Head of Design / Lead Designer
As Head of Design at Viking Ltd., you will join and lead the design department (2 FTE) to deliver exceptional products and solutions. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to work on exciting technical projects, overseeing the entire design process from concept to production. Viking Ltd. is globally recognized as a specialist in manufacturing, developing, and designing high quality ground support equipment and specialising in comprehensive life-cycle support for aviation technologies.
Your tasks
- Visiting clients in North America (30%)
- Issuing quotes and negotiating (10%)
- Participating in trade shows (in Noth America) (10%)
- Mapping the market in North America (10%)
- Providing advice to clients and maintaining relationships (20%)
- Assessing requests and preparing quotes (20%)
Based at our office in Bacup, you will ensure the delivery of high-quality design work in line with company standards, while fostering innovation and collaboration within the team. This is a hands-on leadership role, requiring strong expertise in SolidWorks, the ability to manage complex projects, and the vision to drive continuous improvement in our design operations.
“If you understand Design for Manufacture (DfM) across a range of production methods, including sheet metal, machining, and composites beside the ability to demonstrate strong leadership of a design team, this is the job for you.”
OPERATIONS MANAGER
What is required?
- Minimum HNC/HND level, or equivalent experience, in an engineering-related field.
- Experience of with basic 2D and 3D modelling/drawings in AutoCad or a similar application.
- Proven ability to produce high-quality technical drawings, including applying GD&T to internationally recognised standards.
- Proven experience of Design for Manufacture (DfM) across a range of production methods, including sheet metal, machining, and composites.
- Proven success in leading and managing a design team.
- Ability to quality-check drawings and resolve complex design challenges.
- Problem-solving mindset with a focus on delivering solutions.
- Willingness to travel nationally and internationally as required.
- Excellent oral and written communication.
Desirable Skills
- Experience with PDM vaulting systems.
- Knowledge of Autodesk PowerShape.
- Background in stress calculations and Sigma Nesting for laser applications.
- Familiarity with sheet metal welding and press brake operations.
What will you get?
40-hour working week
5 weeks plus bank holidays
Standard Company Pension
Death in Service
Opportunities for additional education and training as required
Scenario
An air freight company has tasked your team to design a new loading platform to handle heavy air cargo containers more efficiently and safely. The platform must be compatible with existing ground handling vehicles and comply with strict aviation safety standards. During the initial implementation, it becomes clear that the design does not seamlessly integrate with certain older vehicle models, causing delays and potential safety risks during testing.
How do you ensure the design becomes fully compatible and operational without losing the client’s trust?
To address the compatibility issue, the design team swiftly analysed the misalignments using SolidWorks simulations and introduced a modular redesign with adjustable features ensuring compatibility with older vehicles. Safety enhancements, compliant with aviation standards, were integrated alongside a comprehensive training programme for ground staff. Transparent communication with the client, including regular updates and a live demonstration, restored trust. To prevent future issues, a standardised compatibility testing procedure and a technical data-sharing framework were implemented, securing long-term client satisfaction and positioning the platform as a versatile solution for diverse customer needs.
Application process
Contact
Company will make telephone contact to schedule an introductory meeting
First meeting
First meeting with the department head and HR
Talk about details
Second interview and discussion of employment conditions
Proposal
Employment conditions proposal