Design and R&D Manager at Makefast Ltd (2017-01 – Present)
- Lead and manage a team of 7 design engineers across multiple concurrent customer and product development projects.
- Act as a central technical interface between engineering, manufacturing, sales, suppliers and customers to align requirements, timescales, risks and commercial expectations.
- Manage engineering projects from concept through design, prototype build, testing, production release and in-service/customer support.
- Work closely with customers and sales teams to develop practical, technically robust and commercially viable product solutions that are easy to specify and manufacture.
- Support UK, European and US customers through technical discussions, project reviews, site visits and international exhibitions including METS and Cannes Boat Show.
- Coordinate prototype builds, supplier engagement, validation testing and manufacturing readiness for new and improved products.
- Manage project costs and commercial considerations, including supplier pricing, cost rollups, manufacturing costs and design-for-manufacture improvements.
- Implemented engineering change management and project tracking systems, improving delivery performance, visibility and traceability.
- Led investment in capital equipment including laser cutting and nitrogen generation systems, supporting improved manufacturing capability.
- Secured grant funding for innovation projects including industrial 3D printing technology.
Technical Design Manager at Technocover Ltd (2011-01 – 2017-12)
- Managed engineering team workload and major customer project delivery within a manufacturing environment.
- Coordinated technical submissions, design reviews and internal priorities to ensure project requirements and timescales were met.
- Led recruitment, training and performance management of engineering staff.
- Oversaw new product development, engineering change activity and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Worked with internal teams and customers to resolve technical issues and deliver compliant engineered solutions.
- Gained experience working within clean and wastewater environments, including site-based activities supported by CSCS and EUSR Clean Water certification.
Technical Design Engineer at Technocover Ltd (2007-01 – 2011-12)
- Designed bespoke engineered products to meet customer specifications and project requirements.
- Conducted UK site surveys and customer meetings to capture requirements and support successful delivery.
- Developed electrical control panels including smart relay programming.
- Performed FEA simulations to validate designs and support technical decision making.
- Produced detailed 3D models, drawings and manufacturing information for production.
Product Development Engineer at Trax Ltd (2006-01 – 2007-12)
- Designed tooling for zinc injection moulding processes and supported manufacturing improvements.
- Developed new and existing products and manufacturing methods.
- Supported European customers with technical and quality improvements.
Pipe Support Engineer at Quality Pipe Supports Ltd (2004-01 – 2006-12)
Designed pipe support systems for the oil and gas industry and managed projects from quotation through to completion.
Manufacturing Engineer at NEO Fabrications Ltd (2001-01 – 2004-12)
Produced detailed manufacturing drawings and operated fabrication/machining equipment.
Engineering Apprenticeship at Bearing Technology Ltd (1998-01 – 2001-12)
CNC machining, grinding, precision manufacturing and quality inspection.
