Product Design Manager

Product Design Manager

Salary negotiable

AP Diving is a specialist scuba equipment manufacturer renowned for producing pioneering, innovative and class-leading products.

We are looking to recruit a Product Design Manager with the relevant Degree, work experience and proficiency in engineering software, to play a leading role within our R&D team - utilising a project management approach to create new diving equipment from concept to manufacture.

We require a team player responsible for directing the team, tool-room and the design process from innovation and feasibility, budgeting, prototyping, testing, full documentation for IQA and third party approval, through to product launch and presentation at trade shows.

This is an exciting opportunity for an inventive product designer to play a key creative role within a long established successful business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and development of new and existing scuba diving equipment from concept to manufacture
• Responsible for the management of an in house design team, tool room and external OEM suppliers
• Practical and methodical design development through prototyping and testing in accordance with multiple European and International standards
• To initiate new product ideas and identify market opportunities from a blank sheet of paper
• Creating design brief, business case and technical specification for new product concepts and strategy for product development through consultation with stakeholders and clients
• Host brainstorming sessions, gather research, identify appropriate technologies, potential suppliers, constraints, product requirements and commercial implications
• Creation of design concepts through sketching, CAD and quick prototyping techniques prior to concept selection and present ideas to senior management
• Lead further product development work with a hands on approach ensuring all technical uncertainties are resolved completely through the creation and implementation of appropriate prototyping and testing
• Material and manufacturing process selection via clear presentation of technical information and supporting documentation to ensure accurate hand over to tool room, suppliers and production departments
• Host regular design reviews with senior management, executives and clients whilst working seamlessly with production, marketing and sales teams
• Responsible for implementing new technologies and processes within design and manufacturing and the development of team members skills as part of a continuous improvement program
• Project management of the complete development process including development budgets
• Product launch presentations and promotion to commercial and sport users at international trade and retail shows
• Management and documentation of the ‘design process' to meet the requirements of International Quality Assurance standards

Essential Requirements:

• Relevant degree in Design, Engineering or other related subject
• A collaborative team player
• Proficient in CAD, 3D modelling and 2D engineering drawings
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite such as Photoshop and Illustrator
• Good sketching skills and the ability to perform mechanical and engineering calculations
• Strong understanding of design principles
• Technically proficient in plastics, injection moulding, metals, turning and machining with an understanding of manufacturing processes and limitations
• Technically minded and hands on with a natural talent to analyse and solve problems
• An excellent communicator and project manager who is pro-active, organised, positive and focussed
• Comfortable presenting to management and external organisations
• Proven track record for delivering commercially viable products on budget and to specification
• Ability to travel to national and international trade and retail shows as required

Desirable Requirements:

• Experience of managing a design team
• Experience in sports equipment design or a similar product development role
• PTC Creo CAD operator
• Knowledge of CAM using Creo ‘ Tool Design' and ‘Expert Machine Set'
• Proficient in producing renderings and animations with KeyShot
• Experience in User Experience design and menu mapping
• Good understanding of electronics in consumer products
• Experience of batch manufacture and lean manufacturing techniques
• A developing or existing interest in scuba diving

This is an exciting opportunity for an inventive product designer to play a key creative role within a long established successful business.

Application Closing Date: 9^th February 2017

Please submit your CV and design portfolio by clicking apply.