Design Manager - Wet

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Wet

Company: Dyson

Location: Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering Management / Product Development

Date Posted: 2026-09-15

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the technical execution and delivery of innovative Floorcare product development programs from initial concept through to industrialization and full production readiness.

• Serve as the central technical liaison for assigned projects, orchestrating collaborative efforts across diverse functions including Engineering, Operations, Quality Assurance, Procurement, and Programme Management.

• Ensure seamless integration and adherence to Dyson’s global engineering standards, best practices, and governance frameworks within the Malaysian development ecosystem.

• Drive critical technical decision-making, risk assessment, and structured problem-solving to consistently achieve project milestones and deliver high-quality, reliable products.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Dyson's Global Development Campus in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, highlighting a significant focus on the end-to-end product lifecycle for Floorcare products. The emphasis on leading technical delivery from concept to production suggests a senior engineering management role with substantial responsibility for program execution and cross-functional team alignment, particularly bridging global RDD with local development and manufacturing partners.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the end-to-end technical delivery of Floorcare development programs, managing them from the conceptual phase through to industrialization and successful production ramp-up.

• Act as the primary technical point of contact for all assigned projects, ensuring effective coordination and communication across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Procurement, and Programme Management teams.

• Drive alignment between Malaysia-based development activities and Dyson’s overarching global engineering standards, established processes, and governance structures.

• Collaborate closely with project managers and technical leads to meticulously define comprehensive development plans, accurately forecast resource requirements, and establish clear delivery priorities.

• Lead rigorous technical reviews, proactive risk assessments, and structured problem-solving initiatives to guarantee the achievement of all critical project milestones.

• Foster strong collaboration with engineering, development, and manufacturing partners located in Malaysia to effectively support product development, validation, and industrialization efforts.

• Proactively manage technical risks, identify potential issues, and track dependencies, escalating concerns as necessary to maintain seamless programme delivery.

• Translate high-level product requirements into detailed, actionable development plans and clearly defined cross-functional workstreams.

• Ensure all engineering solutions meet Dyson's stringent standards for product performance, safety, quality, reliability, cost-effectiveness, and manufacturability.

• Contribute to capability building within the Johor development organization through active coaching, knowledge sharing sessions, and direct technical leadership.

• Represent the Engineering function effectively during crucial programme reviews, milestone assessments, and key stakeholder discussions.

• Champion and promote effective, synergistic collaboration between the Johor-based team, Dyson’s global engineering divisions, and all external development partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for strong project management acumen combined with deep technical engineering oversight. The emphasis on "driving alignment," "managing technical risks," and "translating high-level requirements" points to a strategic operational role focused on execution excellence within a complex product development environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics), Product Design, Science, or a closely related technical discipline. Experience:

• A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in product design and development, with a significant focus on technology, complex engineering, or high-volume consumer products.

• Proven track record of managing end-to-end product development lifecycles, encompassing design, rigorous validation, tooling, industrialization, and manufacturing processes. Required Skills:

• Technical Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor engineering teams through complex development challenges and guide technical decision-making.

• Product Development Lifecycle: Deep understanding of the entire product development process, from concept ideation to mass production readiness.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven experience working effectively with diverse, cross-functional teams (Engineering, Operations, Quality, Procurement, Programme Management) to achieve shared objectives.

• Engineering Standards & Governance: Ability to drive alignment with and ensure adherence to global engineering standards, processes, and quality governance frameworks.

• Risk Management & Problem Solving: Strong capabilities in technical risk assessment, structured problem-solving methodologies, and proactive issue resolution.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent skills in managing relationships and communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders at various levels.

• Commercial Acumen: Ability to balance technical excellence with critical business objectives, including cost targets, quality standards, and delivery timelines.

• Project Execution: Proven ability to translate strategic requirements into actionable plans and manage project dependencies for successful delivery.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific Floorcare product technologies or similar complex electromechanical consumer goods.

• Familiarity with Agile or Lean methodologies applied in product development.

• Experience working within or managing relationships with development and manufacturing partners in Southeast Asia.

• Proficiency in advanced project management or product lifecycle management (PLM) software.

• Knowledge of specific validation and testing methodologies relevant to consumer electronics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level of 5-10 years, coupled with the emphasis on end-to-end product development and technical leadership, suggests this role is for an experienced engineering manager. The preferred skills indicate a desire for candidates who can hit the ground running with minimal ramp-up time, particularly regarding international collaboration and specific product categories.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 significant product development programs led from concept to production, detailing your role, challenges faced, and key outcomes achieved.

• Technical Leadership Examples: Provide evidence of how you have mentored teams, driven technical solutions, and overcome complex engineering hurdles.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Document instances where you identified and implemented improvements to design, validation, or industrialization processes, quantifying the impact (e.g., time saved, cost reduction, quality improvement).

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Evidence: Illustrate successful collaborations with Operations, Quality, and Procurement, highlighting how you ensured alignment and effective execution across these functions.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in mapping, analyzing, and optimizing product development workflows, including stages like concept validation, design freeze, tooling kick-off, and pilot production.

• Implementation & Automation: Provide examples of how you have overseen the implementation of new processes or automation within the development cycle to enhance efficiency or quality.

• Measurement & Analysis: Show how you have established key performance indicators (KPIs) for development programs, tracked progress against these metrics, and used data to drive decisions and report on project status.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, the portfolio should strongly emphasize tangible project outcomes and the candidate's direct impact on technical delivery, process efficiency, and team development. Quantifiable results and clear articulation of complex problem-solving scenarios are crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in Malaysia, particularly within the technology and consumer goods sectors, the estimated annual salary range is approximately MYR 150,000 - MYR 250,000. This estimate accounts for the strategic and leadership responsibilities of the role, Dyson's reputation as a premium technology company, and the cost of living in Johor Bahru. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employees and eligible dependents.

• Generous paid time off (annual leave, sick leave, public holidays).

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and further education.

• Employee discounts on Dyson products.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., EPF contributions).

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Access to on-site facilities (if applicable at the Global Development Campus). Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Flexibility may be available, but the on-site nature of the role requires consistent presence during core business hours for effective team collaboration and program management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on general market data for similar roles in Malaysia. Specific compensation will be determined by the candidate's qualifications, experience, and Dyson's internal compensation structure. The benefits listed are typical for a large, established technology company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Consumer Electronics, Engineering, Product Design. Dyson is a leader in innovative product development, known for its disruptive approach to established markets with a strong focus on R&D and engineering excellence.

Company Size: Dyson is a large, global technology company with thousands of employees worldwide. The Johor Bahru campus itself is a significant hub for R&D and manufacturing operations.

Founded: Dyson was founded in 1991 by Sir James Dyson. Its history is marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and a commitment to solving engineering challenges that others overlook.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will be part of the New Product Development (NPD) Floorcare division within Dyson's Research, Design, and Development (RDD) organization.

• This role reports directly to the NPD Floorcare Director, indicating a senior position within the product development hierarchy.

• The team structure involves close collaboration with global RDD teams, as well as local engineering, development, and manufacturing partners in Malaysia. This necessitates managing relationships across different geographies and organizational units. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Dyson emphasizes a rigorous, data-driven approach to product development, relying on extensive testing, analysis, and validation to inform design choices and ensure performance.

• Structured Problem Solving: The company employs systematic methodologies for identifying, analyzing, and resolving complex technical challenges, often involving cross-functional teams.

• Iterative Design & Development: Dyson's culture encourages continuous improvement and iteration, moving from concept to prototype to refined product through a structured, yet flexible, development process.

Company Website: https://www.dyson.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Dyson's culture is renowned for its engineering-centricity, innovation, and a demanding yet rewarding environment. The emphasis on solving problems and pushing technological boundaries is a key differentiator. The Johor Bahru campus plays a critical role in Dyson's global product realization strategy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a mid-to-senior level within the engineering management track. It requires significant technical depth combined with strong leadership and program management capabilities. The scope extends beyond a single project to overseeing multiple development programs within the Floorcare category.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to the NPD Floorcare Director, placing them in a direct line of leadership for key product development initiatives. They will manage technical leads and collaborate extensively with peers in Programme Management, Operations, Quality, and global RDD counterparts.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and profound impact on Dyson's ability to bring innovative, high-quality Floorcare products to market. Success in this position means ensuring products meet stringent performance, reliability, and commercial targets, directly contributing to Dyson's revenue, market share, and brand reputation. Effective technical leadership and program execution are critical to Dyson's competitive advantage.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific Floorcare technologies or electromechanical product development.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to higher-level management roles, such as Head of Engineering or Director of Product Development, overseeing larger teams and broader product portfolios.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work with or relocate to other Dyson RDD hubs globally.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop broader skills in areas like manufacturing operations, supply chain management, or advanced R&D.

• Mentorship Programs: Participate in or lead mentorship initiatives, guiding junior engineers and contributing to Dyson's talent development pipeline.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager at Dyson is geared towards significant impact and leadership within the product development lifecycle. Growth is likely tied to successful program delivery, team development, and expanding influence within the global RDD organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Dyson's Global Development Campus in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. This is a modern, state-of-the-art facility designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and efficient product development. It is likely to be a hybrid environment with dedicated office spaces, lab areas, and collaborative zones.

Office Location(s): Global Development Campus, Johor Bahru, Malaysia. This location is a key hub for Dyson's engineering and manufacturing operations in Southeast Asia.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace is designed to encourage interaction between engineers, designers, project managers, and manufacturing specialists, facilitating rapid problem-solving and knowledge sharing.

• Advanced Facilities: Access to cutting-edge engineering labs, testing equipment, and prototyping facilities necessary for developing complex Floorcare products.

• International Integration: Opportunities to work alongside a diverse, international team of professionals, fostering a global perspective on product development.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, on-site, requiring consistent presence during core business hours to effectively lead teams, attend critical reviews, and collaborate with on-site partners. While Dyson values efficiency, the demands of product development may necessitate occasional extended hours to meet critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement underscores the importance of hands-on leadership, direct team interaction, and close collaboration with manufacturing and development partners within the Johor Bahru campus.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will review applications and conduct an initial screening call to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the NPD Floorcare Director focusing on technical experience, leadership style, and understanding of product development processes. Be prepared to discuss specific projects from your resume.

• Technical/Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders, including senior engineers, project managers, and potentially representatives from Operations or Quality Assurance. These may involve technical problem-solving scenarios or case studies.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio, detailing your contributions, methodologies, and outcomes. This is a critical step to demonstrate your capabilities.

• Final Interview: Potentially a discussion with a senior leader within RDD to assess strategic alignment and overall suitability for the role and Dyson's culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that best align with the responsibilities outlined. Prioritize projects demonstrating leadership in Floorcare or similar complex electromechanical products.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and actions, the methodologies used, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, performance improvements, time-to-market reduction, quality enhancements). Use data and metrics wherever possible.

• Showcase Leadership & Collaboration: Highlight instances where you led teams, resolved conflicts, influenced stakeholders, and fostered cross-functional synergy.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your presentation logically: Project Overview -> Challenge -> Your Approach/Solution -> Results -> Key Learnings.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical decisions, problem-solving approaches, and how you managed risks and trade-offs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Optimization Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach optimizing a specific stage of the product development lifecycle (e.g., accelerating validation, improving manufacturability reviews).

• Technical Problem Solving: Prepare to walk through a challenging technical problem you encountered and how you systematically solved it, including the tools and methodologies you employed.

• Leadership & Team Management: Expect questions about how you motivate teams, handle underperformance, and foster a culture of innovation and accountability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is a cornerstone of the Dyson interview process for management roles. Candidates must be able to articulate their past successes with clarity, data, and a focus on their direct impact and leadership.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD packages (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD) for design review and understanding is expected.

• PLM Systems: Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software (e.g., Siemens Teamcenter, PTC Windchill) for managing product data, configurations, and workflows.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, or similar for planning, tracking, and managing development timelines and tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from various sources, potentially including Excel for data manipulation, and possibly BI tools for dashboarding (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) if involved in reporting project status.

• Simulation Software: Familiarity with simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL) for performance and stress analysis, even if not a primary user, to understand their application in design validation.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how product development data integrates with business systems is beneficial.

• Collaboration Platforms: Extensive use of Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for communication and collaboration with global and local teams.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with enterprise-level document control and sharing platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on tools used in engineering design, product data management, and project execution. The candidate is expected to be adept at leveraging technology to manage complex development programs and facilitate collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Engineering Excellence: A deep-seated commitment to rigorous engineering principles, innovation, and delivering technically superior products.

• Problem Solving: A proactive, analytical, and tenacious approach to identifying and solving complex technical and operational challenges.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of projects and outcomes, ensuring commitments are met with high standards of quality and delivery.

• Collaboration: Fostering an environment where diverse teams work together seamlessly, sharing knowledge and driving collective success.

• Continuous Improvement: A mindset of always seeking better ways to design, develop, and manufacture products, embracing new technologies and methodologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Dyson's collaborative style heavily emphasizes breaking down silos between RDD, Operations, Quality, and Procurement. The Design Manager must actively foster this integration.

• Open Communication & Feedback: Encouraging direct, honest communication and constructive feedback across all levels and functions to accelerate learning and problem-solving.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting a culture where best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights are readily shared to benefit the wider organization and development partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: Dyson values individuals who are not only technically brilliant but also possess strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to collaborative problem-solving within a demanding, innovation-driven environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Global-Local Alignment: Navigating the complexities of aligning global RDD standards and requirements with local development and manufacturing capabilities and timelines in Malaysia.

• Pace of Innovation: Keeping pace with Dyson's aggressive innovation agenda and aggressive product launch cycles requires efficient development processes and rapid decision-making.

• Technical Complexity: Managing the inherent technical challenges of developing sophisticated Floorcare products, ensuring performance, reliability, and manufacturability simultaneously.

• Stakeholder Management: Balancing the diverse needs and expectations of global RDD, local teams, manufacturing partners, and program management.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training in cutting-edge engineering techniques, materials science, or product development methodologies relevant to Dyson's technologies.

• Leadership Development Programs: Formal training and mentorship focused on enhancing leadership, strategic thinking, and people management skills.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to attend relevant industry conferences, workshops, and engage with external experts.

• Cross-Disciplinary Projects: Involvement in projects that span different product categories or R&D functions, broadening your expertise and network within Dyson.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges due to its global scope and the demanding nature of Dyson's product development, but these challenges are directly linked to substantial growth opportunities for ambitious engineering leaders.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to align a local development team with global engineering standards. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on process, communication, and driving adoption.)

• "How do you balance the need for rapid product development with ensuring robust quality and reliability, especially under tight deadlines?" (Highlight your structured approach to risk management and validation.)

• "Walk me through a complex technical problem you encountered during product development. What was your methodology for diagnosis and resolution, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate your problem-solving skills and technical depth.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Dyson's approach to innovation and product development? How does that resonate with your own engineering philosophy?" (Showcase your research and alignment with Dyson's core values.)

• "How would you foster a culture of collaboration and accountability within your team and with external partners?" (Focus on your leadership style and team-building strategies.)

• "How do you measure the success of a product development program beyond just meeting deadlines?" (Discuss KPIs related to performance, cost, quality, and customer satisfaction.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on "Your Role": Clearly articulate your specific contributions and leadership, not just the team's overall achievements. Use "I" statements.

• STAR Method: Structure your project examples using the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method for clarity and impact.

• Visual Aids: Use concise slides with diagrams, charts, and key data points to support your narrative. Avoid text-heavy slides.

• Connect to Dyson: Whenever possible, draw parallels between your past experiences and Dyson's known values or product challenges.

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate in-depth questions about your technical choices, trade-offs made, and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical competence but also strong leadership, strategic thinking, and an understanding of Dyson's unique culture of innovation and rigorous execution.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Dyson Careers portal, ensuring your resume and any requested documents are uploaded.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific achievements and responsibilities that directly align with the core responsibilities and required skills, especially those related to end-to-end product development, technical leadership, and cross-functional management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your experience in leading technical delivery, problem-solving, and collaborating across functions. Quantify your achievements with data and metrics.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and demonstrating your impact using the STAR method. Be ready to answer detailed questions.

• Research Dyson: Familiarize yourself with Dyson's latest innovations, product philosophy, and company values. Understand their approach to engineering and design, particularly in the Floorcare category.

⚠️ 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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