Lead Design Engineer​/Manager

Our client is the UK's market leader in the manufacture of customer-focused vehicles mounted equipment. We are seeking a Lead Principal Design Engineer / Manager to take ownership of the mechanical design function at a management level reporting into the Technical Director. This is a lead role, managing a small mechanical design team while remaining technically “hands‑on” to ensure the design and engineering integrity of every vehicle that leaves the site.

As the Lead Design Engineer, you must have fabrication expertise in sheet metal and plate work ideally.

The primary challenge in this role is to address a critical departmental bottleneck: designs are currently transitioning to production without fully engineered drawings.

We need a structural specialist with a management mindset who can overhaul design standards and implement the necessary discipline to ensure every CAD release is 100% manufacture‑ready. You will introduce the structure and technical standards (BS8888) required to ensure that complex mechanical designs move seamlessly from concept to the job‑shop floor.

• Design and develop concepts and prototypes, and feasibility modeling.
• Create and oversee comprehensive part, assembly, and installation drawings; act as final gatekeeper for quality, cost, and performance targets.
• Manage a small team of designers, focusing on professional development and mentoring them in technical standards, fabrication logic, and industry best practices.
• Manage the full design lifecycle – from concept and BOM management to engineering change (ECN) and release workflows.
• Work closely with the Technical Director and production teams to optimise designs for sheet‑metal and platework fabrication.
• Actively research and implement new technologies and error‑proofing techniques to improve vehicle performance and manufacturability.

• Heavy‑dose background in sheet metal and platework; understand how metal behaves during folding, welding, and assembly processes.
• Experience with in vehicle manufacturing is a significant advantage.
• Expert‑level proficiency in Solid Works.
• Ability to use risk‑mitigation tools and continuous improvement (CI) methodologies to prevent design failures before they reach production.
• Deep understanding of BS8888 / GD&T drawing standards and safety policies within a manufacturing environment.

• Degree in Engineering or Manufacturing preferred.

This is an opportunity to move into a management‑level position where you aren’t just maintaining a system, but actively building it. You will have the autonomy to define the “Gold Standard” for a market leader and see your engineering decisions reflected in high‑value vehicles on the road.

Competitive salary up to £65,000 per annum, free on‑site parking, and a direct reporting line to the Technical Director.