Head of Design

The Opportunity My client is a well-established UK engineering and fabrication business delivering bespoke, high-integrity engineered solutions to clients across critical industrial sectors. The work is project-driven, technically demanding and quality-focused, with close collaboration between design, fabrication and project delivery teams. They are now looking to appoint a Head of Design to provide experienced technical leadership within an established mechanical design function. The Role This is a senior engineering leadership position with responsibility for setting technical standards, guiding design direction and developing an existing team of design engineers. The role supports the continued growth of a specialist engineered product range and involves close working with manufacturing, quality and project teams. The position combines strong engineering judgement with people leadership rather than day-to-day detailing. Key Responsibilities * Develop and support an existing design team through guidance, review and shared problem-solving * Provide technical oversight and feedback to ensure consistent, high-quality design outputs * Set and uphold engineering and design standards, processes and best practice * Review and approve complex designs, calculations and technical documentation * Work closely with fabrication, quality, project and commercial teams to ensure designs are practical, compliant and buildable * Drive continuous improvement within the design function, including tools, workflows and capability development * Act as the senior technical authority for specialist engineered projects Candidate Profile * Strong background in mechanical design engineering within complex, fabricated or engineered products * Experience operating as a senior or lead engineer, with responsibility for developing and supporting other engineers * Comfortable providing technical leadership and oversight rather than hands-on CAD work * Good understanding of fabrication methods, materials, tolerances and manufacturing processes * Able to balance technical rigour with commercial and delivery requirements * Chartered Engineer status would be advantageous, but not essential