Head of Design & Engineering

On site in Hayes, West London

Attractive basic salary + car allowance + additional benefits

Our client is the UK's and world's largest supplier of low, ultra-low and zero emission infrastructure. Established for over 45 years, they are the leading supplier of street furniture assets, shelters, wayfinding, signage and digital displays for Local Government, Passenger Transport Executives & related partners, having provided in excess of over 150,000 products to towns and cities throughout the world.

The business is well positioned for future growth and have created an exciting opportunity for an ambitious Head of Design & Engineering. Working closely with the CEO, you will lead and oversee all design and engineering related activities within the company. The role requires the management of the internal design and drawing office department, with a remit to promote a “can do” approach to monitoring and driving improvement within the team.

You will also manage subcontract design resources & activities including external designers and structural design consultants and will adopt a pro-active approach to identifying opportunities for value added engineering activities that will provide more cost-effective solutions, without compromising contract specific deliverables or compliance with relevant standards.

The Role

Oversee and manage in-house design and engineering activities for our products

Manage and develop contract specific design & fabrication engineering design activities for multiple in-house products and contract specific customer deliverables simultaneously

Interface closely with our in-house manufacturing departments by managing the co-ordination of the creation of CAD manufacturing drawings (Inventor 3D CAD software) for issue to them

Adopt a pro-active approach to identifying opportunities for value added engineering activities  without compromising contract specific deliverables or structural engineering compliance

Liaise with clients, both traditional construction with main contractors as well as directly with local authorities for manufacturing jobs. Attend meetings, ensure understanding of the brief, obtain calculations, have oversight of sub contract design and check designer’s drawings

Adopt an effective project management approach that recognises the relationships for all people and teams involved, including designers, consultants, architects, subcontractors, our own team, and those of the client which are all key to achieving successful delivery

Manage and forward plan design resources, including active engagement with a roster of external designers and structural engineering design consultants

Leading by example, coach and motivate a team of CAD designers and product development professionals; monitor all quality, workmanship and process within the department

Liaise with colleagues across the business, including production, sales, graphics, installation departments and subject matter experts to gather technical insights at all stages of projects

Identify areas for improvement in design process, lead times, control, planning, structure and risk management for multiple in house products

Ensure robust process for the design work involved in construction fabrication, the supply of architectural metalwork and the management of multiple in house manufactured products in an environment, where “standard products” often have bespoke changes or unique client requests

Work to a high standard of quality, maintain a focus on detail and a “right first time” mentality

Ensure the smooth running of the design process and that all project deliverables are achieved in relation to safety, quality, compliance, and cost

Develop new product lines for specific clients; also create innovative new design concepts to assist senior management colleagues in introducing new products and services to the client base

Comply with the company’s quality, health & safety, and administrative policies & procedures

The Person

Degree, HNC or equivalent in a design, product design, engineering, construction engineering or similar discipline

Significant previous experience in the design and engineering of fabricated metal / architectural metalwork products for the signage, street furniture and construction industries

Strong knowledge of sheet metalwork, fabrication, steelwork, and signage manufacture including on-site assembly, installation / erection techniques

Experience and knowledge of on-site construction, foundation / civils / installation activities

Understanding of an Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) lead sales process

Able to work effectively under pressure situations and be prepared to fully engage with internal staff and external design subcontractors as required

Well-developed leadership, people management and coaching skills

Possess a high level of technical orientation; be capable of grasping concepts & requirements

Strong project management skills, able to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Excellent organisational, planning and time management skills

Able to work effectively on complex infrastructure projects that require strong management, collaboration, technical and communication skills to deliver

Commercial / financial skills: able to manage resources effectively, ensure all contracts are adequately supported and monitor costs against budget

Credibility, effective teamworking and strong personal attributes are pre-requisites as is the ability to prioritise tasks in a fast-paced environment and support continuous improvement

Able to build professional working relationships with clients, consultants, architects, external designers, structural engineering design consultants, subcontractors etc

Advanced experience with IT Design, technology and software – Inventor 3D CAD

Willingness to travel within the UK as required