Mechanical Design Engineer / General Manager Designate | Congleton | Up to £60,000 (DOE) Are you a hands-on Mechanical Design Engineer ready to take the next step into leadership? Were working with a highly specialised UK manufacturer of bespoke material handling and lifting equipment, supplying precision-engineered solutions into regulated industries. Due to continued growth and succession planning, they are now seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer / General Manager Designate to play a pivotal role in both the technical and operational success of the business. This is more than a design role, it's a genuine pathway into senior leadership. The Opportunity: Youll be at the heart of the business, combining design expertise, project ownership, and operational oversight. Working closely with the business owner, you will help drive efficiency, quality, and delivery across both the design office and workshop. This is a hands-on position, youll be as comfortable creating detailed designs in SolidWorks as you are engaging directly with the shop floor, overseeing fabrication, and signing off completed projects. Key Responsibilities of the Mechanical Design Engineer / General Manager Designate: Design bespoke lifting and handling equipment from concept through to final build and test Produce detailed 3D models and manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks Manage projects end-to-end, ensuring delivery on time and to specification Oversee workshop operations, ensuring productivity, quality, and efficiency Act as a key link between design and fabrication teams Conduct quality control checks before, during, and after manufacture Support continuous improvement across processes and workflow Take responsibility for aspects of day-to-day business operations, including site security and locking up procedures Contribute to strategic decision-making as part of the leadership team About You: Qualified Mechanical Design Engineer (or equivalent experience) Strong background in product design within a fabrication or manufacturing environment Proficient in SolidWorks Experience designing bespoke mechanical solutions (rather than mass production) Ideally some exposure to pharmaceutical, regulated industries, or light material handling systems Practical, hands-on approach with a willingness to engage on the workshop floor Strong organisational and project management skills Ambitious and motivated to progress into a General Management role Why Apply? Excellent Salary of up to £60,000 per annum depending on experience 40 hours per week Clear progression into the General Manager position Work on highly bespoke, technically interesting projects Be part of a small, expert team where your impact is visible every day Opportunity to shape the future direction and performance of the business Whats Next? If you're looking for a role where you can combine engineering expertise with real business influence, this is a rare opportunity to step into a leadership pathway while staying close to the technical work you enjoy. APPLY NOW for immediate consideration.