Mechanical Design Manager

Mechanical Design Manager

Full-Time 55000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Automation Experts Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team of engineers and oversee the design of bespoke machinery.
  • Company: Established manufacturer specialising in packaging and automation machinery.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in innovative engineering projects while leading a dynamic team.
  • Qualifications: Strong mechanical design background and experience with SolidWorks.
  • Other info: Commutable from various locations in Derbyshire, with a focus on continuous improvement.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.

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 upon Trent, Swadlincote and Market Harborough.

    Mechanical Design Manager employer: Automation Experts Ltd

    As a leading manufacturer of specialist packaging and automation machinery, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that encourages innovation and collaboration. Our Mechanical Design Manager role offers not only competitive remuneration and benefits, including a pension scheme and death in service cover, but also significant opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive team environment. Located in Derbyshire, our company is committed to continuous improvement and excellence, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the engineering sector.
    Automation Experts Ltd

    Contact Detail:

    Automation Experts Ltd Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Mechanical Design Manager

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local meetups, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Mechanical Design Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opening!

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with SolidWorks and how you've led teams through complex projects. Show them you’re not just a manager, but a hands-on leader!

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Don’t forget to showcase your problem-solving abilities! During interviews, share specific examples of challenges you’ve faced in mechanical design and how you overcame them. This will highlight your capability to handle the pressures of the role.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Apply directly through our website at www.automationexperts.co.uk. It’s quick and easy, plus you’ll get access to a range of live positions tailored to your skills. Let’s get you that Mechanical Design Manager job!

    We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Design Manager

    Mechanical Design
    Team Management
    Technical Leadership
    Hands-on Design Involvement
    Concept Design
    Complex Problem Solving
    Design Lifecycle Management
    Design Specifications Development
    CAD Modelling
    SolidWorks
    Mechanical Systems Understanding
    Design for Manufacture (DFM)
    Bespoke Machinery Design
    Project Management
    Strong Communication Skills

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Mechanical Design Manager role. Highlight your experience with mechanical design, especially in machinery and automation. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!

    Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing a team, don’t forget to showcase your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and guide others!

    Be Specific About Your Technical Skills: When it comes to your technical skills, be specific! Mention your experience with SolidWorks and any other relevant software. We’re keen on understanding your hands-on design capabilities and problem-solving skills.

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s quick and easy, plus you’ll get access to all our live positions. Don’t miss out on the chance to join our awesome team!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Automation Experts Ltd

    ✨Know Your Stuff

    Make sure you brush up on your mechanical design knowledge, especially around packaging and automation machinery. Be ready to discuss your experience with SolidWorks and how you've tackled complex design challenges in the past.

    ✨Show Leadership Skills

    Since this role involves managing a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams before. Talk about how you allocate workloads, manage priorities, and ensure deadlines are met while keeping the team motivated.

    ✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Ability

    Expect to face some technical questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think of specific instances where you've had to make key engineering decisions under pressure and be ready to explain your thought process.

    ✨Understand the Full Design Lifecycle

    Familiarise yourself with the entire design lifecycle from concept to production. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance with internal standards and how you drive continuous improvement in design output.

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