Design Manager in Leicester

Permanent Role

Location: Old Dalby, LE14 3NQ

Salary: Depending on experience

At KS Composites, we are a leading independent manufacturer of high-performance composite and GRP products. Working across industries including Formula One, automotive, aerospace, marine, and rail, we deliver precision-engineered solutions to some of the most demanding environments in the world. Driven by innovation and a passion for solving complex challenges, we remain at the forefront of composites technology.

The Design Manager will act as the central communication point for the engineering and design function, ensuring clear alignment between departments and supporting the efficient delivery of projects. The role is responsible for prioritising workloads, managing team performance, and developing the capability of the engineering team within a fast-paced composites environment. This is a hands-on management role, suited to someone who can balance day-to-day delivery with people leadership and process improvement. The position is currently at manager level, with the opportunity to grow into a Head of Department role as the business expands.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the key interface between engineering, production, and wider business functions.
• Ensure clear, consistent communication of priorities, timelines, and project updates.
• Translate business needs into actionable engineering tasks.
• Lead regular team and cross-functional meetings.
• Plan and prioritise engineering and design activities across multiple projects.
• Allocate resources effectively to meet delivery deadlines.
• Monitor progress and adjust priorities where required.
• Identify and resolve bottlenecks in workflow.
• Provide day-to-day leadership to the design and engineering team.
• Support individual development through coaching and mentoring.
• Identify skills gaps and implement training plans.
• Contribute to recruitment and onboarding activities.
• Develop and improve engineering processes and workflows.
• Drive efficiency and consistency across the department.
• Support the development of scalable systems as the team grows.

Performance Management

• Conduct regular 1:1s and formal performance reviews.
• Set clear objectives aligned with business priorities.
• Provide constructive feedback and support improvement.
• Manage performance issues where required.
• Ensure engineering outputs meet required quality and technical standards.
• Work closely with production to support design-for-manufacture.
• Provide guidance on technical challenges where needed.

Future scope may include:

• Department strategy and structure
• Recruitment and succession planning
• Budget ownership
• Senior leadership contribution

The Candidate

• Experience in an engineering or design leadership role (or ready to step into one).
• Eligibility to work in the UK, no sponsorship will be offered.
• Strong organisational and workload management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management ability.
• Experience conducting performance reviews and developing teams.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, delivery-focused environment.
• Composites or manufacturing experience desirable.
• Hands-on and pragmatic approach.
• Strong communicator and natural coordinator.
• Proactive and solution-focused.
• Comfortable balancing structure with flexibility.
• Team-oriented with a focus on development.

Why Join KS Composites?

Youll be part of a business operating at the forefront of advanced composites, contributing to high-profile, technically challenging projects. We offer a collaborative, forward-thinking environment where your skills are valued and your impact is visible.