Engineering Design Manager

Engineering Design Manager

West Midlands | £60,000 – £75,000 + Benefits | Hybrid Working

ATA Recruitment are representing a highly successful and growing UK manufacturing business that designs and produces engineered systems used across a wide range of industrial environments. With a turnover of over £30 million and backing from a global group, the organisation combines financial stability with ambitious growth plans, targeting double-digit expansion year-on-year.

Based at a modern manufacturing facility, the business delivers high-quality engineered solutions through in-house design, fabrication, and assembly capabilities, supported by a skilled field service team.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Engineering Design Manager to take ownership of product development strategy, drive continuous improvement, and lead a talented multi-disciplinary engineering team. You will play a key role in shaping future product innovation while enhancing development processes and delivering measurable business impact.

The Role

As Engineering Design Manager, you will lead the design and development function across new and existing product ranges, ensuring delivery aligns with business strategy, customer needs, and operational excellence.

You will play a critical role in driving structured product development processes, improving efficiency, and ensuring projects meet key stage-gate milestones from concept through to launch.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage product development programmes from concept to launch
Own and drive a structured stage-gate development process (Idea → Concept → Feasibility → Design → Qualification → Launch)
Prioritise engineering projects based on commercial value, feasibility, and strategic impact
Improve design efficiency while maintaining quality and manufacturability standards
Oversee Design for Manufacture (DFM) and ensure operational readiness
Support sales teams with technical input on product applications and bespoke solutions
Present performance metrics and development updates to senior leadership
Lead, mentor, and develop a skilled engineering team (Product Development, R&D & DFM)
About the Business

You’ll be joining a UK-based manufacturing business that designs and produces engineered systems used across a wide range of industrial applications.

Approx. £30m+ turnover with strong profitability
Backed by an international group with continued investment
Significant growth plans with a target of double-digit annual growth
Modern manufacturing facility with in-house fabrication, assembly, and engineering capability
The Team

You’ll lead a collaborative engineering function including:

Product Development Engineers
R&D Engineers
Design for Manufacture specialists
Career Opportunity

This role offers genuine progression potential—whether you’re looking to establish yourself long-term at management level or develop into a future Engineering or Technical Director.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a confident, influential leader who can combine technical expertise with strong project and team management capability.

Essential Experience

Proven experience managing product development programmes
Background in engineering design within manufacturing (e.g. fabrication, sheet metal, mechanical systems)
Experience working with structured NPI or stage-gate processes
Strong leadership skills with the ability to hold teams accountable and drive performance
Experience working cross-functionally with operations, sales, and supply chain
Desirable

Experience with Autodesk Inventor or similar CAD systems
Understanding of DFM, cost control, and lifecycle management
Exposure to technical/commercial decision-making
Experience presenting at senior/board level
Key Skills

Strong leadership and team development
Excellent communication and stakeholder management
Commercial awareness and analytical thinking
Process-driven, structured mindset
Ability to drive change and continuous improvement
Salary & Benefits

Salary: £60,000 – £75,000
Hybrid working: 1–2 days from home
Early Friday finish (12:45pm)
25 days holiday + bank holidays + birthday leave
Enhanced pension and healthcare benefits
Career progression opportunities to Director…