Head of Design

Job Title: Design Manager - Aerospace

Location: Liverpool
Employment Type: Permanent (4 days on site a week minimum)

Salary: £(phone number removed)

Role Overview

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.

Key Responsibilities

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.Required Qualifications & Experience

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. - Desirable but experience with other software packages will be considered.
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.Preferred 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.If you're interested in hearing more about the opportunity listed above please click submit on the advert or alternatively send a copy of your CV