Hays is working in partnership with a leading manufacturing organisation. Due to continued growth and product development activity, they are seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead the mechanical design function and support the delivery of complex, safety-critical equipment to global customers.Your New RoleAs Engineering Manager, you will take full responsibility for the mechanical engineering function, leading a multidisciplinary team through the complete product development lifecycle. You will act as the technical authority for mechanical design, ensuring compliance with international standards while driving innovation, efficiency and continuous improvement.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the mechanical engineering team responsible for the design and development of ground support equipmentOversee engineering projects from concept, through detailed design, validation and release to productionAllocate engineering resources effectively across multiple concurrent projectsEnsure engineering deliverables are achieved on time, within scope and to agreed budgetsProvide technical leadership and sound engineering judgement on complex design challengesSupport new product development and product enhancement programmesConduct performance reviews and support structured career development planningFoster a culture of technical excellence, accountability and continuous improvementSupport the recruitment, onboarding and development of engineering talentEnsure all mechanical designs meet customer specifications and applicable regulations, including EN12312, EN1915 and Machinery Directive 2006/42/ECApprove mechanical design outputs, including drawings, calculations, specifications and technical documentationOversee and govern the Engineering Change Order (ECO) processLead formal design review gates (concept, preliminary and critical design reviews)Ensure robust design verification and validation is completed prior to release to manufactureEnsure designs are optimised for manufacturability, assembly and serviceability (DFMA)Work closely with manufacturing teams to resolve build issues and improve production efficiencySupport value engineering initiatives to enhance cost competitivenessCollaborate with Supply Chain to support component standardisation and supplier integrationWork closely with Electrical and Software/PLC Engineering teams to deliver fully integrated system designsCollaborate with Sales and Product Management on customer-specific technical requirementsSupport After-Sales and Customer Care teams by translating field feedback and warranty data into design improvementsContribute to cross-department initiatives that drive operational excellenceDrive ongoing improvement of engineering processes, systems and workflowsPromote design standardisation, modular architectures and component reuseSupport innovation in materials, mechanical design and manufacturing technologiesIdentify opportunities to improve product performance, reliability and sustainabilityDefine, track and report KPIs related to delivery, quality, efficiency and costWhat You'll Need to SucceedDegree in Mechanical Engineering or a related disciplineSignificant experience designing heavy equipment within a manufacturing or OEM environmentMinimum of 7 years' leadership experience within an engineering functionStrong experience using 3D CAD systems (SolidWorks, Creo or similar) and document control processesSolid understanding of manufacturing processes, structural design, mechanical assemblies and hydraulicsProven experience managing engineering projects across the full product development lifecycleStrong knowledge of regulated engineering environments and safety standardsDemonstrated experience driving engineering process improvements or design standardisation initiativesWhat You'll Get in ReturnA senior leadership role within a well-respected engineering manufacturerThe opportunity to shape engineering strategy and influence product directionCompetitive salary and benefits packageLong-term career progression within a growing organisationWhat you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be Benefits:NegotiableWHJS1_NI