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.