Design Manager

• Location: Eastleigh
• Job Type: Full-time - Permanent
• Salary: 39,000 - 45,000

My Client are seeking a Design Office Manager to lead our design and programming teams, ensuring the successful delivery of product designs in line with company standards and customer expectations. This role is crucial for improving design performance, optimising team capabilities, and ensuring adherence to best practices, while also supporting product development and operational efficiency.

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the design engineers, design specialists, and programming operatives to ensure timely delivery of projects in accordance with internal and external Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Ensure quality compliance with customer specifications and standards, creating and monitoring improvement plans to optimise productivity and reduce process time.
• Develop and maintain Critical Development Plans (CDPs) and future project requirements through collaboration with key stakeholders within the business.
• Conduct design reviews to identify and address potential issues, ensuring all actions are completed and closed on time.
• Manage manpower and succession planning, developing an effective team of supervisors and team leaders to ensure consistent employee performance.
• Identify and address skill gaps within the team, ensuring appropriate training and development to maintain high performance standards.
• Deliver regular team briefings to communicate company strategy, objectives, and priorities, and encourage a culture of continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with the leadership team, design engineers, design specialists, programming operatives, and production staff to ensure alignment with business goals and to close performance gaps.
• Lead Value Engineering (VE) initiatives for bespoke solutions to optimise quality and reduce costs without compromising customer experience or specifications.
• Participate in site visits for complex projects as needed to ensure design specifications and quality standards are met.
• Provide technical support to other departments and assist in troubleshooting and problem resolution related to design and technical issues.
• Foster an environment that encourages team members to propose new ideas, challenge the status quo, and participate in continuous improvement activities.
• Maintain compliance with health and safety standards across all design activities.
• Stay informed on new technologies and trends in the industry, ensuring their effective integration into design practices when beneficial.

• Proven experience in leading design teams, preferably within the ventilation or related industries.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and develop a team.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with all levels of the organisation.
• Technical proficiency in design software and tools relevant to the industry.
• Ability to drive continuous improvement and manage complex projects.
• Commitment to maintaining high safety and quality standards.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Dynamic and supportive work environment.

To apply for the Design Office Manager position, please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this position.