Design and Development Manager

Humber Recruitment are currently resourcing a Design and Development Manager (Food Automation & Dosing Systems) for one of our clients based in Hull on a full-time basis.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Design Engineering Manager to lead our client’s engineering team in creating world-class automated food depositors, volumetric dosing systems and filling machinery. Bringing over 60 years of engineering expertise to global markets, you will oversee the development of both standalone units and complete, custom production automation systems. Your focus will be driving innovation that helps our international clients improve production efficiency, maximise portion accuracy, eliminate waste and seamlessly automate processes across sectors such as, but not limited to bakery, ready meals, sauces, confectionery, and pet food.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Manage, mentor and develop the in-house design and CAD engineering team, setting clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and conducting performance reviews.
• Design for Manufacture (DFM): Review and optimise new and existing product designs to reduce material waste, simplify assembly and maximise throughput on the factory floor.
• Process & Lifecycle Management: Oversee all engineering phase-gates, including Requests for Quotations (RFQs), Design Failure Mode Effect Analysis (DFMEA), design releases and product validation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with procurement, production, quality and supply chain teams to ensure smooth transitions from prototype to mass production.
• Technical Compliance: Ensure all design outputs comply with industry standards, regulatory requirements and internal HSEQ guidelines.
• Drawing & Data Control: Implement and manage robust drawing checking, approval procedures and document control systems.

Requirements

• Experience: 5+ years of experience in a Design Management or Senior Engineering leadership role within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent practical experience) in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design or a related discipline.
• Software Proficiency: Advanced working knowledge of 3D CAD packages (e.g., SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, or AutoCAD).
• Manufacturing Knowledge: Deep, practical understanding of manufacturing processes (e.g., CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication and assembly operations).
• Skills: Exceptional problem-solving abilities, commercial awareness and excellent stakeholder management skills.

To apply for the position, click the apply button below or at the top of the page and complete the form. For more information on the role, call our team on 01472 729768 and we will be happy to assist. You can visit our jobs page to see our full list of available vacancies.

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