At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic Mechanical Design team and oversee innovative engineering projects.
- Company: Growing engineering and manufacturing business with a focus on high-quality systems.
- Benefits: Generous salary, early finishes, private medical insurance, and 30 days annual leave.
- Other info: Supportive culture with ongoing professional development and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Step into a leadership role and make a real impact in a progressive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong mechanical design experience and 3D CAD skills, ideally with Autodesk Inventor.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Limavady
Salary: Generous + great benefits
Contract: Full-Time | Permanent
Hybrid and flexible working options
We are currently recruiting for a Mechanical Design Manager on behalf of a growing engineering and manufacturing business specialising in high-quality electrical and mechanical systems. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced mechanical design professional to step into a leadership role where you will oversee the day-to-day management of the Mechanical Design function, driving design quality, team development, and continuous improvement across a busy project environment.
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Design, the Mechanical Design Manager will lead and coordinate the Mechanical Design team, ensuring projects are delivered accurately, efficiently, and in line with manufacturing and customer requirements. You will play a key role in improving design processes, strengthening collaboration between departments, and ensuring high standards across all mechanical design output.
Key Responsibilities
- Team Leadership & Coordination
- Manage and prioritise the workload of the Mechanical Design team
- Allocate tasks across Design Engineers, CAD Technicians, apprentices, and support staff
- Monitor project progress and support delivery against deadlines
- Mentor and develop team members through technical guidance and support
- Promote accountability, communication, and collaboration within the team
- Design Delivery
- Oversee mechanical design output across live engineering projects
- Ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, and aligned to project specifications
- Support the development of switchgear assemblies, sheet metal components, enclosures, copperwork, busbar systems, doors, covers, plinths, and associated mechanical systems
- Review technical specifications, drawings, and project requirements to ensure accuracy and compliance
- Design Review & Quality Control
- Lead design reviews prior to release to manufacturing
- Ensure 3D models, drawings, BOMs, and release packs are accurate and consistent
- Identify and resolve recurring design issues to improve quality and efficiency
- Support the introduction of improved review processes, approval gates, and release controls
- Ensure lessons learned from manufacturing and testing are fed back into future designs
- Continuous Improvement
- Develop and maintain design standards, templates, and best practices
- Support standardisation of components and assemblies
- Assist with improving design processes, revision control, and release workflows
- Support the use and development of Autodesk Inventor, Vault Professional, and related systems
- Contribute to product improvements, cost reduction initiatives, and manufacturability enhancements
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Act as the primary escalation point for mechanical design queries across manufacturing, projects, purchasing, and engineering
- Support resolution of manufacturing and assembly issues related to design
- Attend project, production, and improvement meetings as required
- Work closely with R&D and development teams to implement product improvements into live projects
The Person
We are keen to speak with candidates who have:
- Strong mechanical design experience within switchgear, sheet metal, electrical enclosures, machinery, or a similar manufacturing environment
- Strong 3D CAD experience, ideally Autodesk Inventor
- Experience creating and reviewing manufacturing drawings and BOMs
- Strong understanding of design for manufacture principles, particularly fabrication and sheet metal processes
- Experience leading or mentoring technical/design teams
- Excellent problem-solving and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
Benefits
- Early finish on Fridays (12pm)
- Life Assurance (3x salary)
- Employer pension contribution
- Private medical insurance option
- 30 days annual leave
- Supportive and rewarding workplace culture
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
This is a fantastic opportunity for a driven Mechanical Design professional looking to take the next step into leadership within a progressive engineering and manufacturing environment.
Mechanical Design Manager employer: VANRATH
Join a dynamic engineering and manufacturing business in Limavady as a Mechanical Design Manager, where you will lead a talented team in delivering high-quality mechanical designs. Enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development, offers flexible working options, and provides generous benefits including an early finish on Fridays and private medical insurance. This role not only allows you to drive design excellence but also fosters collaboration and continuous improvement in a thriving environment.
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 engineering and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to mechanical design and leadership. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the role of a Mechanical Design Manager. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best mechanical design projects. Include detailed descriptions of your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. So, get your CV ready and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your mechanical design experience, especially in areas like switchgear and sheet metal, to show us you’re a perfect fit for the role.
Showcase Leadership Skills:Since this is a managerial position, don’t forget to emphasise any leadership or mentoring experience you have. We want to see how you've guided teams in the past and how you can bring that to our Mechanical Design team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and achievements at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at VANRATH
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical design knowledge, especially around switchgear and sheet metal processes. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how your experience aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves team management, prepare examples of how you've led or mentored teams in the past. Highlight your approach to promoting collaboration and accountability within a team setting.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions during the interview. Familiarise yourself with Autodesk Inventor and be prepared to explain your design process, including how you ensure accuracy and compliance in your work.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Talk about how you've contributed to improving design processes or quality control in previous roles. Share specific examples of how you've implemented changes that led to better efficiency or product quality.
