Design Manager
Capital Equipment Manufacturing
Blackburn | £50,000 – £55,000pa
The Opportunity:
An established and growing capital equipment manufacturing business is seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead and develop a mid-sized team of Design Engineers.
The business designs and manufactures machinery sold globally and is currently undergoing significant investment and expansion, making this an excellent opportunity to join at a pivotal stage of growth.
This role combines hands-on technical leadership with people management, design governance, and continuous improvement across machinery and equipment design projects.
Key Responsibilities for the Design Manager:
* Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Design Engineers across multiple machinery projects
* Provide technical leadership across mechanical design activities
* Review and approve designs, calculations, and technical documentation
* Oversee the full design lifecycle from concept, layout, and detailed design through to manufacture and commissioning support
* Drive design standardisation, best practice, and continuous improvement initiatives
* Ensure designs meet customer specifications, safety standards, and relevant legislation (including Machinery Directive and CE / UKCA marking)
* Work closely with Project, Manufacturing, Automation, and Service teams to ensure smooth project delivery
* Support technical problem-solving during build, test, installation, and commissioning phases
* Maintain and develop effective use of PDM systems and design controls
Skills & Experience Required:
* Proven experience in a Design Manager, Lead Design Engineer, or Principal Design Engineer role within machinery or capital equipment manufacturing
* Strong background in mechanical design of machinery and equipment
* Working knowledge of the Machinery Directive, CE marking, and UKCA requirements
* Extensive experience using SolidWorks
* Experience working with PDM systems
* Ability to lead, mentor, and motivate engineering teams
* Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally
* Commercial and practical mindset with a focus on buildability, safety, and delivery
What’s on Offer:
* Competitive salary of £50,000 – £55,000 (dependent on experience)
* 4.5-day working week
* 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays
* Leadership role within a growing and well-invested engineering business
* Opportunity to shape design standards, systems, and team development
* Long-term career progression as the business continues to expand
If you are a Design Manager or Senior Mechanical Design Engineer ready to take ownership of a growing design function within a capital equipment manufacturing environment, this role offers both technical challenge and long-term opportunity. Apply Now