Technical Design Manager

Technical Design Manager Wicksteed Playgrounds

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Location: Kettering
Contract Type: Permanent Hours: Full time, Monday -Thursday, 8.30am - 16.30pm (lunch - 30 minute unpaid), Friday - 8.00am-4pm (lunch - 30 minute unpaid)

Wicksteed Playgrounds are the UK's leading manufacturer and supplier of play and Leisure equipment & have been designing; manufacturing; installing; landscaping and maintaining playgrounds since 1918. From playground design and engineering to sales and installation, our comprehensive range of playground services would not be possible without the experienced and diverse team at the heart of Wicksteed.

We are seeking an experienced and innovative Technical Design Manager to lead our design and engineering team in the development of safe, imaginative, and durable playground equipment. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of technical design, from concept development through to production, ensuring compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and client specifications. A key part of the role will involve integrating design processes with our ERP systems to improve efficiency and production planning.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD
Essential:
• Proven experience in a similar design management role, ideally within playgrounds, furniture, or bespoke outdoor structures.
• Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar).
• Strong knowledge of product engineering principles and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Desirable:
• Familiarity with playground safety standards (EN 1176).
• Degree in Product Design, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or related field.
• Experience with timber, metal fabrication, and polymer-based materials.
• Understanding of inclusive and accessible design principles for playgrounds.
• Experience working with CNC and prototyping machinery.

YOUR MAIN DUTIES WILL INCLUDE
• Lead and manage the technical design team, including CAD designers and engineers.
• Oversee the end-to-end product design process for playground structures and equipment.
• Translate client briefs and sales specifications into viable design solutions.
• Ensure designs meet all relevant UK and EU safety standards (e.g., EN 1176).
• Collaborate with production, installation, and contract management teams to ensure feasibility, efficiency, and accuracy.
• Implement design best practices, standardisation, and quality control processes.
• Drive innovation in materials, sustainability, and modular design principles.
• Approve final designs and technical drawings prior to production release.
• Integrate design detail with our ERP systems
• Manage timelines and resources within the design department.
• Liaise with suppliers and third-party engineers for structural assessments or material sourcing.

WHAT WE OFFER
Attractive salary
Opportunity to work on exciting community-impacting projects across the UK Creative and collaborative work environment
Career growth and development opportunities
25 days holiday along with bank holidays
Early finish on Friday's
Access to offers and services available through HR software.
Long Service awards

We provide full in-house training for all of our roles, heavily supported by our existing team so if you are interested in joining our dynamic and friendly, team please submit your application along with your CV to

Wicksteed is an equal opportunities employer - applicants will not be excluded on the grounds of sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, race, marital status, disability, age, religion, belief, or sexual orientation

Location: Kettering
Contract Type: Permanent Hours: Full time, Monday -Thursday, 8.30am - 16.30pm (lunch - 30 minute unpaid), Friday - 8.00am-4pm (lunch - 30 minute unpaid)

Wicksteed Playgrounds are the UK's leading manufacturer and supplier of play and Leisure equipment & have been designing; manufacturing; installing; landscaping and maintaining playgrounds since 1918. From playground design and engineering to sales and installation, our comprehensive range of playground services would not be possible without the experienced and diverse team at the heart of Wicksteed.

We are seeking an experienced and innovative Technical Design Manager to lead our design and engineering team in the development of safe, imaginative, and durable playground equipment. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of technical design, from concept development through to production, ensuring compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and client specifications. A key part of the role will involve integrating design processes with our ERP systems to improve efficiency and production planning.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD
Essential:
• Proven experience in a similar design management role, ideally within playgrounds, furniture, or bespoke outdoor structures.
• Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar).
• Strong knowledge of product engineering principles and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Desirable:
• Familiarity with playground safety standards (EN 1176).
• Degree in Product Design, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or related field.
• Experience with timber, metal fabrication, and polymer-based materials.
• Understanding of inclusive and accessible design principles for playgrounds.
• Experience working with CNC and prototyping machinery.

YOUR MAIN DUTIES WILL INCLUDE
• Lead and manage the technical design team, including CAD designers and engineers.
• Oversee the end-to-end product design process for playground structures and equipment.
• Translate client briefs and sales specifications into viable design solutions.
• Ensure designs meet all relevant UK and EU safety standards (e.g., EN 1176).
• Collaborate with production, installation, and contract management teams to ensure feasibility, efficiency, and accuracy.
• Implement design best practices, standardisation, and quality control processes.
• Drive innovation in materials, sustainability, and modular design principles.
• Approve final designs and technical drawings prior to production release.
• Integrate design detail with our ERP systems
• Manage timelines and resources within the design department.
• Liaise with suppliers and third-party engineers for structural assessments or material sourcing.

WHAT WE OFFER
Attractive salary
Opportunity to work on exciting community-impacting projects across the UK Creative and collaborative work environment
Career growth and development opportunities
25 days holiday along with bank holidays
Early finish on Friday's
Access to offers and services available through HR software.
Long Service awards

We provide full in-house training for all of our roles, heavily supported by our existing team so if you are interested in joining our dynamic and friendly, team please submit your application along with your CV to

Wicksteed is an equal opportunities employer - applicants will not be excluded on the grounds of sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, race, marital status, disability, age, religion, belief, or sexual orientation

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