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.

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