In-House Design Manager

In-House Design Manager

Full-Time 38250 - 46750 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Transform creative designs into real products, overseeing the entire process from concept to installation.
  • Company: Join an established international business with a focus on bespoke retail fixtures.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, enhanced pension, and private medical insurance.
  • Other info: Opportunity to develop CNC and 3D-printing capabilities in a dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of a hands-on role where your designs come to life and make a tangible impact.
  • Qualifications: Experience in retail fixtures, SolidWorks, and project management is essential.

The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.

Design Manager - Bespoke Retail Fixtures & Prototypes

Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10

£45,000 plus a bonus, enhanced pension, life, travel and private medical insurance

Want to see your designs become real products? We're looking for an experienced Design / Development professional to join an established international business and take ownership of exciting, bespoke retail fixture and prototype projects from concept through to manufacture and installation. This is a hands-on technical role – ideal for someone who understands how to turn a great design into something that can actually be manufactured, assembled and installed.

What you'll be doing:

  • Take bespoke retail fixtures and prototypes from concept → design → prototype → manufacture → installation
  • Work closely with designers, project managers, production teams and suppliers
  • Produce and review technical drawings and SolidWorks designs
  • Lead design-for-manufacture, materials and engineering decisions
  • Develop the in-house CNC and 3D-printing capability
  • Manage prototypes, costs, suppliers and production schedules
  • Support installation, site surveys and technical problem-solving
  • Work with major brands and retailers to deliver high-quality finished products

What we're looking for:

  • We're interested in people with a background in retail fixtures, shopfitting, bespoke manufacturing, joinery, model making, exhibition/display manufacture or prototype development.
  • You'll ideally have:
    • Strong SolidWorks / CAD experience
    • Knowledge of CNC and manufacturing processes
    • Experience with prototypes or bespoke products
    • Good understanding of design for manufacture
    • Experience taking projects through to production and/or installation
    • The ability to manage projects, suppliers, costs and deadlines
    • A practical, hands-on approach and the confidence to solve problems

Why consider it?

This isn't a role where your designs disappear into a computer. You'll be involved in the whole journey – from the initial idea through to a physical product being manufactured and installed. You'll also have the opportunity to help develop the company's CNC, 3D-printing and in-house production capabilities, making this a great opportunity for someone who enjoys both design and engineering. If you've got a background in retail design, shopfitting, bespoke manufacturing, prototyping or technical product development, we'd love to hear from you.

In-House Design Manager employer: Integral Recruitment Ltd

Join a family-run business in Norwich that prioritises a fantastic company culture and values each employee. As a Technical Service Manager, you will benefit from exceptional growth opportunities and a supportive leadership team, allowing you to make a significant impact on technical standards and engineering quality while enjoying a collaborative and rewarding work environment.

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Contact Details:

Integral Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land In-House Design Manager

✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups

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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 Integral Recruitment Ltd, 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 In-House Design Manager

SolidWorks
CAD
CNC Processes
Bespoke Manufacturing
Prototype Development
Design for Manufacture
Project Management

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 Integral Recruitment Ltd 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 Integral Recruitment Ltd

✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes

Before you walk into the interview with Integral Recruitment Ltd, 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 Integral Recruitment Ltd 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.