Manager, Mechanical Design & Engineering

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board. TAIT partners with artists, brands, IP holders and place makers to bring culture-defining, never-before-seen experiences to life. With a legacy of innovation spanning over 45 years, TAIT has grown from pioneering in rock 'n' roll concert staging to setting the global standard for extraordinary live events and experiences through cutting‑edge technology, precision engineering, and creative design. TAIT's 20 global offices have developed iconic productions and experiences in over 30 countries, all seven continents, and even outer space for renowned performers, theme parks, exhibits, and venues across the globe.

Position Purpose: The team manager role is responsible for the effective day‑to‑day functioning of the mechanical design and engineering team in Wakefield, as part of the wider UK and global teams, delivering successful projects and promoting high‑performance teamwork. While it is important that this person has a solid grounding in TAIT mechanical technology and industry trends, the role is more focused on people and projects. Time is split evenly between project supervising and team management.

Duties include:

• Guiding design solutions
• Employee support and coaching
• Delegation and resourcing
• Team leadership

This person works closely with the department head, helping to achieve objectives for the team. The manager must have a “growth mindset” mentality with a positive approach to overcoming challenges and competing priorities in the live entertainment industry.

Responsibilities:

• Project Supervising/Advising - 50%
  • Focusing especially on WAK projects
  • Monitoring projects for success
  • Advising on risks
  • Estimating and bidding consults
  • Technical escalations
  • Quality checks and continuous improvement
• Team Management/Coaching - 50%
  • Focusing specifically on WAK MDE team
  • Individual 1:1 meetings and check‑ins
  • Employee coaching, mentoring, career planning
  • Facilitating employee training and growth
  • Timesheets, expenses, system approvals
  • Supporting department head with resource scheduling
  • Representing team in local leadership forums

Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.

Position Requirements:

Competencies:

• Aptitude Efficiency – Able to produce significant output with minimal wasted effort
• Organization and Planning – Plans, organizes, schedules and budgets in an efficient, productive manner. Focuses on key priorities.
• Calm Under Pressure – Maintains stable performance when under heavy pressure or stress.
• Versatility – Transferability within department / across departments.
• Proactivity – Acts without being told what to do. Brings new ideas to the company.
• Flexibility/Adaptability – Adjusts quickly to changing priorities and conditions.
• Continuous Improvement – Seeks continuous improvement in his/her/their area of responsibility.
• Collaboration – Honesty/integrity – Does not cut corners ethically. Earns trust and maintains confidences.
• Follow-Through on Commitments – Lives up to verbal and written agreements.
• Listening Skills – Lets others speak and seeks to understand their viewpoints.
• Communication – Communicates openly. Speaks and writes clearly and articulately without being overly verbose or talkative.
• Teamwork – Reaches out to peers and cooperates with supervisors to establish an overall collaborative working relationship.
• Persuasion – Able to convince others to pursue a course of action.
• Openness to Criticism and Ideas – Often solicits feedback and reacts calmly to criticism or negative feedback.
• Shared learning – Engages in sharing of learning and skills transfer.
• Conflict resolution – Seeks constructive conflict resolution.

Commitment:

• Enthusiasm – Exhibits passion and excitement over work. Has a “can‑do” attitude.
• Advocacy – Actively advocates on behalf of the company and the customer.
• Work Ethic – Possesses a strong willingness to work hard and sometimes long hours to get the job done.
• High Standards – Expects personal performance and team performance to be nothing short of the best.
• Persistence – Demonstrates tenacity and willingness to go the distance on behalf of the company and customers.
• Role Model – Demonstrates company values.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BSc Mechanical Engineering, or similar technical course
• Some experience as a technical team manager and leader, grounded in an emotionally intelligent “together” approach
• Exposure to the entertainment technology industry
• Proven ability to navigate and add value to fast‑paced live entertainment decision‑making processes

TAIT is an equal‑opportunity employer fully committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran or any other protected characteristic as outlined by international, national, state, or local laws.