At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development from concept to launch and drive continuous improvement.
- Company: Join a successful UK manufacturing business with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, early finishes, and generous holiday leave.
- Other info: Genuine career progression opportunities to Director level.
- Why this job: Shape future product innovation and make a real impact in engineering.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in managing product development and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
ATA Recruitment are representing a highly successful and growing UK manufacturing business that designs and produces engineered systems used across a wide range of industrial environments. With a turnover of over £30 million and backing from a global group, the organisation combines financial stability with ambitious growth plans, targeting double-digit expansion year-on-year.
Based at a modern manufacturing facility, the business delivers high-quality engineered solutions through in-house design, fabrication, and assembly capabilities, supported by a skilled field service team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Engineering Design Manager to take ownership of product development strategy, drive continuous improvement, and lead a talented multi-disciplinary engineering team. You will play a key role in shaping future product innovation while enhancing development processes and delivering measurable business impact.
The Role
As Engineering Design Manager, you will lead the design and development function across new and existing product ranges, ensuring delivery aligns with business strategy, customer needs, and operational excellence. You will play a critical role in driving structured product development processes, improving efficiency, and ensuring projects meet key stage-gate milestones from concept through to launch.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage product development programmes from concept to launch
- Own and drive a structured stage-gate development process (Idea → Concept → Feasibility → Design → Qualification → Launch)
- Prioritise engineering projects based on commercial value, feasibility, and strategic impact
- Improve design efficiency while maintaining quality and manufacturability standards
- Oversee Design for Manufacture (DFM) and ensure operational readiness
- Support sales teams with technical input on product applications and bespoke solutions
- Present performance metrics and development updates to senior leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop a skilled engineering team (Product Development, R&D & DFM)
About the Business
You'll be joining a UK-based manufacturing business that designs and produces engineered systems used across a wide range of industrial applications. Approx. £30m+ turnover with strong profitability. Backed by an international group with continued investment. Significant growth plans with a target of double-digit annual growth. Modern manufacturing facility with in-house fabrication, assembly, and engineering capability.
The Team
You'll lead a collaborative engineering function including:
- Product Development Engineers
- R&D Engineers
- Design for Manufacture specialists
Career Opportunity
This role offers genuine progression potential—whether you're looking to establish yourself long-term at management level or develop into a future Engineering or Technical Director.
What We're Looking For
We're seeking a confident, influential leader who can combine technical expertise with strong project and team management capability.
Essential Experience
- Proven experience managing product development programmes
- Background in engineering design within manufacturing (e.g. fabrication, sheet metal, mechanical systems)
- Experience working with structured NPI or stage-gate processes
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to hold teams accountable and drive performance
- Experience working cross-functionally with operations, sales, and supply chain
Desirable Experience
- Experience with Autodesk Inventor or similar CAD systems
- Understanding of DFM, cost control, and lifecycle management
- Exposure to technical/commercial decision-making
- Experience presenting at senior/board level
Key Skills
- Strong leadership and team development
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management
- Commercial awareness and analytical thinking
- Process-driven, structured mindset
- Ability to drive change and continuous improvement
Salary & Benefits
Salary: £60,000 – £75,000. Hybrid working: 1–2 days from home. Early Friday finish (12:45pm). 25 days holiday + bank holidays + birthday leave. Enhanced pension and healthcare benefits. Career progression opportunities to Director level.
ATA Recruitment are working exclusively with this client we will be conducting a short list starting today, we will conduct the 1st interview over the phone, and the successful candidates will then be forwarded to our client with our recommendation. If you wish to be considered for this opportunity then please respond with your intention as we are looking to fill this role in the not-so-distant future, you will then be contacting by one of our Recruitment Consultant who will be able to provide more details.
Engineering Design Manager in Telford employer: ATA Recruitment
Join a dynamic and rapidly growing UK manufacturing business that offers a supportive and innovative work environment for an Engineering Design Manager. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to lead a talented team, drive product innovation, and enjoy benefits such as hybrid working, generous holiday allowances, and clear pathways for career progression to senior leadership roles. The company's commitment to continuous improvement and investment in its workforce makes it an exceptional employer in the West Midlands.
