Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: Wyma Engineering

Location: Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Management / Product Development

Date Posted: May 14, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design, development, and lifecycle management for a portfolio of industrial machinery products.

• Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and standardization initiatives across assigned product lines to enhance performance and reliability.

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of engineers, fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring capability growth.

• Oversee design quality, documentation standards, and compliance requirements to meet industry regulations and customer expectations.

• Provide critical technical input and support to sales, marketing, and customer solutions teams to ensure commercial viability and customer satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Design Manager, implying significant autonomy and responsibility over product strategy and execution. The focus on "end-to-end accountability" and "leading and developing a team" suggests a blend of technical leadership and people management, critical for operations and product development roles. The integration with MHM Automation and Fortifi Food Processing Solutions indicates a strategic importance within a larger agritech conglomerate, offering opportunities for broader impact and exposure to diverse operational challenges.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and comprehensive lifecycle management for a designated portfolio of post-harvest vegetable and fruit handling equipment.

• Ensure all product designs rigorously meet specified cost targets, stringent reliability standards, essential safety regulations, and precise functional requirements.

• Champion and drive continuous improvement, foster innovation, and implement standardization across product lines to optimize efficiency and maintain competitive advantage.

• Directly manage, mentor, and develop a team of engineers, cultivating a high-performance environment, enhancing individual capabilities, and promoting team engagement.

• Maintain oversight of design quality assurance, ensure thorough and accurate technical documentation, and manage compliance with all relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements.

• Provide essential technical expertise and support to sales, marketing, and customer solutions teams to facilitate effective product positioning and customer engagement.

• Proactively manage project timelines, control budgets, and strategically allocate resources across multiple concurrent priorities to ensure timely and efficient delivery.

• Foster strong collaboration and effective communication across engineering, manufacturing, sales, and project management teams to achieve integrated business outcomes.

• Lead the investigation and resolution of warranty claims and product performance issues, employing robust root cause analysis methodologies to prevent recurrence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a senior leadership role with a focus on product lifecycle management, team development, and cross-functional collaboration. The emphasis on "cost, reliability, safety, and functional requirements" highlights the operational efficiency and quality control aspects expected from a Design Manager in an industrial manufacturing context. The inclusion of "root cause analysis" for warranty issues points to a strong emphasis on continuous improvement and operational excellence.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline. Equivalent relevant experience will also be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mechanical or machinery design, with a strong preference for experience within the industrial machinery, agritech, or food processing equipment sectors. Proven track record in leading engineering teams and managing product development lifecycles.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in mechanical engineering principles and machinery design.

• Proven people leadership experience, with a strong ability to build, motivate, and develop high-performing, collaborative engineering teams.

• Advanced proficiency in 2D and 3D CAD software for design and modeling.

• Strong foundation in engineering analysis techniques to validate designs and predict performance.

• Practical experience in design for manufacture (DFM) principles to ensure efficient and cost-effective production.

• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, delivering on time and within budget.

• Exceptional problem-solving skills with a methodical approach to identifying and resolving technical challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and other simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS) for advanced design validation.

• Exposure to or experience in water treatment design principles and applications.

• Familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) software and methodologies.

• Knowledge of compliance management and international machinery safety standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+ Years" experience level aligns with a senior management position. The required skills emphasize both technical depth in mechanical design and critical soft skills like people leadership and communication, which are vital for managing operations and cross-functional teams. The preferred skills, such as FEA and water treatment design, suggest opportunities for specialization and advanced technical contributions within the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 significant product development projects or product lines where you held direct leadership responsibility for the design and lifecycle management.

• Provide evidence of driving design improvements that resulted in measurable cost reductions, enhanced reliability, improved safety, or increased functional performance.

• Demonstrate your approach to design for manufacture (DFM), including examples of how you optimized designs for efficient production processes.

• Include documentation or case studies detailing how you managed product compliance and ensured adherence to relevant industry standards.

Process Documentation:

• Detail your methodologies for leading new product development (NPD) processes from concept through to production.

• Outline your approach to implementing and managing design reviews, ensuring thorough technical validation and risk mitigation.

• Describe your system for tracking and analyzing product performance data (e.g., warranty claims, field performance) to inform continuous improvement initiatives.

• Provide examples of how you have standardized design elements or components across product lines to improve efficiency and reduce complexity.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, a portfolio demonstrating leadership in product development, process optimization, and team management is crucial. The emphasis on Measurable results (cost reduction, reliability, safety) will be key. Highlighting experience with DFM and compliance is vital for an industrial design role. The need for process documentation shows an expectation for structured approaches to design and product lifecycle management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the Senior Design Manager title, 10+ years of experience, and location in Christchurch, New Zealand, the estimated annual salary range is NZD $130,000 - $170,000. This range is based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering management roles in New Zealand, considering the company's size and industry (industrial machinery/agritech).

Benefits:

• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, certifications, and skill enhancement relevant to engineering management and design innovation.

• Leadership Growth: Clear pathways for career advancement within Wyma Engineering and the broader Fortifi Food Processing Solutions group.

• Modern World-Class Facilities: Access to a state-of-the-art manufacturing and office facility in Christchurch, providing a high-quality working environment.

• Competitive Remuneration Package: Including comprehensive health and retirement benefits often standard in New Zealand for full-time positions.

• Company Performance Bonuses: Potential for bonuses tied to individual and company performance, reflecting contributions to innovation and profitability.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility based on project demands and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on typical compensation for senior engineering management roles in New Zealand, taking into account the experience level and industry. The benefits listed are directly derived from the job description's "Why Join Wyma?" section, tailored to appeal to professionals seeking growth and a positive work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Wyma operates within the global agritech and food processing equipment manufacturing sector, specializing in post-harvest handling solutions for vegetables and fruits. As part of MHM Automation and Fortifi Food Processing Solutions, it sits within a broader conglomerate providing integrated solutions across meat, dairy, grain, and horticulture. This provides a dynamic and innovative market context for operations professionals.

Company Size: Wyma Engineering, as part of the larger MHM Automation and Fortifi groups, is likely a medium to large-sized enterprise with multiple international operations, offering a stable yet growth-oriented environment.

Founded: Wyma has a history of leadership in its niche, and its acquisition by MHM Automation in May 2023 and subsequent integration into Fortifi Food Processing Solutions in 2024 signifies a period of strategic expansion and integration, aiming to leverage combined strengths for global market leadership.

Team Structure:

• The engineering team is likely structured with specialized groups focusing on different product lines or engineering disciplines. The Senior Design Manager will lead a specific product portfolio's design team.

• Reporting lines will likely involve the Senior Design Manager reporting to a Director of Engineering or Head of Product Development, with direct reports being Design Engineers and potentially Drafters.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: Emphasizes data-driven decision-making, utilizing performance metrics, customer feedback, and warranty data to inform design improvements and strategic product development.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: Focuses on structured product development processes, including robust design reviews, DFM principles, and lifecycle management to ensure efficiency and quality.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: While not explicitly stated for the design team's internal processes, the company's broader context in agritech suggests a strong inclination towards automation and efficiency in its manufactured products, which the design team must support and enable.

Company Website: www.wymasolutions.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The context provided highlights Wyma's position within a larger, ambitious group, indicating a strong emphasis on innovation, global reach, and operational efficiency. This integration offers operations professionals exposure to diverse markets and advanced technological solutions within the food processing and agritech sectors.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step into senior management within product development and engineering. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise in mechanical design and machinery, coupled with proven leadership capabilities to manage a team and drive strategic product initiatives. The scope extends beyond individual contribution to encompass team performance, product portfolio success, and cross-functional influence.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Engineering, VP of Product Development, or a similar senior leadership position. They will manage a team of Design Engineers, potentially including CAD technicians and junior engineers, and will collaborate closely with Product Portfolio Managers, Manufacturing Leads, Sales Directors, and Project Managers.

Operations Impact: The Senior Design Manager has a direct and substantial impact on Wyma's operational success by:

• Ensuring the design of cost-effective, reliable, and safe products that meet market demands, directly influencing manufacturing efficiency and sales performance.

• Driving innovation that maintains Wyma's competitive edge and market leadership in post-harvest solutions.

• Developing a high-performing engineering team that can consistently deliver quality products and support the company's growth objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in product lifecycle management, design for manufacture, and advanced engineering analysis techniques. Exposure to managing diverse product portfolios and complex projects.

• Leadership Development: Formal and informal leadership training, mentorship from senior executives, and the chance to hone people management skills with a direct team. Potential to take on broader departmental responsibilities or manage larger teams.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to influence product strategy, contribute to R&D roadmaps, and play a key role in the integration and growth of Wyma within the Fortifi Food Processing Solutions group. Potential for advancement into Director-level roles or leadership positions within the larger organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section positions the role within a clear career trajectory, emphasizing not just technical growth but also the development of essential leadership and strategic skills crucial for operations professionals aiming for senior roles. The impact described is directly tied to business outcomes, providing a strong value proposition for ambitious candidates.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Christchurch, New Zealand, within new, state-of-the-art manufacturing and office facilities. This suggests a modern, well-equipped, and professional workspace designed to support both individual focused work and collaborative team activities.

Office Location(s): Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand. This location provides access to a vibrant city with a strong industrial and engineering base, offering a good quality of life.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The modern facilities are designed to foster collaboration, with ample meeting spaces and open-plan areas to encourage interaction between engineering, manufacturing, and other departments.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to advanced CAD software, engineering analysis tools (potentially FEA/simulation), and other relevant design and project management technologies will be integral to the workspace.

• Team Interaction: The role involves significant interaction with a team of engineers, as well as close working relationships with Product Portfolio Managers, manufacturing personnel, sales teams, and project managers, ensuring a dynamic and engaging daily work experience.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. While core hours will be expected, there may be a degree of flexibility offered to accommodate project deadlines and team needs, reflecting a modern approach to work-life balance within the company's values.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of "new, state-of-the-art manufacturing and office facilities" indicates a commitment to providing a high-quality work environment. The emphasis on collaboration and cross-functional interaction is typical for manufacturing and engineering management roles where seamless communication is key to operational success.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and cover letter, focusing on your mechanical design experience, leadership achievements, and alignment with Wyma's values.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve in-depth discussions about your experience with CAD, engineering analysis, design for manufacture, and product lifecycle management. You may be asked to walk through specific design projects.

• Leadership & Situational Interview: Focused on your people management style, how you foster team performance, handle conflict, and make strategic decisions. Behavioral questions will assess your alignment with Wyma's values (Flexibility, Respect, Energy, Sustainability, Honour).

• Portfolio Review Presentation: A key component where you will present selected projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved (e.g., cost savings, performance improvements).

• Final Interview: With senior leadership, discussing your strategic vision, contribution to the company's growth, and long-term career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your leadership in product development, team management, and your ability to deliver impactful results in mechanical design.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the specific actions you took, and most importantly, the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., "reduced manufacturing cost by 15%", "improved product reliability by 20% leading to a 10% decrease in warranty claims").

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in leading the engineering team, mentoring junior engineers, and fostering a collaborative design environment.

• Demonstrate Process: Clearly explain your design process, including how you incorporated DFM, managed compliance, conducted risk assessments, and collaborated with other departments.

• Tailor to Wyma: Research Wyma's product lines and current market position. Frame your experience in a way that demonstrates how your skills and past successes can directly benefit Wyma's strategic objectives in post-harvest equipment.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential case studies or hypothetical scenarios related to product design challenges, team management issues, or cross-functional collaboration hurdles.

• Practice articulating your problem-solving methodology, focusing on structured approaches, data-driven analysis, and consideration of various stakeholders.

• Prepare to discuss how you would implement new design processes or drive standardization within an existing team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to present their experience and skills effectively, particularly for operations-focused roles where quantifiable results and process-oriented thinking are highly valued. The emphasis on portfolio presentation is key for design and engineering leadership roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard 2D/3D CAD software is essential. Specific examples could include SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, CATIA, or similar, used for detailed design, modeling, and creating manufacturing drawings.

• Engineering Analysis Tools: Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software like ANSYS, Abaqus, or COMSOL is highly desirable for stress, thermal, and vibration analysis. Other simulation tools for kinematics, dynamics, or fluid flow may also be relevant depending on product complexity.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems: Familiarity with PLM software (e.g., Siemens Teamcenter, PTC Windchill, Dassault Systèmes ENOVIA) for managing design data, revisions, bills of materials (BOMs), and change control processes.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools such as Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, or Monday.com for planning, tracking, and managing project timelines, resources, and deliverables.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from performance monitoring, warranty claims, and customer feedback. Proficiency with Excel for data manipulation and analysis, or BI tools like Power BI or Tableau for visualizing trends.

• Reporting Tools: Creating clear and concise reports on design progress, project status, and product performance for various stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While less directly used by the Design Manager, understanding how CRM data (customer needs, sales feedback) and manufacturing execution systems (MES) inform design decisions is beneficial. Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for BOM management and procurement processes would also be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the expected technical toolkit for a Senior Design Manager in an industrial engineering context. Highlighting specific CAD and FEA tools, along with PLM and project management software, provides candidates with a clear understanding of the technical environment and required proficiencies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Flexibility: Demonstrating adaptability in approach, problem-solving, and project management to meet evolving customer needs and market dynamics.

• Respect: Fostering an inclusive environment where all team members' contributions are valued, and fostering respectful communication and collaboration across departments.

• Energy: Bringing a proactive and enthusiastic approach to challenges, driving innovation, and motivating the team to achieve ambitious goals.

• Sustainability: Incorporating sustainable design principles and manufacturing considerations into product development, aligning with global environmental responsibility trends.

• Honour: Upholding integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct in all design decisions, documentation, and stakeholder interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with manufacturing, sales, and project management to ensure design decisions are well-informed by production capabilities, market demands, and project constraints.

• Process Review Culture: Encouraging open feedback loops and constructive critique within the engineering team and with other departments to continuously refine design processes and product quality.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting a culture where best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights are shared freely among team members and across the organization to drive collective improvement and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values (Flexibility, Respect, Energy, Sustainability, Honour) are directly translated into expected behaviors and operational approaches for a Senior Design Manager. This highlights the importance of cultural fit and how these values are expected to manifest in day-to-day decision-making and team interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Cost & Time: Effectively managing the inherent tension between developing cutting-edge, innovative designs and adhering to strict cost targets and project timelines in a competitive market.

• Global Product Compliance: Ensuring designs meet diverse international safety and regulatory standards across multiple markets where Wyma's equipment is sold.

• Integrating New Technologies: Staying abreast of and effectively integrating emerging technologies (e.g., advanced automation, IoT capabilities) into product designs to maintain competitive relevance without compromising reliability or cost-effectiveness.

• Talent Development & Retention: Attracting, developing, and retaining skilled engineering talent in a competitive job market, particularly for specialized roles within mechanical design and analysis.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in areas like advanced materials, manufacturing processes, systems engineering, and sustainability in design. Gain exposure to international market requirements and compliance frameworks.

• Industry Conference & Certification Participation: Opportunities to attend relevant industry trade shows, engineering conferences, and pursue certifications in specialized areas of design or management.

• Operations Mentorship & Leadership: Access to mentorship from senior leaders within Wyma, MHM Automation, and Fortifi Food Processing Solutions. Formal leadership development programs focused on strategic thinking, team management, and cross-functional influence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges provides candidates with realistic expectations and allows them to prepare strategies. The growth opportunities are framed to align with career progression in operations and engineering management, emphasizing continuous learning and leadership development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a team through a significant product redesign. What were the key challenges, how did you manage them, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses leadership, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How do you balance the need for innovation with strict cost and timeline constraints in product development?" (Evaluates strategic thinking and trade-off management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Wyma's values (Flexibility, Respect, Energy, Sustainability, Honour) align with your personal leadership philosophy and past experiences?" (Gauges cultural fit and understanding of company ethos.)

• "Describe your approach to fostering collaboration between engineering, manufacturing, and sales teams." (Assesses cross-functional communication and teamwork skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the design process followed, key technical challenges and solutions, the team's contribution, and quantifiable results (cost savings, performance improvements, market impact).

• Visual Aids: Utilize clear diagrams, CAD renderings, or photos of prototypes/final products to illustrate your points effectively.

• Focus on Leadership: Emphasize your leadership actions – how you guided the team, made decisions, resolved conflicts, and motivated individuals.

• Connect to Wyma: Throughout your presentation, draw parallels to Wyma's products and market, explaining how your experience is directly transferable and can contribute to their success.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides concrete examples of interview questions and presentation strategies tailored for a Senior Design Manager role, focusing on operational aspects, leadership, and impact. It guides candidates on how to best showcase their qualifications and align with the company's specific needs and culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Wyma Engineering careers page.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific achievements related to mechanical design, team leadership, product lifecycle management, and cost optimization. Use keywords from the job description and ensure quantification of your accomplishments.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your leadership in product development, design for manufacture, and your ability to deliver measurable results. Be ready to present these with clear narratives and data.

• Research Wyma: Understand their product range, market position, recent acquisitions (MHM Automation, Fortifi), and company values. Prepare to discuss how your experience aligns with their strategic goals and culture.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common behavioral and situational questions, focusing on the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and preparing specific examples that showcase your leadership, problem-solving, and operational thinking.

⚠️ 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.