Design Manager

Head of Quality – Technical Design Manager (Engineering)

Job Level: Manager

Location:

Newton Abbot

The role is an exciting opportunity for a Technical Design Manager within a growing hydraulics and control services company. The incumbent will manage and oversee the Technical and Engineering departments in line with the Head of Site Engineering Solutions Centre, ensuring compliance with Health & Safety standards, maintaining budgets, and driving continuous operational improvement. The role also serves as the site specialist for CAD systems, hydraulic design, and fluid power applications, acting as the main point of contact for technical enquiries across the business.

• Manage Technical and Engineering teams to ensure timely delivery of tasks and efficient workflow management.
• Act as the site specialist for CAD systems, hydraulic design, and fluid power applications, providing technical support and guidance.
• Serve as the main point of contact for all technical enquiries, offering expert advice to internal departments and external customers.
• Develop, implement and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent technical department performance, quality and compliance.
• Maintain communication, follow‑up and progression of quotations, production schedules and service work to convert enquiries into orders whenever possible.
• Support the Workshop Manager in the day‑to‑day running of the workshop, acting as a key link between Workshop and Technical departments.
• Maintain customer expectations, including training and support, and conduct disciplinary investigations, appraisals and performance development plans when required.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably required to meet the changing needs of the organisation.
• Report as required within the area of responsibility.
• Ensure continuous professional development by participating in external networking, conferences, and professional groups.
• Maintain a positive, solution‑oriented approach, provide constructive feedback, and uphold a professional image of the Group.
• Take reasonable steps to ensure confidentiality.

Key relationships:

• Head of Engineering Solutions Centre
• Business Development Engineer
• Operations Manager
• Workshop Manager
• QI & Quality Engineer

Essential qualifications and experience:

• Advanced Engineering qualification.
• Proven Fluid Power / Hydraulic Engineering background with strong knowledge of hydraulic systems and applications, including power equipment, cylinders, pumps, valves and actuators.
• CAD experience in a hydraulic environment.
• Development & management experience of Sales, Technical, Engineering, Workshop and Service departments.
• Demonstrable people‑management skills within an engineering environment.
• Excellent communication skills at all business levels.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Quality skills and experience, with sound computer and systems knowledge.