Mechanical Design Manager

Mechanical Design Manager
£50-60k + EV Car + Pension + Bonus
Leicestershire. Ref: 25379
Are you a Mechanical Design Engineer ready to step up, or an established leader looking for a role where you can genuinely shape a team and make an impact?
Join a well-established UK engineering business at the forefront of special-purpose machinery, delivering bespoke automation solutions to global manufacturing industries. This is a key hire for the business. You’ll take ownership of the mechanical design function, leading a small team while remaining hands-on in the design and development of complex, one-off automation systems. If you’re passionate about innovation, delivery, and raising standards, this role offers the platform to do it.
Mechanical Design Manager - The Role:
* Lead and develop a team of 4 mechanical design engineers across a range of experience levels
* Take ownership of mechanical design delivery from concept through to build and commissioning
* Remain hands-on (approx. 70%) with detailed design of bespoke special-purpose machinery
* Drive concept development, innovation, and continuous improvement within the design function
* Ensure designs are robust, manufacturable, and aligned with customer and project requirements
* Oversee CAD output using Autodesk Inventor, ensuring consistency, quality, and best practice
* Work closely with electrical, controls, and build teams to deliver fully integrated automation solutions
* Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and support to develop team capability
* Improve processes, structure, and follow-through within the design lifecycle
* Support machine build, FAT, and occasional site activities when required
Mechanical Design Manager - The Person:
* Proven experience in mechanical design of special-purpose machinery or bespoke automation systems
* Strong 3D CAD experience (ideally Autodesk Inventor or similar)
* A hands-on engineer who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges
* Previous leadership experience OR a senior engineer ready to step into a management role
* Able to drive projects forward, ensuring accountability and delivery to deadlines
* Passionate about engineering, innovation, and continuous improvement
* Strong communicator, capable of leading, mentoring, and developing a team
* Commercially aware, with an understanding of design for manufacture and project delivery
This is a great opportunity to take ownership of a key function within a growing engineering business, where you’ll have the autonomy to influence direction, improve standards, and build a high-performing design team.
Located in Leicestershire, this role is commutable from Leicester, Syston, Hinckley, Coventry, and South Wigston.
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For further information please contact Sarah Clarke