Senior CAD Designer & Business Operations Lead

Senior CAD Designer & Business Operations Lead

Full-Time 50000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Live Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead CAD design and business operations for exciting live events and projects.
  • Company: Established company with 40 years in innovative staging and temporary structures.
  • Benefits: 25 days holiday, pension, flexible working, and direct mentorship from industry leaders.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with clear pathways to leadership and career growth.
  • Why this job: Step into a senior role with real impact on high-profile international projects.
  • Qualifications: Strong background in technical design and CAD/AutoCAD software required.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.

Office-based during probation; thereafter hybrid with flexibility depending on experience and tenure. Some roles are defined by what you deliver. This one is defined by where it takes you: a succession‑planning appointment at director level, working alongside the current leadership team before stepping into a permanent seat at the senior table.

A structured pathway to Technical or Design Director and a place on the senior management team. Direct mentorship from experienced Technical and Design Directors, rare at this level. Exposure to high‑profile live events, major staging projects and international technical design work. 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, workplace pension, and genuine flexibility post‑probation.

The Company: This business has been designing, manufacturing and delivering staging and temporary structures for four decades, working across festivals, large‑scale sporting events and international brand activations. The technical work is genuinely innovative, and with design, operations, sales and finance all in‑house, collaboration is built into how things get done.

The Role: As Senior CAD Designer and Business Operations Lead you will embed yourself at the heart of a busy technical design function, working across the full project lifecycle from concept through to delivery.

  • Support design and delivery of staging and temporary structures across live events, utilising your expert knowledge of CAD/AutoCAD software.
  • Work closely with Technical and Design Directors on project strategy.
  • Contribute to procurement and supply chain management for UK and international projects.
  • Collaborate with operations, manufacturing and project management teams.
  • Build commercial and regulatory knowledge ahead of a leadership transition.

The Candidate: The right candidate for this position will bring a solid foundation in technical design, structural or engineering disciplines with expert knowledge of CAD/AutoCAD software, ideally gained within live events, staging, temporary structures, construction or a related manufacturing environment.

  • Technical design, structural design background at a strong mid‑to‑senior level.
  • Experience delivering complex projects across multiple teams and functions.
  • Commercially aware and comfortable taking ownership of large‑scale work.

Experience with temporary structures standards is beneficial but not essential, as is a background in festivals, sports or entertainment. What matters most is genuine ambition for technical leadership and a readiness to learn from some of the most experienced people in the industry.

In return, the Senior CAD Designer and Business Operations Lead will receive a senior‑level package commensurate with experience, a strong benefit set and a development pathway with real substance behind it. This is a well‑timed opportunity for a technical design professional ready to step into operational leadership.

Live values diversity and promotes equality across our business. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of background, and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments you may need throughout the process.

Senior CAD Designer & Business Operations Lead employer: Live Recruitment

Live Recruitment is an exceptional employer that champions a flexible hybrid working model, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life while managing exciting live event projects. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide ample opportunities for career growth in a supportive and dynamic environment, making it an ideal place for those looking to thrive in the events sector.

Live Recruitment

Contact Details:

Live Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior CAD Designer & Business Operations Lead

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 Senior CAD Designer & Business Operations Lead role you’re after at Live Recruitment.

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 Live Recruitment 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 Live Recruitment.

Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Senior CAD Designer & Business Operations Lead at Live Recruitment, 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 Senior CAD Designer & Business Operations Lead

CAD/AutoCAD Software Expertise
Technical Design Knowledge
Structural Design Background
Project Lifecycle Management
Collaboration Skills
Procurement and Supply Chain Management
Commercial Awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior CAD Designer & Business Operations Lead, 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 Live Recruitment 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 Live Recruitment 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 Live Recruitment

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with Live Recruitment, 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 Live Recruitment 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.