Department Design Manager

We are currently seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to take on the role of Design Department Manager in Norfolk.
This pivotal position involves overseeing the day-to-day operations of a bustling design department. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency and success of our bespoke design projects.
Responsibilities:

1. Design Oversight:
   
   • Review and approve bespoke designs and manufacturing drawings.
   • Plan and monitor the design workload to ensure timely and budget-conscious completion.
   • Drive improvements in departmental efficiency, presenting business cases for necessary budgets.
2. Technical Expertise:
   
   • Utilise a mechanical design engineering background, with an advantage if possessing some electrical knowledge.
   • Collaborate with the manufacturing department to align designs with production techniques, capacities, and limitations.
   • Liaise with sales and project management teams to plan project timescales and deliver client needs.
3. Project Management:
   
   • Report design projects to the project department as required.
   • Record and communicate project changes effectively to all involved parties.
4. Team Development:
   
   • Mentor the Senior Design Engineer, promoting design standardisation in a bespoke solutions environment.
   • Assist in the development of management skills for the Senior Design Engineer.
5. Continuous Improvement:
   
   • Monitor Engineering Change Notice records and production feedback for continuous improvement.
   • Develop parametric solutions for standard products in the US market to reduce lead time.
6. Innovation and Leadership:
   
   • Lead innovation in bespoke product design to enhance value engineering, product reliability, and performance.
   • Ensure proficiency in AutoCAD & 3D Autodesk Inventor and optimal usage.
   • Utilise Autodesk Vault as the central repository for all models and drawings.
7. Communication and Liaison:
   
   • Act as a technical liaison with clients, architects, and other departments within the company.
   • Collaborate with the NPD team to share ideas and technologies between bespoke and standard products.
8. Template Development:
   
   • Develop design templates and parametric solutions for common product configurations.
   • Aim to improve design efficiencies and reduce the risk of untested designs in manufacturing.
9. International Opportunities:
   
   • The role offers progression opportunities, including international development.
10. Qualifications:
    
    • Some experience in a field related to construction products and familiarity with liaising with architects and project managers would be advantageous.

If you are a proactive and skilled professional ready to take on a challenging yet rewarding position, apply now or contact Lewis Woollard direct on (phone number removed).