Design Manager

Who you are

• An undergraduate (or master's) degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
• Solid product development experience, with a track record of delivering complex consumer goods from concept to manufacture
• An ability to effectively manage time whilst working to tight critical paths on multiple projects
• Clear communication skills, with the confidence to present ideas to senior stakeholders
• A good understanding of manufacturing techniques and processes, ideally with factory experience in the Far East
• An enthusiastic, hands-on approach, comfortable getting involved with all aspects of the process
• Proficiency in design applications such as Adobe CS and SolidWorks
• A creative, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to challenge conventional thinking while keeping ideas commercial
• An adaptable and dependable character, capable of engaging effectively across teams

What the job involves

• We are seeking a Design Manager to join our New Product Development team. Initially focused on our Cookshop & Cookware categories, with scope to take on projects across the wider portfolio as the business evolves, this role carries end-to-end accountability for developing complex consumer products from concept to manufacture
• This role will report into the ‘Senior Design Manager - Category Lead’ and work closely with our Chief Product Officer, Chief Creative Officer and cross-functional partners to deliver market-leading ranges on time and within budget
• Accountable for multiple, fast-paced complex projects launching into a global marketplace
• Resolve design details and drive development forward, ensuring on-time launches against tight critical paths
• Liaise directly with packaging designers and manufacturing suppliers to manage prototypes, samples and quality checks
• Identify relevant opportunities to consistently drive category innovation and growth
• Develop clear and concise briefs for the Industrial Design and Engineering resource supporting your projects
• Convey updates on product development, along with new plans and ideas, confidently and engagingly to ensure progress is clear and decisions are made easily
• Collaborate with in-house designers, engineers and commercial teams to align on requirements, budgets and margin targets
• Assess technical development issues, define scope for resolution, communicate options and drive issues to closure
• Ensure projects are kept within agreed budgets and product costs align with margin targets
• Ensure adherence to timelines and proactively address challenges to support project continuity and enable successful commercial launches
• Mentor junior colleagues, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture
• Support recruitment and handover processes as the team evolves

Benefits

• Hybrid working
• Company bonus scheme
• Holiday trading and allowance increases for length of service
• Mental wellbeing support
• Generous employee discounts
• Season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
• Enhance pension contribution
• A range of discounts via Perkbox
• Recognition scheme