Head of Design & Engineering (m/f/d)

Our client carries 187 years of heritage in high-performance enameled steel solutions. Renowned for engineering precision, durability, and aesthetics, their enameled panels are used in infrastructure, mobility, and architecture worldwide. They are now set to transform the architectural façade market in Europe, offering enameled panels as a superior alternative to terracotta and other façade materials.

Our client is seeking a Head of Design & Engineering with full responsibility for the design and engineering of tanks, silos, and architectural surface systems (façades, cladding, enamel-coated solutions).

The role ensures:

• Maximum design accuracy and reliability
• Error-free execution readiness
• Efficient, cost-optimized engineering solutions

Design quality is non-negotiable.

Core Responsibilities

1. Design Ownership

• End-to-end responsibility for all design outputs
• Approval authority for drawings, calculations, and technical documentation
• Ensure designs are complete, accurate, and executable

2. Technical Precision

• Deliver zero-defect designs
• Eliminate rework caused by engineering errors
• Maintain strict control over tolerances, interfaces, and detailing

3. Engineering of Products

• Tanks and storage systems
• Silos and structural assemblies
• Enamel-coated components and systems
• Façade and cladding solutions

4. Efficiency & Cost Responsibility

• Optimize designs for material usage, fabrication effort, assembly time
• Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities
• Balance technical robustness with economic efficiency

5. Design for Manufacturing

• Ensure designs are aligned with production capabilities
• Minimize complexity, standardize and avoid unnecessary customization
• Reduce iterations between design and shop floor

6. Standardization

• Develop and enforce design standards and templates
• Increase modularization and reuse of proven solutions
• Reduce variability in engineering outputs

7. Team Leadership

• Lead and develop the design team
• Define clear responsibilities and performance expectations
• Enforce discipline, ownership, and accountability

8. Cross-Functional Coordination

• Close alignment with production, sales / applications, procurement
• Ensure smooth handover from design to execution

Requirements:
• Degree in Mechanical / Structural / Civil Engineering
• Strong experience in industrial design
• Proven leadership experience in design engineering
• Understanding of manufacturing processes

Working Style

• Structured, precise, and detail-oriented
• High level of personal accountability
• Hands-on approach
• Fact-based decision making
• Clear and direct communication

Success Criteria

• Zero critical design errors
• Reduction in rework and design iterations
• Measurable cost savings through design improvements
• On-time release of complete and accurate designs
• High alignment with production and execution teams

Authority

• Final approval of all design outputs
• Authority to define and enforce design standards
• Authority to reject incomplete or incorrect inputs
• Teamlead of 10-20 people
• Direct report to COO