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. Youll 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 youre passionate about innovation, delivery, and raising standards, this role offers the platform to do it.

Mechanical Design Manager - The Role:

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• Lead and develop a team of 4 mechanical design engineers across a range of experience levels
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• Take ownership of mechanical design delivery from concept through to build and commissioning
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• Remain hands-on (approx. 70%) with detailed design of bespoke special-purpose machinery
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• Drive concept development, innovation, and continuous improvement within the design function
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• Ensure designs are robust, manufacturable, and aligned with customer and project requirements
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• Oversee CAD output using Autodesk Inventor, ensuring consistency, quality, and best practice
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• Work closely with electrical, controls, and build teams to deliver fully integrated automation solutions
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• Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and support to develop team capability
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• Improve processes, structure, and follow-through within the design lifecycle
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• Support machine build, FAT, and occasional site activities when required
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Mechanical Design Manager - The Person:

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• Proven experience in mechanical design of special-purpose machinery or bespoke automation systems
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• Strong 3D CAD experience (ideally Autodesk Inventor or similar)
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• A hands-on engineer who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges
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• Previous leadership experience OR a senior engineer ready to step into a management role
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• Able to drive projects forward, ensuring accountability and delivery to deadlines
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• Passionate about engineering, innovation, and continuous improvement
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• Strong communicator, capable of leading, mentoring, and developing a team
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• Commercially aware, with an understanding of design for manufacture/project delivery
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This is a great opportunity to take ownership of a key function within a growing engineering business, where youll 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.

Looking for a job involved with automation, control systems, process control or systems integration? Register your details on our websitewhere you will find a full list of live positions where a customised automated search process allows immediate access to new vacancies as they are registered. Free, confidential service.

For further information call Sarah Clarke on: 01902212000 or 07519122547.

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