Design Manager

Location: Liverpool
Employment Type: Permanent

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Design Manager to lead our aerospace design team, with a strong focus on CATIA-based design, tooling development, and the implementation of strategic applications. This role is pivotal in aligning design operations with business objectives, ensuring technical excellence, and managing cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality aerospace solutions.

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Implement and apply the strategy defined by the management team for the design department.
• Coordinate departmental activities, managing team availability and resource allocation across multiple projects.
• Organise and manage team schedules in line with project objectives, ensuring regular progress monitoring.
• Identify deviations in cost, quality, or timelines and implement corrective actions that balance customer needs with team capacity.
• Act as a technical point of contact, supporting teams in the day-to-day management of design projects.
• Report regularly to senior management on progress, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Maintain and update key performance indicators (KPIs) and dashboards to track departmental performance.

Design & Technical Oversight

• Lead the design and development of aerospace components and tooling systems using CATIA (V5/V6).
• Ensure compliance with aerospace standards and design for manufacturing (DFM) principles.
• Oversee the implementation and optimisation of selected design applications and digital tools.
• Support tooling design activities, including jigs, fixtures, and composite tooling for manufacturing readiness.
• Conduct design reviews and ensure technical documentation is complete and accurate.

Team & Resource Management

• Manage and support design teams on a daily basis, acting as a key contact and decision-maker.
• Allocate resources effectively across ongoing projects, balancing workload and priorities.
• Monitor team workload and occupancy rates to anticipate changes and provide development opportunities.
• Update and communicate the general workload plan to senior management, ensuring transparency and alignment.

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience in a design leadership role within the aerospace sector.
• Advanced proficiency in CATIA (V5 or V6) for 3D modelling, surfacing, and assembly design.
• Strong background in tooling design and development.
• Experience implementing and managing engineering applications and digital tools.
• Familiarity with aerospace standards (e.g., AS9100, EASA, FAA).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.

• Experience with PLM systems (e.g., ENOVIA, Teamcenter).
• Knowledge of composite materials and manufacturing processes.
• Exposure to simulation and automation tools within the design lifecycle.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.