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 an excellent 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.

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.

• 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)

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

You’ll lead a collaborative engineering function including:

• Product Development Engineers
• R&D Engineers
• Design for Manufacture specialists

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.

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

• 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

• 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

• 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: £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 level

ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.