Design Manager

The role:

Full responsibility for day to day operations of the Design Department ensuring that the company has a range of high quality, technically innovative and commercially competitive products suitable for the food industry as a stand-alone or full line solution. Inspiring, developing and coaching a varied skilled team to ensure production of high quality drawing packs for the purpose of manufacture. In addition, the role requires that the applicant will be responsible for technical support to other functions within the business.

DESIGN MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plays a key role in department meetings with emphasis on the design process, highlighting issues at the onset offering solutions for remedial action
• Collaborating with other departments to achieve desired results
• Delegating and reviewing team assignments in line with SF protocols
• Developing, preparing, analysing and reviewing budgets and other financial reports in partnership with UK Finance
• Conducting team training for design development
• Guiding and motivating the Design team through performance management – implementing KPIs, SMART objectives, regular and pro-active feedback etc.
• Full responsibility for creating innovative designs and presentations to support Projects and Sales teams
• Implementing appropriate audit processes to ensure the Design team meet and exceed customer expectations
• Full responsibility for ensuring design quality and design directives are followed compliantly through a defined audit process
• Ownership of own personal development aspiring to SF values

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Produce SolidWorks models/drawings working from concepts/layout drawings – self and team
• Assist Project Engineers in taking live projects from inception to completion - self and team
• Lead the design and development of new products for the food processing industry
• Lead the design and development enhancements to SF's existing product range
• Plays a key role in supporting other departments on issues of a technical nature
• Full responsibility for compliance protocols with production and maintenance of technical documentation
• Implements and regularly reviews processes to ensure that products meet all mandatory legislation (Design RA, CE Manuals)
• Constant interrogation of product design to identify and implement cost savings and manufacturing/process improvements in partnership with UK Finance – implements and regularly reviews appropriate and relevant processes to mitigate any risks
• Implements and regularly reviews processes for specification of mechanical components such as belts, motors and pneumatics

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

• Mechanical engineering qualification
• Minimum 3 years' experience in a similar role
• Experience in the food industry
• Fully conversant with SolidWorks
• Fully conversant with industry compliance protocols
• Effective organisation and time management skills
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and manage a varied skilled Mechanical Design team to meet tight deadlines with consistent high quality output
• A good eye with high attention to detail
• Enthusiastic and can do attitude
• Flexibility with travel and working hours
• Ability to produce quality projects consistently
• Effective communicator - written and oral
• Strong stakeholder management skills
• Competent with Lean Manufacturing principles
• Strong team management skills
• Strong process management skills
• Strong team performance management skills

Interested in this position? Submit your CV by applying below!