Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: SharkNinja

Location: Battersea Power Station, London, UK

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design & Engineering Management

Date Posted: May 14, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (Implied 7-10 years experience)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a high-performing team of product designers and engineers focused on innovative heated products for the Ninja brand.

• Drive the end-to-end product development lifecycle, from initial concept generation and consumer insight translation to CAD execution, prototyping, testing, and final production readiness.

• Apply strong engineering and product design principles to optimize products for cost efficiency, manufacturability, reliability, and performance in high-volume consumer goods.

• Foster a culture of rapid execution, quality, and continuous improvement within the London Design Office, collaborating closely with global teams across the UK, US, and China.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Design Manager, implying significant leadership responsibilities alongside hands-on technical contribution. The focus on "heated products" and "Ninja brand" suggests a specialization within SharkNinja's broader product portfolio, likely involving complex electromechanical systems. The "Hybrid" work arrangement indicates a need for on-site presence for team collaboration and hands-on development, balanced with remote flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and inspire a team of engineers and product designers, fostering technical growth and career development.

• Drive concept generation, translating consumer and market insights into innovative, problem-solving design solutions with a distinct "Ninja edge."

• Oversee the complete product design process from early ideation and CAD execution through to prototyping, rigorous testing, and final verification.

• Manage the hiring, onboarding, and ongoing team development to support business and category expansion.

• Ensure timely project delivery while upholding stringent standards for engineering quality and consumer value.

• Continuously evaluate and refine product designs to enhance cost efficiency, manufacturability, reliability, and overall performance.

• Apply advanced engineering and product design principles to create practical, innovative, and user-centric solutions.

• Leverage expertise in high-volume manufacturing processes and materials to optimize designs for mass production.

• Lead and actively participate in CAD reviews, design reviews, and cross-functional technical discussions.

• Support hands-on development activities, including prototype construction, laboratory testing, data analysis, and comprehensive reporting.

• Collaborate effectively with global Product Development, Engineering, Design, Marketing, and Operations teams to ensure seamless product launches.

• Communicate project status, technical challenges, and strategic decisions clearly and concisely to cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of people management, strategic design leadership, and direct technical involvement. The emphasis on "rapid execution" and "pace" suggests an agile development environment common in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Typically 7 to 10 years of progressive experience in mechanical, product design, or industrial design environments.

• Minimum of 2 years of direct experience leading, managing, or mentoring engineering and design teams.

• Demonstrated success in developing and launching consumer products from concept to market.

Required Skills:

• Team Leadership & Development: Proven ability to motivate, mentor, and grow high-performing design and engineering teams.

• Product Development Lifecycle: Comprehensive understanding and hands-on experience managing the entire product development cycle.

• CAD Proficiency: High proficiency in SolidWorks or Creo, with demonstrated experience leading complex CAD reviews and model management.

• Manufacturing Processes: Strong understanding of high-volume manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, assembly) and material properties relevant to consumer products.

• Technical Problem Solving: Excellent analytical skills and a systematic approach to identifying and resolving complex engineering and design challenges.

• Prototyping & Testing: Hands-on experience with prototype builds, product testing methodologies, data analysis, and performance verification.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Exceptional ability to work effectively with diverse, global teams across engineering, marketing, operations, and design functions.

• Communication: Clear, concise, and persuasive verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to various stakeholders.

• Consumer Insight Integration: Ability to interpret consumer feedback and market research to inform design decisions.

Preferred Skills:

• Electrical Engineering Fundamentals: Basic understanding of electrical engineering principles as they relate to heated products.

• Software & UX Awareness: Appreciation for software development and user experience (UX) design principles.

• Cost Optimization: Experience specifically focused on value engineering and cost reduction in product design.

• Global Product Launch: Experience supporting product launches in multiple international markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements suggest a candidate who can operate both strategically as a leader and tactically as an experienced engineer. Proficiency in specific CAD software (SolidWorks/Creo) is critical, as is a deep understanding of manufacturing, which is paramount for high-volume consumer products.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable examples of end-to-end product development projects, showcasing innovation from concept to market-ready designs.

• Case studies detailing complex technical challenges solved through innovative design and engineering solutions, specifically for consumer products.

• Evidence of team leadership and collaborative project execution, highlighting contributions to team growth and project success.

• Examples of CAD work, including complex assemblies, design for manufacturability (DFM) considerations, and design review outputs.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of structured design processes, including concept ideation frameworks, risk assessment methodologies, and stage-gate review processes.

• Illustrate how consumer insights and market feedback were systematically integrated into the design and development workflow.

• Provide examples of how manufacturing constraints and cost targets were addressed and optimized within the design process.

• Demonstrate experience with documentation for design verification and validation (V&V) phases, including test plans and reports.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, the portfolio is crucial for demonstrating not only individual technical capability but also leadership, process management, and the ability to drive projects through complex stages. Emphasis should be placed on projects that show tangible impact and problem-solving.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated range of £65,000 - £90,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for medical, dental, and vision.

• Retirement Plans: Competitive pension scheme or equivalent.

• Generous Paid Time Off: Including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Employee Stock Purchase Options: Opportunity to invest in the company's growth.

• Wellness Programs: Initiatives focused on employee health and well-being.

• SharkNinja Product Discounts: Exclusive access to discounted products.

• Professional Development: Access to high-impact Learning Programs, featuring expert-led sessions and workshops aligned with career growth.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• The role is designated as Hybrid, allowing for a balance between office-based collaboration and remote work, with specific on-site expectations likely focused on key project phases and team meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation for a Design Manager role in London. Benefits are drawn directly from the provided text and are standard for a company of SharkNinja's size and industry. The "Hybrid" nature implies a degree of flexibility but also an expectation of regular office presence.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Consumer Goods / Lifestyle Solutions / Product Design & Technology

Company Size: Over 4,100 associates globally. This size indicates a well-established company with significant resources, established processes, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration, but also potential for a structured, albeit fast-paced, environment.

Founded: SharkNinja operates with a history of innovation, consistently bringing disruptive products to market across multiple categories.

Team Structure:

• The London Design Office houses a specialized team focused on the Ninja brand's heated products, comprising engineers and product designers.

• This team operates within a matrix structure, likely reporting to a UK-based leadership role while collaborating extensively with global product development, engineering, marketing, and operations departments in the US and China.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on translating consumer and market insights into actionable design strategies.

• Rapid Execution: A culture that prioritizes speed and agility in bringing innovative concepts from ideation to production.

• User-Centricity: Focus on solving real consumer problems and delivering exceptional user experiences.

• Continuous Improvement: Ongoing evaluation and optimization of designs for manufacturability, cost, reliability, and performance.

Company Website: https://sharkninja.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: SharkNinja's culture is characterized by an "Outrageously Extraordinary" mindset, encouraging boundary-pushing innovation and a proactive, self-starter attitude. The company's growth trajectory suggests a dynamic and ambitious work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-to-senior level management position, requiring both extensive technical expertise in product design and engineering and proven people leadership skills. It sits at the intersection of technical execution and strategic team direction.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director or VP of Engineering/Product Development within the UK or European division. They will directly manage a team of engineers and designers. Close collaboration with global counterparts and stakeholders is a key aspect of the role.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct impact on SharkNinja's ability to innovate and maintain market leadership in the heated products category for the Ninja brand. Their team's output influences product quality, consumer satisfaction, manufacturing efficiency, and ultimately, revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into senior director roles overseeing larger teams or broader product categories within SharkNinja's global structure.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific product categories or advanced manufacturing technologies relevant to consumer appliances.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Opportunities to lead strategic initiatives that span multiple departments or geographies within the company.

• Mentorship and Development: As a leader, there's an opportunity to shape the careers of emerging talent within the design and engineering fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within a growing company, with opportunities to expand leadership scope and technical influence. The emphasis on cross-functional and global collaboration prepares individuals for more senior, strategic roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in the London Design Office, located at Battersea Power Station. This suggests a modern, potentially collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and team interaction.

Office Location(s): Battersea Power Station, London, UK. This is a well-connected and prestigious location within London, offering excellent transport links and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office is likely designed to facilitate team meetings, design reviews, brainstorming sessions, and hands-on work with prototypes and product samples.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard CAD workstations, prototyping equipment, testing labs, and other necessary design tools.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities to engage with direct reports, peers, and cross-functional partners from global teams, likely facilitated through a mix of in-person meetings and digital collaboration platforms.

Work Schedule: The role is designated as Hybrid, meaning a blend of on-site and remote work. While specific days in the office may vary, it's expected that the Design Manager will be present for critical team activities, design reviews, and collaborative sessions. The standard working hours are approximately 40 per week, with flexibility often afforded in such roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The London Design Office at Battersea Power Station implies a premium workspace designed for creative and collaborative work, aligning with SharkNinja's innovative culture. The hybrid model balances flexibility with the essential in-person collaboration required for design management.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the Design Manager's direct supervisor, focusing on leadership experience, technical approach, and strategic thinking.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with key engineers, designers, and cross-functional stakeholders to evaluate collaboration style, technical depth, and team integration potential.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where the candidate presents selected projects from their portfolio, demonstrating problem-solving skills, design process, and leadership impact. This is a critical stage for assessing practical experience and communication ability.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Director/VP) to assess strategic alignment and overall suitability for the role and company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 key projects that best represent your leadership experience, problem-solving capabilities, and impact on product development, particularly in consumer goods or relevant electromechanical areas.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role and leadership contribution, the design process followed, key challenges overcome, technical solutions implemented, and the measurable business/consumer outcomes (e.g., cost savings, performance improvements, successful launch).

• Showcase Leadership: Highlight instances where you mentored team members, resolved conflicts, drove consensus, and facilitated efficient project progress.

• Demonstrate Process: Explain your approach to concept development, CAD execution, DFM, prototyping, and testing. Detail how you integrated consumer insights and manufacturing constraints.

• Prepare for Technical Depth: Be ready to discuss the technical details of your projects, including CAD strategies, material choices, and manufacturing considerations, at a level appropriate for experienced engineers and designers.

• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your presentation to ensure a clear, concise, and compelling story for each project, managing time effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

• Expect potential technical or situational challenges designed to assess problem-solving skills, design thinking, and leadership approach under pressure. This might involve a hypothetical product design problem or a scenario requiring team management.

• Be prepared to articulate your thought process, justify your decisions, and outline a potential path forward, demonstrating your strategic and analytical abilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes both technical competence and leadership effectiveness. A strong, well-prepared portfolio presentation is essential for demonstrating the candidate's ability to manage complex product development and lead a team.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: High proficiency in SolidWorks or Creo is mandatory, with experience in managing complex assemblies, PDM/PLM systems, and conducting design reviews using these tools.

• 3D Modeling & Rendering: Experience with tools for visualization and concept presentation (e.g., Keyshot, SolidWorks Visualize).

• Prototyping Equipment: Familiarity with 3D printing technologies (SLA, FDM), CNC machining, and hand-building techniques for rapid prototyping.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret test data, performance metrics, and potentially basic analytics from consumer feedback platforms.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, Monday.com, or similar for tracking project progress, task management, and team coordination.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how product data feeds into CRM or ERP systems for lifecycle management could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is advanced CAD proficiency (SolidWorks/Creo). Familiarity with prototyping and testing equipment is crucial for hands-on development. Project management tools are essential for managing team workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Outrageously Extraordinary: A drive for innovation, pushing boundaries, and achieving exceptional results.

• Consumer Focus: Dedication to solving real consumer problems and delivering outstanding user experiences.

• Bold Design & Strong Engineering: Commitment to high-quality, innovative, and robust product solutions.

• Rapid Execution: Ability to move quickly and efficiently through the development process.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across global teams, functions, and disciplines.

• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for projects from concept to launch.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Proactive engagement with Product Development, Marketing, Operations, and global teams to ensure alignment and seamless product delivery.

• Open Communication: Clear, honest, and timely communication with team members and stakeholders, fostering a transparent environment.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture of giving and receiving feedback constructively to drive continuous improvement in designs and processes.

• Team Empowerment: Fostering an environment where team members are empowered to solve problems and execute autonomously, with supportive leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes bold innovation and high performance, requiring individuals who are proactive, collaborative, and dedicated to delivering exceptional products.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Pace and Quality: Ensuring rapid product development without compromising engineering integrity, manufacturability, or consumer experience.

• Global Coordination: Effectively managing projects and teams across different time zones, cultures, and operational norms (UK, US, China).

• Driving Innovation: Consistently generating novel concepts that differentiate Ninja products in competitive markets.

• Team Development: Attracting, retaining, and developing top engineering and design talent in a competitive London market.

• Technical Complexity: Navigating the inherent complexities of designing innovative heated appliances, which often involve intricate electromechanical systems and safety considerations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Product Development: Gain deeper expertise in specific product categories or emerging technologies within the consumer appliance sector.

• Global Leadership: Develop skills in managing international teams and navigating global product launch complexities.

• Strategic Innovation: Contribute to the strategic direction of product roadmaps and innovation pipelines.

• Mentorship Programs: Participate in or lead mentorship initiatives, fostering personal and team growth.

• Industry Exposure: Potential opportunities to attend relevant trade shows, conferences, or workshops to stay abreast of industry trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for growth within a leading consumer product company, with challenges that foster advanced leadership and technical development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you significantly improved a product's manufacturability or cost efficiency through design changes. What was your approach and the outcome?" (Assesses DFM, cost optimization, and problem-solving).

• "How do you balance the need for rapid product development with ensuring high standards of engineering quality and consumer value?" (Assesses understanding of project management trade-offs and quality focus).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How does your leadership style align with SharkNinja's 'Outrageously Extraordinary' mindset?" (Assesses cultural fit and self-awareness).

• "Describe a situation where you had to collaborate closely with global teams (e.g., US, China). What were the key challenges, and how did you address them?" (Assesses cross-functional and global collaboration skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, clearly outline: Problem Statement, Your Role & Leadership, Design Process & Methodology, Key Technical/Design Innovations, Challenges & Solutions, and Measurable Outcomes/Impact.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals (CAD renders, photos of prototypes, diagrams) to illustrate your work.

• Storytelling: Craft a narrative that highlights your problem-solving journey and leadership contributions.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success and value of your projects (e.g., % cost reduction, improvement in performance metrics, successful market adoption).

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical decisions, design choices, and leadership actions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating leadership experience, technical problem-solving, and a deep understanding of the product development lifecycle within the consumer goods context. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase these skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Greenhouse portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in product design engineering, mechanical engineering, people leadership, CAD proficiency (SolidWorks/Creo), and high-volume manufacturing. Quantify achievements wherever possible, especially related to product launches, cost savings, or team development.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 3-4 of your most impactful projects that demonstrate your leadership, technical expertise, and ability to drive product development from concept to market. Be ready to present these with a focus on problem-solving, process, and outcomes.

• Research SharkNinja: Understand their brands (Shark, Ninja), product categories, and their "Outrageously Extraordinary" culture. Familiarize yourself with their recent product innovations and market position.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and practice articulating your technical approach and leadership philosophy, particularly concerning design strategy, team management, and cross-functional collaboration.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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