The Mechanical Design Manager will be responsible for leading the Mechanical Design team and managing the delivery, quality, and consistency of mechanical design output across live projects and development work.
The role will act as the day-to-day lead for the Mechanical Design function, ensuring that design work is properly planned, reviewed, controlled, and released to manufacturing. The Mechanical Design Manager will support the development of team members, improve design standards, and help strengthen the link between Engineering, Manufacturing, Project Management, and other departments.
This role is required to introduce a stronger management layer within the Engineering structure, allowing the wider Engineering leadership team to focus on department strategy, cross-functional alignment, systems, process improvement, and long-term product development.
About The Role
Role Function
Team Leadership and Workload Management
* Manage the day-to-day workload of the Mechanical Design team.
* Allocate design tasks across Mechanical Design Engineers, CAD Technicians, apprentices, and supporting team members.
* Monitor progress against project deadlines and escalate risks where required.
* Support, mentor, and develop members of the Mechanical Design team.
* Provide technical guidance and help resolve design issues.
* Promote accountability, communication, and ownership within the team.
Design Delivery
* Oversee the mechanical design output for live projects.
* Ensure mechanical designs are completed in line with project requirements, manufacturing capability, and internal standards.
* Support the development of switchgear assemblies, sheet metal components, copperwork, busbar support arrangements, doors, covers, gland plates, plinths, segregation, and related mechanical systems.
* Ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, repeatable, and suitable for shop floor assembly.
* Review project requirements, client drawings, single-line diagrams, general arrangement drawings, and technical specifications as required.
Design Review and Quality Control
* Lead and support mechanical design reviews before information is released to manufacturing.
* Ensure 3D models, drawings, BOMs, and release packs are checked for accuracy and consistency.
* Help prevent mismatches between models, drawings, BOMs, Vault, and manufacturing information.
* Identify recurring design issues and put actions in place to prevent repeat problems.
* Support the introduction of structured review checklists, approval gates, and improved release control.
* Ensure lessons learned from manufacturing, testing, and site feedback are fed back into future designs.
Standards, Processes, and Continuous Improvement
* Develop and maintain mechanical design standards, best practices, and library components.
* Support standardisation of parts, assemblies, drawings, and design methods.
* Work with Engineering leadership to improve design processes, change control, revision control, and release workflows.
* Support the implementation and use of Autodesk Inventor, Vault Professional, and related design systems.
* Help develop SOPs, templates, checklists, and design guides for the Mechanical Design team.
* Contribute to product improvement, cost reduction, manufacturability improvements, and design efficiency.
Cross-Functional Support
* Act as the first point of escalation for mechanical design queries from Manufacturing, Project Management, Electrical Design, Systems, Purchasing, and other departments.
* Support communication between Engineering and Manufacturing when design changes are made.
* Assist with resolving manufacturing issues linked to design information, fit-up, missing parts, drawing clarity, BOM accuracy, and assembly difficulties.
* Attend project, production, design review, and improvement meetings as required.
* Work closely with the R&D / development function to ensure improvements are implemented into live project standards where appropriate.
The Person:
Essential
* Strong experience in mechanical design, ideally within switchgear, sheet metal, electrical enclosures, machinery, or a similar manufacturing environment.
* Good working knowledge of 3D CAD, preferably Autodesk Inventor.
* Experience creating and reviewing manufacturing drawings, assemblies, and BOMs.
* Strong understanding of design for manufacture, especially sheet metal punching, folding, fabrication, and assembly.
* Ability to lead, support, and organise a small technical team.
* Strong problem-solving skills.
* Good communication skills with both technical and non-technical teams.
* Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities at the same time.
* High attention to detail and a strong focus on design quality.
Desirable
* Experience with Autodesk Vault or similar PDM system.
* Experience in low-voltage switchgear, electrical panels, power distribution, or related products.
* Experience improving design processes, standard parts, templates, and review systems.
* Previous team lead, senior designer, or design management experience.
Benefits
· Friday 12pm early finish
· Life Assurance Plan @ 3 times Gross Salary
· Workplace Pension @ 3% per Employer
· Private Medical Insurance – Option to add Family
· 30 days Paid Holidays per year
· Rewarding Workplace culture
· Continuous Professional Development
Required Criteria
Skills Needed
About The Company
TES provide clients with an all encompassing service from initial project conception right through to design, construction, installation and maintenance. We support our clients throughout the lifecylce of the project. TES use in-house resources in the delivery of your projects; from design through to installation and operation. This provides clients and partners with the reassurance of our control over delivery throughout a projects lifecycle.
Company Culture
At TES Group, our company culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and integrity. We foster an inclusive environment where every team member’s ideas are valued, encouraging creativity and continuous improvement. Our people are passionate about delivering sustainable engineering solutions that make a positive impact on communities and the environment. We prioritize professional growth, safety, and well-being, empowering our employees to thrive both personally and professionally. By promoting open communication, mutual respect, and shared success, we’ve cultivated a workplace where dedication and teamwork drive exceptional results and lasting client relationships.
Company Benefits
Health insurance, Retirement plan and/or pension, Life insurance, Progression opportunities
Salary
Not disclosed