Design Manager in Bristol

Design Manager (Mechanical) Bristol – £65,000-£80,000 We are seeking a Design Manager to lead a core mechanical design team. This is a \”player-coach\” role designed for a leader who values high standards and intentional growth as much as technical rigour. The Role * Team Leadership: Take full line-management responsibility for a team of ~7 mechanical design engineers. * Capability Building: Intentionally raise team standards and impact through regular 1:1s, coaching, and identifying skill gaps. * Technical Oversight: Provide guidance across CAD, manufacturing definition, CFD, and FEA activities to ensure performance and reliability. * Strategic Execution: Balance speed and rigour to support critical 2026 objectives, including major valve and suspension development projects. * Process Improvement: Clarify ownership and remove friction within a complex, matrix project environment. * Individual Contribution: Stay close to the engineering by acting as a hands-on contributor on selected development efforts. Candidate Requirements * Management Experience: At least 2 years in a formal line management role developing engineers. * Technical Depth: 5+ years of experience in a relevant mechanical engineering discipline (e.g., mechanical design, analysis, CFD, or FEA). * Decisive Leadership: Confidence in making decisions under constraint and holding people to account while earning trust. * Industry Background: Experience in high-performance, aerospace, or automotive environments taking products from prototype to production.(Benficial) Why Join? * Work-Life Balance: Option to work compressed hours for a 9-day fortnight. * Supportive Culture: Benefit from a flexible working environment and a commitment to continuous professional development. * Future-Facing: Play a lead role in a company where every product makes a tangible impact in the world. * Benefits: 5% employer pension contribution, cycle-to-work scheme, and regular team socials. YT Technologies is a specialist recruitment partner dedicated to connecting world-class engineering talent with innovative technology companies. To apply for this role or to find out more, please submit your CV today