Trevor Frances Recruitment is excited to partner with our client, a leader in high-pressure die casting and automotive manufacturing, to recruit a Design Engineering Manager. This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands-on leader to take full ownership of the engineering function, focusing on timeliness, quality, and efficiency while driving continuous improvement initiatives.

In this role, the Design Engineering Manager will lead high-profile projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and mentor a talented group of design engineers. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, bringing strong leadership skills and a proven ability to deliver top-tier engineering results within the automotive manufacturing sector.

Key Responsibilities:

Timeliness:

+ Ensure all engineering project milestones are met, from data submission to design reviews.

+ Assign resources to projects, balancing daily priorities with special initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.

+ Keep projects on track, ensuring timely delivery aligned with customer expectations.

Quality:

+ Lead the engineering team in producing high-quality designs and maintaining robust project management processes.

+ Implement and maintain industry-standard quality control systems across all engineering activities.

+ Serve as a technical liaison between customers and the engineering team, ensuring designs meet both customer and company standards.

Efficiency:

+ Optimize engineering processes to support the manufacturing team in delivering high-quality products at the lowest possible cost.

+ Champion Design for Manufacturability (DFM) efforts, ensuring designs are production-ready and efficient to manufacture.

+ Strengthen communication between the engineering and manufacturing teams for seamless project execution.

Process Development & Continuous Improvement:

+ Develop and implement standardized engineering processes, including goal-setting meetings and formalized project planning with clear milestones.

+ Foster a culture of continuous improvement by staying informed on the latest engineering technologies and best practices.

+ Establish feedback loops between manufacturing and engineering, incorporating input from the shop floor into future designs.

Leadership & Team Development:

+ Mentor and lead the engineering team, providing hands-on guidance and support.

+ Conduct performance evaluations and set annual targets for individual engineers.

+ Identify professional development opportunities to enhance the team's skills and expertise.

Collaboration:

+ Collaborate with other departments, including production, quality assurance, and sales, to ensure project alignment and smooth execution.

+ Represent the engineering department in customer meetings, offering technical insights and ensuring client satisfaction.

Qualifications:

+ Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

+ At least 5 years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a minimum of 3 years in a leadership role.

+ Strong background in automotive manufacturing, tool and die, or high-pressure die casting.

+ Demonstrated ability to lead engineering teams and deliver projects on time and within budget.

+ Proficiency in CAD, Siemens NX, Catia.

+ Willingness to travel internationally for customer visits (6-7 times per year).

If you're a dynamic leader passionate about engineering excellence, we want to hear from you! This role offers the opportunity to lead impactful projects and contribute significantly to the future success of our client.

Trevor Frances is a specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer permanent job opportunities in many different industries.