base includes recognisable retail and commercial names and as a result, their large-scale installation logistics network reflects this.
An innovative company at the forefront of their industry with a fun and friendly but professional working environment.
Their small but formidable team is a huge part of their success, and they are seeking enthusiastic, dedicated and ambitious CAD Engineer who wants to make a difference and help them achieve their goals.
THE ROLE:
The purpose of this role is to lead and manage the CAD department, ensuring the smooth flow of projects from template through to manufacture.
Working closely with the Operations Manager and Managing Director, the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing CAD priorities, supporting the fabrication team, and maintaining high technical and production standards across all projects.
Key duties and responsibilities include
- Managing and overseeing the day-to-day operation of the CAD department, including supporting and supervising two CAD team members.
- Prioritising CAD workload in line with production schedules, project deadlines, and operational requirements.
- Working closely with the Operations Manager and Managing Director to ensure projects progress efficiently through production.
- Ensuring the processing of all templates is carried out accurately, efficiently, and within required timescales.
- Converting digital files into accurate approval drawings for customer sign-off.
- Producing detailed fabrication drawings and workshop paperwork for the factory team.
- Programming jobs for CNC production.
- Clearly highlighting all critical production information including dimensions, joints, edge details, cut-outs, support requirements, and installation details for shop floor operatives.
- Reading and interpreting commercial, architectural, and joinery drawings to extract all relevant manufacturing information and ensure no details are missed.
- Reviewing project specifications and construction drawings to identify technical issues, discrepancies, or potential production risks prior to manufacture.
- Ensuring all relevant information is accurately transferred from drawings and specifications into internal production systems and fabrication paperwork.
- Maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, particularly on complex and time-sensitive projects.
- Acting as a key technical point of contact for internal departments, customers, and installation teams to resolve specification and production queries.
- Supporting the smooth coordination between CAD, fabrication, and installation teams to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and to a high standard.
- Maintaining fastidious and accurate record keeping within the company's central production system.
- Driving consistency, organisation, and high standards throughout the CAD department and wider production process.
- THE CANDIDATE
- Previous experience managing or mentoring a small CAD or technical team.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and fabrication methods.
- Ability to interpret architectural, construction, and joinery drawings accurately.
- Experience producing detailed workshop/manufacturing drawings for production environments.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve technical issues proactively.
- Ability to prioritise workload effectively in line with production and installation deadlines.
- Commercial awareness with an understanding of material optimisation and manufacturing efficiency.
- Experience working within a fast-paced manufacturing or project-driven environment.
- Confident decision-making skills and the ability to work under pressure.
- Knowledge of CNC manufacturing processes and machining principles.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple live projects simultaneously.
- Ability to communicate technical information clearly to both office staff and shop floor operatives.
- Proactive approach with a continuous improvement mindset toward systems and processes.
- Full UK driving licence advantageous.
THE BENEFITS:
Salary: £38,000 - £40,000
21 days holiday plus Bank Holidays and 5 holiday buy scheme
Company Vehicle
Pension
THE CONSULTANCY:
Edwards & Pearce acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers.
Edwards & Pearce is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
TPBN1_UKTJ
Head of CAD in London employer: All The Top Bananas
My Four Wheels is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career as a Trainee Driving Instructor with flexible working hours and the potential to earn up to £50,000+ annually. With comprehensive training provided through our new Training Academy, employees benefit from ongoing support and resources, ensuring a fulfilling journey towards becoming a qualified instructor while enjoying the satisfaction of teaching locally in Westfield, Surrey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of CAD in London
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like All The Top Bananas, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of CAD in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to All The Top Bananas specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with All The Top Bananas, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like All The Top Bananas value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.