At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a design team while managing innovative acoustic product development.
- Company: Join Wiltech Acoustics, part of Rehlko, a leader in acoustic engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Exciting growth phase with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of acoustic innovation and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management and strong knowledge of acoustic products required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Wiltech Acoustics — now proudly part of Rehlko (formerly Kohler Energy) — is entering an exciting phase of growth and investment. Now integrated into Rehlko’s global energy-resilience group, Wiltech continues to build on its reputation as a leading UK specialist in acoustic canopies, generator enclosures, and industrial noise-control engineering. Based in Loughborough, our manufacturing facility handles everything in-house — from raw material processing to welding, fabrication, painting, and full assembly of bespoke acoustic units. Joining Wiltech now means becoming part of a strengthened, well-funded and expanding organisation, with new opportunities created through the Rehlko transition.
Wiltech Acoustics have a vacancy for a proactive and experienced Design Manager to join our team.
Responsibilities
- Design Leadership & Team Management
- Design Team Leadership — Lead, mentor, and develop the design team, ensuring high-quality output, consistent standards, and strong technical capability.
- Workflow & Resource Planning — Allocate design resources, manage workloads, and ensure timely delivery of drawings, models, and documentation.
- Product Development & Innovation
- Product Development Oversight — Manage the full lifecycle of new acoustic products, from concept and prototyping to validation and production release.
- Innovation & R&D Support — Drive innovation by exploring new materials, acoustic technologies, and design approaches.
- Technical Design Management
- Technical Design Review — Approve detailed drawings, 3D models, acoustic simulations, and engineering documentation to ensure accuracy and manufacturability.
- Acoustic Performance Integration — Ensure all designs meet required acoustic performance criteria, collaborating with acoustic engineers for validation.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Manufacturing Collaboration — Work closely with production, engineering, procurement, and quality teams to ensure designs are feasible, cost-effective, and aligned with manufacturing capabilities.
- Customer-Driven Design Support — Translate customer requirements into technical design solutions, including bespoke acoustic products and custom manufacturing requests.
- Prototyping, Testing & Validation
- Prototyping Oversight — Lead prototype builds and coordinate acoustic and mechanical testing.
- Performance Validation — Validate acoustic performance, durability, and manufacturability before production release.
- Compliance, Standards & Documentation
- Design Compliance — Ensure all designs comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and internal quality procedures (ISO 9001, CE, fire ratings, acoustic standards).
- Documentation & Version Control — Maintain accurate BOMs, drawings, and technical documentation within current and future systems, PLM/ERP.
Experience
- Proven experience as a Design Manager, Senior Designer, or similar role in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of acoustic products, noise-control solutions, or engineered materials.
- Expertise in CAD software (SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar).
- Ability to interpret technical drawings, acoustic data, and engineering specifications.
- Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
- Experience with DFM, prototyping, and production processes.
- Knowledge of relevant standards (ISO 9001, CE, fire ratings, acoustic standards).
Qualifications
- Background in acoustic engineering, architectural acoustics, HVAC noise control, or industrial noise-reduction solutions.
- Experience with PLM/ERP systems and structured documentation control.
- Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
Design Manager employer: WB Power Services Ltd
Wiltech Acoustics, now part of Rehlko, offers an exceptional work environment in Loughborough, where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Design Manager, you will lead a talented team in a well-funded organisation that prioritises employee growth and development, while enjoying the benefits of working in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility dedicated to acoustic excellence. Join us to be part of a dynamic culture that values creativity and technical expertise, providing you with unique opportunities to shape the future of noise-control engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend design and engineering events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Design Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, bring along examples of your best work. Highlight projects that showcase your leadership in design and innovation, especially those related to acoustic products or noise-control solutions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s projects and values. Understand their approach to acoustic engineering and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested in joining their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s make your next career move a great one!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your design experience and any projects you've led. We want to see how you've managed teams and delivered high-quality designs in the past!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Design Manager role. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with our needs.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points for your achievements and responsibilities to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets to the right people quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at WB Power Services Ltd
✨Know Your Acoustic Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of acoustic products and noise-control solutions. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving innovative materials or technologies. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Show Off Your Leadership Skills
As a Design Manager, you'll need to lead and mentor a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on how you ensured high-quality output and maintained strong technical capabilities. Highlight any specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Get Familiar with CAD Software
Since expertise in CAD software like SolidWorks or Inventor is crucial, be prepared to discuss your experience with these tools. Bring along examples of your work, such as detailed drawings or 3D models, to demonstrate your skills and how they align with the role's requirements.
✨Understand Compliance and Standards
Familiarise yourself with relevant industry standards such as ISO 9001 and CE regulations. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in your previous roles, particularly in relation to design documentation and quality procedures. This will show that you take quality seriously and understand the importance of adhering to standards.
