At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a design team to create innovative machinery solutions across various industries.
- Company: Award-winning specialist in bespoke control systems and factory automation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, generous holiday, pension, and private health insurance.
- Other info: Fully on-site role in Cheltenham with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of design in a growing business and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in mechanical design and proven leadership experience required.
My client, based between Cheltenham, is looking for an experienced engineering leader to head up their established design team.
About the Role: This is an opportunity to join an award-winning specialist in bespoke control systems and factory automation. They design, build and install manufacturing and packaging machinery, conveyors, robotics and vision inspection systems. This is a newly created position, set up to strengthen the existing team and drive continuous improvement across the department. Reporting to the Engineering Director, you will lead the design function and make sure it delivers practical, high-quality and commercially sound solutions, on time and on budget. You will stay hands-on with special purpose machinery design while taking overall responsibility for team performance, technical standards, resourcing and project delivery.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design special purpose machinery hands-on, across a range of industry sectors.
- Lead and support the team, giving clear direction and creating a positive, collaborative working environment.
- Plan and coordinate workload and resources, balancing priorities across multiple complex projects.
- Make sure design work is delivered to the required quality and within agreed timescales.
- Keep the Engineering Director updated on progress and risks.
- Maintain high engineering standards, making sure designs are accurate, safe and suitable for manufacture.
- Own continuous improvement, including design processes, standardisation and ways of working.
- Build strong links with project management, manufacturing, electrical, controls and procurement.
- Set individual and departmental goals and KPIs, and review progress regularly.
- Carry out annual and mid-year reviews, and identify training needs and development opportunities.
- Handle performance, attendance and conduct matters, including formal processes where needed.
Skills and Experience Required:
- 10+ years of mechanical design experience is essential.
- Proven experience leading or managing a design team is essential, including reviews and objective setting.
- Relevant industry background in automation, special purpose machinery, robotics or a similar environment.
- Strong working knowledge of 3D CAD, drawings, BOMs, design reviews and engineering standards.
- Experience managing complex projects from concept through to manufacture, assembly and commissioning.
This is a great opportunity for an experienced design leader to shape a department and play a key part in the next stage of a growing business.
Location: Cheltenham (fully on-site)
Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 DOE, plus up to £5,000 annual bonus
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits: Spot bonuses and awards, 21 days holiday plus Bank Holidays, additional holiday for long service, contributory pension, private health insurance for you, your partner and children, cycle to work scheme. The pension, health insurance and cycle scheme start after the probationary period.
Hours: Monday to Thursday 08:00 - 17:00, Friday 08:00 - 14:00
If you’re an experienced design leader looking for your next step, please respond with an up-to-date CV. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Design Manager employer: Billy Associates LTD
Billy Associates LTD is an exceptional employer located in Poole, UK, offering a dynamic work environment where precision and quality are paramount. With a strong emphasis on employee development and adherence to 5S/5C standards, we provide our CNC Machinists with opportunities for growth and skill enhancement in the aerospace sector. Join us to be part of a collaborative team that values innovation and excellence in manufacturing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Design Manager role you’re after at Billy Associates LTD.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Billy Associates LTD a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Billy Associates LTD.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Design Manager at Billy Associates LTD, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Design Manager, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Billy Associates LTD a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Billy Associates LTD specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Billy Associates LTD
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Billy Associates LTD, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Billy Associates LTD want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
