At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design projects and mentor engineers in creating innovative food industry products.
- Company: Dynamic company in the food processing sector with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, 25 days holiday, and career development.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and travel within a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in product design while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience; SolidWorks proficiency required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 € per year.
We are seeking an experienced Head of Design to lead our Design Department in developing high-quality, innovative, and commercially competitive products for the food industry. The role combines hands-on design with leadership responsibilities, mentoring engineers, and driving continuous improvement across design processes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the creation of 3D parts and assemblies in SolidWorks, producing comprehensive manufacturing drawing packs, including BOMs, laser profiles, and work orders.
- Develop and implement design standards, processes, and best practices to ensure consistency, efficiency, and compliance with legislation and company standards.
- Review and approve drawings, conduct design reviews, and ensure data quality across the team.
- Plan and coordinate the daily activities of the design team, providing guidance and resolving technical queries.
- Mentor and develop junior engineers, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
- Work closely with Project Engineers to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to quality standards.
- Capture design changes from manufacturing, installation, or commissioning and incorporate them into future designs.
- Liaise with customers and suppliers for design reviews, approvals, and sourcing of materials and components.
- Conduct site visits for surveys and customer liaison.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and improvements in manufacturing processes and product designs.
- Support cross-functional teams with technical expertise and contribute to departmental KPIs and performance monitoring.
Requirements:
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
- Proven senior design engineering experience in a manufacturing environment, including transferring bespoke designs into production.
- Experience leading or mentoring a design team and delivering projects to schedule, budget, and quality requirements.
- Proficiency in SolidWorks 3D and AutoCAD 2D; experience with sheet metal and fabrication design desirable.
- Knowledge of the food processing equipment industry advantageous.
Skills & Attributes:
- Strong problem-solving, organisational, and time-management skills.
- Ability to generate innovative, technically differentiated solutions.
- Understanding of system integration and business impact of design decisions.
- Excellent communication skills for cross-functional and external collaboration.
- Willingness to travel and work flexible hours, including occasional weekends.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary £65,000 – £75,000 + performance-based bonus
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Pension scheme
- Professional development and career progression opportunities
Head of Design in Cambridge employer: White Label Recruitment Ltd
Join a forward-thinking company in Cambridge that values innovation and excellence in the food industry. As the Head of Design, you will not only lead a talented team but also enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and career progression. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to continuous improvement, this role offers a rewarding opportunity for those looking to make a significant impact in mechanical engineering.
Contact Detail:
White Label Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mechanical engineering field, especially those who might know about openings for a Head of Design. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best design projects, especially those involving SolidWorks and manufacturing processes. This will give you an edge when discussing your experience during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Be ready to discuss how your leadership style can foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within their design team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Design role. Highlight your experience in mechanical engineering and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Share specific examples of your design experience and how you’ve led teams to success. Remember, we love innovation, so let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role involves SolidWorks and AutoCAD, make sure to mention your proficiency with these tools. If you have experience with sheet metal and fabrication design, definitely include that too. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running!
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values!
How to prepare for a job interview at White Label Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Design Tools Inside Out
Make sure you're well-versed in SolidWorks and AutoCAD. Brush up on your skills and be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used these tools. Being able to talk about your hands-on experience will show that you’re not just a leader but also a capable designer.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've mentored junior engineers or led a design team. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you resolved them. This will demonstrate your ability to foster a collaborative environment and drive continuous improvement.
✨Understand the Food Industry
Familiarise yourself with the food processing equipment industry. Be ready to discuss trends, challenges, and innovations. Showing that you understand the market will set you apart and prove that you can lead the design department effectively.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about design standards, processes, and compliance. Review relevant legislation and best practices in mechanical engineering. Being prepared to discuss how you ensure data quality and efficiency will highlight your expertise and attention to detail.