Mechanical Design Manager Salary: Circa £60,000 per annum Location: Derby Sector: Special Purpose Machinery / Automation Are you an experienced Design Engineer who has successfully stepped into leadership? We are looking for a Mechanical Design Manager to lead, organise, and elevatean establisheddesign department. Youll be the driving force behind technical output, ensuring machinery projects move from concept to completion on time and to the highest standard. THE ROLE This is a dual-focus leadership role balancing technical oversight with people management. Your key responsibilities include: Project Planning: Organising the department workload to ensure all design phases meet agreed deadlines. Infrastructure Management: Taking ownership of SolidWorks PDM and refining departmental procedures. Team Leadership: Managing a talented team of engineers, including performance reviews, recruitment, and resource planning (holiday approvals, etc.). Technical Quality: Ensuring design inputs are accurate and manufacturing-ready. ABOUT YOU We are looking for a hands-on leader who understands the complexities of engineered manufacturing. You should have: Management Experience: A proven track record leading a design team within machinery manufacturing, automation, or capital equipment. Technical Background: Solid experience as a Mechanical Design Engineer. Software Proficiency: Expert knowledge of SolidWorks and specifically SolidWorks PDM. Organisation Skills: The ability to manage multiple project timelines and departmental infrastructure simultaneously. THE BENEFITS Holiday: 25 days Bank Holidays. Security: Death-in-Service (x2) and a contributory pension (5% employer / 4% employee). Culture: Monthly prize draws, company bonus scheme, and a stocked kitchen with free fruit, tea, and coffee. This is a permanent vacancy and The Hire Place is acting as an employment agency on behalf of its client.