Head of CAD

My client is a leading solid surface fabrication company that has been established over 35 years, during which they have amassed a wealth of knowledge, experience and achieved various accreditations from brand leaders. Their UK wide client base includes recognisable retail and commercial names and as a result, their large-scale installation logistics network reflects this. An innovative company at the forefront of their industry with a fun and friendly but professional working environment. Their small but formidable team is a huge part of their success, and they are seeking enthusiastic, dedicated and ambitious CAD Engineer who wants to make a difference and help them achieve their goals.

THE ROLE: The purpose of this role is to lead and manage the CAD department, ensuring the smooth flow of projects from template through to manufacture. Working closely with the Operations Manager and Managing Director, the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing CAD priorities, supporting the fabrication team, and maintaining high technical and production standards across all projects. Key duties and responsibilities include: - Managing and overseeing the day-to-day operation of the CAD department, including supporting and supervising two CAD team members. - Prioritising CAD workload in line with production schedules, project deadlines, and operational requirements. - Working closely with the Operations Manager and Managing Director to ensure projects progress efficiently through production. - Ensuring the processing of all templates is carried out accurately, efficiently, and within required timescales. - Converting digital files into accurate approval drawings for customer sign-off. - Producing detailed fabrication drawings and workshop paperwork for the factory team. - Programming jobs for CNC production. - Clearly highlighting all critical production information including dimensions, joints, edge details, cut-outs, support requirements, and installation details for shop floor operatives. - Reading and interpreting commercial, architectural, and joinery drawings to extract all relevant manufacturing information and ensure no details are missed. - Reviewing project specifications and construction drawings to identify technical issues, discrepancies, or potential production risks prior to manufacture. - Ensuring all relevant information is accurately transferred from drawings and specifications into internal production systems and fabrication paperwork. - Maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, particularly on complex and time-sensitive projects. - Acting as a key technical point of contact for internal departments, customers, and installation teams to resolve specification and production queries. - Supporting the smooth coordination between CAD, fabrication, and installation teams to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and to a high standard. - Maintaining fastidious and accurate record keeping within the company's central production system. - Driving consistency, organisation, and high standards throughout the CAD department and wider production process.

THE CANDIDATE - Previous experience managing or mentoring a small CAD or technical team. - Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and fabrication methods. - Ability to interpret architectural, construction, and joinery drawings accurately. - Experience producing detailed workshop/manufacturing drawings for production environments. - Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve technical issues proactively. - Ability to prioritise workload effectively in line with production and installation deadlines. - Commercial awareness with an understanding of material optimisation and manufacturing efficiency. - Experience working within a fast-paced manufacturing or project-driven environment. - Confident decision-making skills and the ability to work under pressure. - Knowledge of CNC manufacturing processes and machining principles. - Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple live projects simultaneously. - Ability to communicate technical information clearly to both office staff and shop floor operatives. - Proactive approach with a continuous improvement mindset toward systems and processes. - Full UK driving licence advantageous.

THE BENEFITS: Salary: £38,000 - £40,000 21 days holiday plus Bank Holidays and 5 holiday buy scheme Company Vehicle Pension

THE CONSULTANCY: Edwards & Pearce acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. Edwards & Pearce is an Equal Opportunities Employer.