Mechanical Design Manager
£55-60k + Pension + DIS X2
Derbyshire
Ref: 25328
An established manufacturer of specialist packaging and automation machinery is seeking a Mechanical Design Manager to lead its design function and support continued growth across a range of bespoke engineering projects.
This role combines technical leadership, team management, and hands-on design involvement, supporting the delivery of complex machinery from concept through to manufacture.
Mechanical Design Manager - The Role:
This is a split-role position, responsible for both people management and technical delivery:
Lead and manage a team of 5 Mechanical Design Engineers
Allocate workload, manage priorities, and ensure project deadlines are met
Provide technical leadership and act as the team’s design authority
Remain hands-on with approximately 30% design involvement, including:
Concept design work
Complex problem solving
Key engineering decisions and reviews
Oversee full design lifecycle from concept through to production
Support the development of design specifications from customer requirements
Ensure designs meet performance, cost, and manufacturability targets
Review CAD models, drawings, BOMs, and technical documentation
Ensure compliance with internal standards, SOPs, and regulatory requirements
Drive continuous improvement and standardisation across design output
Work closely with production, controls, and project teams
Mechanical Design Manager - The Person:
Strong background in mechanical design of machinery / automation equipment
Experience with packaging machinery or special purpose machinery
Proven experience using SolidWorks
Strong understanding of:
Mechanical systems and fabrication
Design for manufacture (DFM)
Bespoke machinery design
Ability to manage workload across multiple concurrent projects
Strong communication and leadership capability
Ability to make clear technical decisions under pressure
Located in Derbyshire, this role would be commutable from Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Loughborough, Coalville, Long Eaton, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Castle Donnington, Burton upin Trent, Swadlincote and Market Harborough.
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For further information please contact Sarah Clarke.
AE1