Senior Design Manager in Havant, Hampshire

Senior Design Manager – Precision Engineering

Salary: £50,000 – £55,000 per year (Depending on Experience)
Hours: 40 hours per week – Flexible Working Arrangements

An Exciting Opportunity for an Experienced Senior Design Manager!

Infinity Employment is recruiting for an experienced and forward-thinking Senior Design Manager to join a well-established, specialist precision engineering and manufacturing company based in Portsmouth.

This is an excellent opportunity for a talented engineering professional who is passionate about design innovation, continuous improvement and developing high-performing engineering teams.

Our client is entering an exciting period of significant growth under new ownership, with ambitious expansion plans and investment in modern technology, systems and manufacturing processes.

The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the future of the design department, driving efficiencies and introducing innovative engineering solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage and support an existing team of two Design Engineers, with opportunities to develop the team further.
• Oversee the production and maintenance of detailed 3D CAD models and technical engineering drawings.
• Produce accurate manufacturing drawings, incorporating tolerances, materials and finishes.
• Review and improve existing design processes, identifying opportunities to streamline operations and increase efficiency.
• Explore and implement AI-assisted design tools and software to enhance CAD modelling and automate repetitive tasks.
•  Support the development and introduction of CAM technology into manufacturing processes.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers and future apprentices.
• Work closely with sales and manufacturing departments to ensure designs meet production capabilities and customer requirements.
• Contribute to new product development, exploring innovative manufacturing technologies, including 3D printing.
• Drive continuous improvement across the engineering design function.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline.
•  Minimum of 7 years’ experience working as a CAD Designer within a precision engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Expert knowledge of Autodesk Inventor.
• Proven experience leading and managing a team of engineers.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent technical problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to identify opportunities for innovation and process improvement.
• Strong communication, organisational and leadership skills.

Desirable Experience:

• Familiarity with AI-assisted engineering design software and emerging technologies.
• Experience with 3D printing and additive manufacturing techniques.
•  Knowledge of modern manufacturing technologies and automation.

Salary & Benefits:

• Competitive salary of £50,000 – £55,000 DOE
• 40-hour working week with flexible working arrangements.
• 24 days’ annual leave.
• Your birthday off!
• Bank holidays in addition to annual leave.
• Opportunity to lead and develop an established engineering design team.
• Involvement in exciting new product development and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Join a growing business with ambitious plans for expansion.
• Opportunity to make a genuine impact on the future direction of the engineering department.

This is more than just a Senior Design Manager position. It is an opportunity to become an integral part of a growing engineering business, where your experience, leadership and ideas will directly influence future success.