Design Manager

Location: Helston (Cornwall) | Full-Time

We are seeking a proactive Design Manager to drive excellence within our CAD design team on both new-build and refurbishment projects. You will harness your hands-on engineering and fabrication experience to develop a cohesive, high-performing team that consistently delivers innovative, safe, and cost-effective design solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Cultivate and strengthen the CAD design team, fostering a collaborative environment and encouraging professional growth
• Inspire and motivate designers to achieve exceptional quality, combining creativity with practical fabrication and installation insight
• Rigorously review and sign off design drawings, ensuring all safety factors and compliance standards are fully addressed
• Track project milestones - schedule, budget, and technical performance - and take proactive steps to keep objectives on target
• Monitor departmental KPIs and champion continuous process improvements
• Act as the main design liaison: clarify requirements, present design updates, and integrate feedback from clients, suppliers, and internal stakeholders
• Champion design-for-manufacture best practices to maximize efficiency and minimise costs

Required Qualifications

• Expert user of SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD software
• Proven background in construction, fabrication, or related engineering disciplines
• Hands-on fabrication experience with steel, wood, concrete, stone, glass, and stainless steel
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with external contractors and support services
• Strong leadership skills, including one-to-one coaching, performance feedback, and team-building techniques
• Exceptional attention to detail and a disciplined approach to process and documentation

What We Offer

• A competitive salary range of £40,000-£50,000
• The opportunity to develop and inspire a talented CAD design team
• Engagement with varied, technologically advanced projects
• Clear pathways for career progression