At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in designing bespoke automation systems and drive innovation.
- Company: Established UK engineering firm specialising in special-purpose machinery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, EV car, pension, bonus, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with hands-on involvement and excellent growth potential.
- Why this job: Shape a high-performing team and make a real impact in engineering.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical design and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Are you a Mechanical Design Engineer ready to step up, or an established leader looking for a role where you can genuinely shape a team and make an impact? Join a well-established UK engineering business at the forefront of special-purpose machinery, delivering bespoke automation solutions to global manufacturing industries. This is a key hire for the business. You will take ownership of the mechanical design function, leading a small team while remaining hands-on in the design and development of complex, one-off automation systems. If you are passionate about innovation, delivery, and raising standards, this role offers the platform to do it.
Mechanical Design Manager - The Role:
- Lead and develop a team of 4 mechanical design engineers across a range of experience levels
- Take ownership of mechanical design delivery from concept through to build and commissioning
- Remain hands-on (approx. 70%) with detailed design of bespoke special-purpose machinery
- Drive concept development, innovation, and continuous improvement within the design function
- Ensure designs are robust, manufacturable, and aligned with customer and project requirements
- Oversee CAD output using Autodesk Inventor, ensuring consistency, quality, and best practice
- Work closely with electrical, controls, and build teams to deliver fully integrated automation solutions
- Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and support to develop team capability
- Improve processes, structure, and follow-through within the design lifecycle
- Support machine build, FAT, and occasional site activities when required
Mechanical Design Manager - The Person:
- Proven experience in mechanical design of special-purpose machinery or bespoke automation systems
- Strong 3D CAD experience (ideally Autodesk Inventor or similar)
- A hands-on engineer who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges
- Previous leadership experience OR a senior engineer ready to step into a management role
- Able to drive projects forward, ensuring accountability and delivery to deadlines
- Passionate about engineering, innovation, and continuous improvement
- Strong communicator, capable of leading, mentoring, and developing a team
- Commercially aware, with an understanding of design for manufacture/project delivery
This is a great opportunity to take ownership of a key function within a growing engineering business, where you will have the autonomy to influence direction, improve standards, and build a high-performing design team. Located in Leicestershire, this role is commutable from Leicester, Syston, Hinckley, Coventry, and South Wigston.
Mechanical Design Manager in Leicester employer: All The Top Bananas
My Four Wheels is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career as a Trainee Driving Instructor with flexible working hours and the potential to earn up to £50,000+ annually. With comprehensive training provided through our new Training Academy, employees benefit from ongoing support and resources, ensuring a fulfilling journey towards becoming a qualified instructor while enjoying the satisfaction of teaching locally in Westfield, Surrey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Design Manager in Leicester
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like All The Top Bananas.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like All The Top Bananas love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of All The Top Bananas and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Design Manager in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for All The Top Bananas and the Mechanical Design Manager role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at All The Top Bananas.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at All The Top Bananas.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with All The Top Bananas, making you a more appealing candidate.
