At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical design for complex products and mentor a talented design team.
- Company: Established UK engineering group known for innovative mechanical solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation support, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on engineering excellence and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of engineering with hands-on design and impactful projects.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in mechanical design, strong SolidWorks skills, and simulation experience.
A long-established UK engineering group with years of heritage, this organisation is known for designing and manufacturing large, complex, high-integrity mechanical products used across global industrial, defence, and energy markets. They operate their own machining facilities, producing precision-engineered castings, CNC-machined components, and heavy-duty assemblies. The business is extremely busy, growing, and investing heavily in engineering capability. This is a company where engineering still happens on the shop floor, not just behind a desk, and where design teams work closely with manufacturing, machining, testing, and customers to deliver robust, real-world solutions.
This is a senior, hands-on Design Manager position, ideal for someone who still enjoys modelling, drafting, problem-solving, and simulation work, while also leading a small but highly capable design team. You will take ownership of the full design lifecycle, from concept development through to manufacturing support, ensuring designs are safe, manufacturable, and optimised for heavy-duty industrial use.
Key Responsibilities- Lead Mechanical Design activities across complex engineered products and large-scale assemblies
- Produce 3D models and detailed drawings using SolidWorks
- Build and run FEA and CFD simulations to validate performance, stresses, and flow characteristics
- Provide technical leadership to a small design team, mentoring less experienced engineers
- Work closely with CNC machining, foundry, and production teams to ensure manufacturability
- Support lifting, handling, and installation considerations for large, heavy components
- Drive continuous improvement and bring new ideas, methods, and design approaches
- Manage engineering documentation, standards, and compliance requirements
- Minimum 10 years in mechanical design within heavy engineering, CNC machining, castings, or similar
- Strong background in SolidWorks, 3D modelling, and detailed drafting
- Proven ability to run FEA and CFD simulations
- Experience designing large components, lifting points, handling systems, or heavy assemblies
- Demonstrable experience in a Design Manager, Lead Engineer, or Senior Engineer role
- Comfortable being hands-on, practical, and closely involved with manufacturing teams
- Strong communicator with the confidence to challenge, improve, and innovate
- £65k-£75k salary, depending on experience
- Relocation support available for the right candidate
- Join a financially strong, extremely busy engineering group with long-term stability
- Work on large, technically challenging, high-integrity products
- A role where your ideas genuinely shape the engineering direction
- Opportunity to modernise processes, introduce new tools, and influence design strategy
- A company that values engineering excellence and invests in its people
- Experienced Design Manager
- Deep experience with CNC machining, castings, or heavy industrial products
- Strong analytical mindset with proven simulation capability
- Practical, grounded, and comfortable working around large engineered components
- Wants a role with variety, ownership, and real engineering challenge
Design Manager in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Hays Engineering
Join a long-established UK engineering group in the Stoke-on-Trent area, where you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to designing and manufacturing high-integrity mechanical products. This company not only offers competitive salaries and relocation support but also fosters a collaborative work culture that values innovation and continuous improvement, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and hands-on involvement in engineering processes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best design projects, simulations, and any innovative solutions you've implemented. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on technical questions related to SolidWorks, FEA, and CFD simulations. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience and how you've led teams in past roles. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Design Manager and the company's values.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your experience with SolidWorks and any simulations you've run. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your technical prowess!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Mention your hands-on experience and how you’ve led design teams in the past. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re not just looking for qualifications; we want to know who you are and how you approach challenges. Share your passion for engineering and design!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of getting noticed, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures it lands in the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Engineering
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your SolidWorks skills and be ready to discuss your experience with FEA and CFD simulations. The company is looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so being able to talk confidently about your past projects will really impress them.
✨Show Your Hands-On Experience
Since this role is all about being practical and involved with manufacturing teams, be prepared to share specific examples of how you've worked closely with production in the past. Highlight any instances where your designs have directly impacted manufacturability or efficiency.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Design Manager, you'll need to lead a small team. Think of times when you've mentored less experienced engineers or led a project. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you encourage innovation and continuous improvement within your team.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the company's design processes, their approach to continuous improvement, or how they integrate new tools into their workflow. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and eager to contribute to their engineering direction.
