David Aitken

CEO

Bristol, England, United Kingdom18 yrs experience
Most Likely To SwitchHighly Stable

Key Highlights

  • Led 40+ product development journeys.
  • Successfully launched 20+ products.
  • Developed award-winning design solutions.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a Product Design expert with extensive experience in design consultancy and consumer electronics.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

LeadershipProduct DesignProblem Solving

Other Skills

AlgorCADCommunicationComputer-Aided Design (CAD)Concept DesignConcept DevelopmentConcept GenerationFinite Element AnalysisGraphic DesignIllustratorInDesignIndustrial DesignMarket AnalysisMechanical EngineeringMicrosoft Office

About

Strategic Design Director with over 12 years of experience within design and development. I lead cross-functional teams, overseeing operations, and driving business development to deliver award-winning, commercially successful products. I work closely with founders, CEOs, and senior leaders to bring ideas to life, combining hands-on design expertise with clear commercial thinking. With a track record across 40+ product development journeys and 20+ product launches, I focus on building strong client relationships and supporting teams to deliver great work. I’m passionate about creating products that connect with users and make a meaningful impact on the businesses behind them.

Experience

Realise product design

3 roles

Design Director | Head of Business Development

Promoted

May 2021Present · 4 yrs 10 mos

  • Direct the strategic, operational, and creative leadership of a multidisciplinary consultancy delivering high-impact design work for start-ups, entrepreneurs, and global brands such as Fujifilm.
  • Oversee a cross-functional team of creatives and engineers, supported by specialist contractors, ensuring high standards across design delivery, project management, and client engagement.
  • Lead business development efforts, including proposal creation, scoping, and early-stage client conversations to align business objectives with design solutions.
  • Attend industry exhibitions and trade shows to expand our network, engage new leads, and keep up with sector trends
  • Developed an internal job planning and budget scoping tool to accelerate proposals and improve conversion rates by engaging clients earlier in the process.
  • Refined sales and stakeholder communication skills through external coaching, enabling more effective engagement with a range of decision-makers across different sectors.
  • Manage forecasting, resourcing, WIP reviews, and studio operations to ensure commercial performance and team effectiveness.
  • Line manage team members across disciplines, supporting their development, performance, and recruitment
Research and Development (R&D)Mechanical EngineeringProblem SolvingMarket AnalysisStrategic ThinkingTeam Management+4

Senior Product Designer

Promoted

May 2018May 2021 · 3 yrs

Research and Development (R&D)Mechanical EngineeringProblem SolvingStrategic ThinkingTeam ManagementCommunication+3

Product Design Engineer

Jul 2017May 2018 · 10 mos

  • As a skilled Product Designer at Realise, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to produce innovative and creative problem-solving ideas, from the front-end design development stage through to design for manufacture. I have played a crucial role in the design and development of proof-of-principle prototyping rigs, as well as providing invaluable contributions to the UX design and detailed development process.
  • My diverse range of experience has given me the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects for a range of clients, allowing me to develop my skills in both mass-production and small-scale production runs. By leveraging my extensive knowledge and expertise in design thinking, I have been able to deliver successful products that meet the needs of each client and project.
Research and Development (R&D)Mechanical EngineeringProblem SolvingCommunicationProduct DesignIndustrial Design

The product partnership

Associate

Jan 2020Present · 6 yrs 2 mos · City Of Bristol, England, United Kingdom · Hybrid

University of the west of england

Visiting Lecturer

Jan 2020Feb 2021 · 1 yr 1 mo · Bristol, England, United Kingdom

  • In my role as a skilled mentor and educator, I have been instrumental in guiding and supporting second-year students across multiple modules to excel in their studies. Through my expertise and guidance, I have helped students to develop their ideas, design for manufacture, improve their design communication skills, and engage with creative thinking methods.
  • To achieve these goals, I have implemented various strategies, including portfolio advice and feedback sessions, which are offered on both a 1:1 level and through group-led presentations. These sessions have proven highly effective in helping students to identify their strengths and weaknesses and develop a clear path to achieving their goals.
Problem SolvingCommunicationLeadershipProduct DesignIndustrial Design

Vax ltd

2 roles

Product Design Engineer

Promoted

May 2015Jul 2017 · 2 yrs 2 mos

  • As a skilled designer and engineer, I have extensive experience in managing the design, development, and manufacture of projects from initial sketches to mass production parts. At VAX, I worked closely with multiple departments and external Chinese partners to design and engineer components, while working under tight development schedules to meet critical market launch dates for leading retailers such as Amazon, Currys, Argos, and John Lewis.
  • In my role, I was responsible for overseeing various product platforms, including Corded Uprights, Cordless Concepts, Steam Cleaners and Accessories, R&D rigs for dirt separation, EU Eco Legislation Floorhead Development, and conceptual start-up projects. I also managed a placement student for the 2016-2017 academic year, demonstrating my ability to lead and inspire a team.
  • Working in China gave me valuable experience in reviewing parts, devising cost-efficient tooling modifications, conducting quality control assessments, and overseeing assembly line reviews. Through my dedication and hard work, I successfully launched six products to market, earning accolades such as the Which Best Buy and various 5-star reviews from leading newspaper articles. My work also resulted in multiple patent designations, further demonstrating my innovative approach to product development.
  • During my time at VAX, I took advantage of various development programs and external training days for management, working with Sally Leese Associates Ltd. This allowed me to refine my skills and further develop my expertise as a designer and leader.
  • Overall, my experience and accomplishments demonstrate my ability to excel in a fast-paced, demanding environment while producing exceptional results that meet the highest standards of quality and innovation.
Research and Development (R&D)Mechanical EngineeringProblem SolvingTeam ManagementCommunicationProduct Design+1

Graduate Product Design Engineer

Jul 2014May 2015 · 10 mos

  • Currently working as a product designer within the steam department of VAX. Focusing on aesthetics, functionality, manufacture and development.
Mechanical EngineeringProblem SolvingIndustrial DesignProduct Design

Double europe

Design Intern

Sep 2012Sep 2013 · 1 yr · Queen's Square Bristol

  • As an Intern, I provided valuable support to the design team, collaborating on front-end design, product development, and production references for manufacture. I worked closely alongside the engineering team, contributing to CAD development and supporting production activities.
  • Throughout my internship, I consistently demonstrated my creative thinking abilities and my talent for developing innovative solutions for concept and product development. I was regularly entrusted with the responsibility of creating client and internal visuals and presentations, demonstrating my excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
  • Overall, my experience as an Intern allowed me to develop and refine my skills in design, product development, and collaboration, setting me up for a career in the design industry.
Mechanical EngineeringProblem SolvingProduct DesignIndustrial Design

Lammastide inn

Bar Manager

Jun 2006Sep 2012 · 6 yrs 3 mos · Berkeley, Gloucestershire

Education

University of the West of England

BSc First Class Honours — Product Design Technology

Jan 2010Jan 2014

The Castle School Thornbury

11 GCSE's / 3 A-level's — Industrial and Product Design

Jan 2003Jan 2010

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