Design Manager (Engineering)

At a glance

Job information

  • Location: Portsmouth
  • Job type: Permanent
  • Salary: £52000 - £56000 per annum + flexible hours + Training
  • Published: 30 September 2026

Design Manager (Engineering)

£52,000 – £56,000 + Flexible Working Hours + 25 Days Holiday + Progression + Training + Free Parking

Portsmouth

Are you an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer with strong Autodesk Inventor experience and previous leadership responsibility?

Do you want to join a growing precision engineering business where you can take ownership of the design function, introduce new technology and play a key role in supporting a planned threefold expansion into new markets, including Europe?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a long-established specialist engineering and manufacturing business that is undergoing significant growth following a change in ownership. The company supplies precision components to a range of industries including packaging, converting and print, and is investing heavily in its systems, processes and people to support its next stage of development.

As Design Manager, you’ll lead a small team of Design Engineers while taking ownership of the company’s design and drawing processes. You’ll have the autonomy to review and improve existing systems, introduce new technologies and help develop new products and manufacturing capabilities.

The company has ambitious plans to significantly expand the business, including developing new products and beginning to supply into European markets, making this a key position within the future growth of the organisation.

The Role:

  • Lead and manage a team of Design Engineers, currently consisting of two engineers
  • Take ownership of the company’s design and engineering drawing processes
  • Produce and maintain detailed 3D CAD models and manufacturing drawings using Autodesk Inventor
  • Create drawings incorporating appropriate tolerances, materials and finishes
  • Review and streamline existing design processes to improve efficiency and accuracy
  • Introduce new technology, including AI-assisted design tools, to improve CAD modelling and automate repetitive processes
  • Support the development of CAM and increased production-scale manufacturing capabilities

The Person:

  • Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline
  • Experience within a lead CAD Design or Mechanical Design position
  • Experience using Autodesk Inventor

This role would suit a Lead Design Engineer or Design Manager with strong Autodesk Inventor experience who wants genuine ownership of a growing engineering function and the opportunity to shape how a business designs and manufactures its products.

Reference: BBBH 27521

Keywords: Design Engineering Manager, Mechanical Design Engineer, Senior Design Engineer, Lead Design Engineer, CAD Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Autodesk Inventor, Precision Engineering, Manufacturing, Product Development, CAD, CAM, 3D CAD, 3D Printing, Engineering Manager, Portsmouth

If you are interested in this role, click ‘apply now’ to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates. The salary advertised is a guideline for this position. The offered remuneration will be dependent on the extent of your experience, qualifications and skill set.

Ernest Gordon Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job, you accept the T&C’s, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found on our website.

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