Our thriving, Rochdale based, key client are looking for an experienced engineering leader to take responsibility for leading and developing the design and engineering function within a manufacturing environment.

As Design Manager, you will lead the design and delivery of both standard and bespoke engineered products, supporting the business from early concept through to manufacture and installation. This role combines technical leadership, people management, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure high-quality, commercially viable engineering solutions.
Key responsibilities

Lead, manage, and develop a multi-disciplinary engineering team, including Design, EC&I, and Compliance engineers
Set engineering priorities, allocate resources, and manage workloads to deliver projects on time and within budget
Support recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and ongoing professional development of the engineering team
Promote a culture of safety, quality, continuous improvement, and collaboration
Work closely with Sales and Commercial teams to support concept designs during quotation and tender stages
Lead the delivery of standard and bespoke mechanical designs from concept through to manufacture and installation
Oversee the production of design documentation, including GA drawings, P&IDs, equipment sizing, and technical specifications
Review and approve engineering drawings, calculations, technical files, and change requests
Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Sales, and Project Management teams to ensure smooth project delivery
Support customer technical meetings, design reviews, and the development of site-specific engineering solutions
Capture lessons learned and drive continuous improvement across products, processes, and projects
Support and maintain quality management systems, including ISO 9001, and continuous improvement initiatives

About you

A credible and high-integrity engineering leader with experience managing and developing high-performing teams
Strong mechanical engineering background within a manufacturing or engineered products environment
Proven experience leading engineering or design teams, with a minimum of three years in a management role
Strong technical problem-solving ability, with sound decision-making skills
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively across functions
Well-organised, with the ability to plan, schedule, and prioritise workloads
Self-motivated and results-driven, with a proactive approach to leadership
Able to think creatively and contribute to the improvement of products, processes, and designs
Engineering qualification

Equal opportunities
The business is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to providing a fair and inclusive working environment. Diversity is valued, and all employment decisions are made without discrimination.

Salary and benefits

Annual salary 60,000 +
Annual bonus based on company performance.
Annual holidays 24 days plus bank holidays
Company sick pay scheme
Shopping & Leisure discounts scheme
Simply Health cash back plan
Credit Union
Death in service benefit
Nursery voucher salary sacrifice scheme.

Please apply immediately for consideration, or contact Ruth Llewellyn at White Label Recruitment for further information.