Industrial Design Manager

Kings Norton
2 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Automation Software Engineer

Electrical Design Engineer

Technical Sales Manager / Sales Engineer – Electrical Electronics

Controls Systems Engineering Manager

Project Manager

Project Manager

Design Manager

Salary: to £65,000
Benefits: 25 days holiday * Pension * Laptop & phone * Early finish Fridays (1pm)
Hours: Monday-Friday

We're looking for an experienced Design Manager with a background in industrial design. You'll lead a team delivering bespoke factory automation projects ranging from £50k to £2m across manufacturing sectors including automotive, medical, industrial and aerospace.

A senior design engineer with an automation / special-purpose machinery design background, looking for the next step in their career, could be ideal.

The Role

Lead, support and develop a team of 4 Design Engineers

Use 2D AutoCAD and Inventor 3D to design machines and systems from concept to detailed design

Plan, organise and coordinate design activities with the Project Leader

Attend customer meetings to clarify requirements and present design concepts

Drive problem-solving, corrective actions and continuous improvement

Ensure all projects are delivered on time, within scope and budget

Lead internal and customer-facing design reviews

Support digital innovation including digital twins and Industry 4.0 principles

Grow team capability, engagement and performance

Person Profile

Proven Design Manager experience within industrial design such as automation, special-purpose machinery, and assemblies

Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, robotics or automation (advantageous)

Confident leading a small design team and working directly with customers

Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills

Commutable to the south side of BirminghamPlease note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

WR Engineering are the #1 recruitment partner for engineering, manufacturing & technical sales jobs. We recruit for permanent jobs UK wide.

WR is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Careers

How Many Robotics Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Robotics Job?

If you’re pursuing a career in robotics, it can feel like the list of tools you should learn never ends. One job advert asks for ROS, another mentions Gazebo, another wants experience with Python, Linux, C++, RobotStudio, MATLAB/Simulink, perception stacks, control frameworks, real-time OS, vision libraries — and that’s just scratching the surface. With so many frameworks, languages and platforms, it’s no wonder robotics job seekers feel overwhelmed. But here’s the honest truth most recruiters won’t say explicitly: 👉 They don’t hire you because you know every tool — they hire you because you can apply the right tools to solve real robotics problems reliably and explain your reasoning clearly. Tools matter — but only in service of outcomes. So the real question isn’t how many tools you should know, but which tools you should master and why. For most robotics roles, the answer is significantly fewer — and far more focused — than you might assume. This article breaks down what employers really expect, which tools are core, which are role-specific, and how to focus your learning so you look capable, confident, and ready to contribute from day one.

Jobs

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Robotics Job Applications (UK Guide)

Robotics is one of the most dynamic, interdisciplinary fields in technology — blending mechanical systems, embedded software, controls, perception (AI/vision), modelling, simulation and systems integration. Hiring managers in this space are highly selective because robotics teams need people who can solve real-world problems under constraints, work across disciplines, and deliver safe, reliable systems. And here’s the reality: hiring managers do not read every word of your CV. Like in many tech domains, they scan quickly — often forming a judgement in the first 10–20 seconds. In robotics, those first signals are especially important because the work is complex and there’s a wide range of candidate backgrounds. This guide unpacks exactly what hiring managers look for first in robotics applications and how to optimise your CV, portfolio and cover letter so you stand out in the UK market.

Education

The Skills Gap in Robotics Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Robotics is no longer confined to science fiction or isolated research labs. Today, robots perform critical tasks across manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, agriculture, defence, hospitality and even education. In the UK, businesses are embracing automation to improve productivity, reduce costs and tackle labour shortages. Yet despite strong interest and a growing number of university programmes in robotics, many employers report a persistent problem: graduates are not job-ready for real-world robotics roles. This is not a question of intelligence or dedication. It is a widening skills gap between what universities teach and what employers actually need in robotics jobs. In this article, we’ll explore that gap in depth — what universities do well, where their programmes often fall short, why the disconnect exists, what employers really want, and how you can bridge the divide to build a thriving career in robotics.

🍪 We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you consent to the use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy. You can review our Cookie Policy for more information.