Product Design Manager

CPI helps make great ideas and inventions a reality. We’re a team of intelligent people using advances in science and technology to solve the biggest global challenges in healthcare and sustainability.

Through our incredible people and innovation infrastructure, we collaborate with our partners in industry, academia, government, and the investment community to accelerate the development and commercialisation of innovative products.

From health technologies and pharmaceuticals to sustainable food and materials innovations, we turn the entrepreneurial spirit and radical thinking of our people and partners into incredible impact that makes our world a better place.

At CPI, we enable the translation of bright ideas into revolutionary products and processes. Our Product Design team plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of advanced manufacturing and device innovation. 

We are pleased to announce that we now have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Product Design Manager to join our established and growing product design team to provide high-level technical leadership and manage a team of up to 8 specialists, supporting them in the delivery of complex, high-impact projects. The successful individual will act as a technical authority, shaping strategy, driving innovation, and ensuring delivery excellence across collaborative and commercial R&D programmes.

The Role

Key tasks in the role will include (but are not limited to the below). Please download the full job description on the CPI Careers page:

• Leading and developing a high-performing team, setting clear objectives and providing coaching and feedback
• Managing project delivery, resource planning, and feeding into CAPEX and OPEX budgeting
• Acting as technical lead on complex product design projects, offering expert guidance and innovative solutions
• Translating market strategy into actionable plans and OKRs
• Building and maintaining external stakeholder networks to identify new opportunities
• Supporting with bid development and customer engagement with technical insight
• Ensuring compliance with SHE, GMP, and quality standards
• Maintaining accurate documentation of technical data and decisions

The successful candidate should be educated to a minimum of HNC / Foundation Degree (or equivalent) in a Scientific/​Engineering discipline plus significant industrial experience at a senior level and;

• Have significant technical expertise in product design and device technology
• Possess experience in managing teams within an operational environment delivering complex technical projects
• Hold strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Have demonstratable experience in performance management and strategic planning

It would also be advantageous if the successful candidate had a supervisory or management qualification and;

• Chartered status with a relevant professional institution
• Have engagement with professional networks or bodies

If you are someone who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and is passionate about leading innovation in product design, then this could be the role for you!

At CPI, we offer a wide range of benefits to our employees, this includes:

• Up to 36 days holiday, including bank holidays – Plus a holiday purchasing scheme
• Generous pension scheme
• Life assurance and accident insurance schemes
• Flexible working
• Learning and Development Opportunities
• Free parking

Find out more about our culture and benefits.

Please note that this role will require a minimum of 2 days per week on site at Sedgefield

CPI is an organisation based in the UK. Commencement of employment is conditional to demonstrating right to work in the UK, sponsorship may be available.