At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical design for complex products and mentor a talented design team.
- Company: Established UK engineering group known for innovative manufacturing 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 leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 € per year.
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 Stafford employer: Hays
This long-established UK engineering group offers a dynamic and supportive work environment where innovation thrives. With a strong focus on engineering excellence, employees benefit from hands-on involvement in the design and manufacturing processes, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development. The company values its workforce, providing competitive salaries, relocation support, and a culture that encourages collaboration and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Stafford
✨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 mechanical design and 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.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Stafford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your mechanical design experience, especially with SolidWorks and FEA/CFD simulations, to show us you're the right fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about this position. Share specific examples of your past work that align with our needs, like leading design teams or working closely with manufacturing.
Showcase Your Hands-On Experience:Since we value practical experience, make sure to mention any hands-on projects you've worked on. Talk about how you’ve been involved in the full design lifecycle and how you’ve collaborated with production teams.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨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 and how you've tackled complex design challenges 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 when you've worked closely with production or machining teams. Highlight any instances where your hands-on approach led to successful outcomes in design and manufacturing.
✨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 taken charge of a project. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you foster collaboration within a team, as this will show that you're not just a great designer but also a capable leader.
✨Bring Ideas to the Table
The company values innovation and continuous improvement, so come prepared with ideas on how you could modernise processes or introduce new tools. This shows that you're proactive and ready to contribute to the company's growth, which is exactly what they're looking for in a candidate.
