At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical product development from concept to launch, driving innovation and quality.
- Company: Dynamic engineering business focused on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £110,000 plus a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects with excellent career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in product development while mentoring a talented engineering team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and significant experience in product development required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
A growing engineering business is looking for an experienced Mechanical Product Development Director to lead its product development and engineering function. This is a leadership position with responsibility for driving mechanical product development from concept through to manufacture and launch, while providing technical direction and working closely with engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, customers and senior leadership.
About the Role
- Lead and develop the mechanical product development function, providing technical and strategic direction.
- Own the full product lifecycle from concept and design through to prototyping, testing, manufacture and launch.
- Lead multidisciplinary engineering projects, managing quality, cost, timescales and technical delivery.
- Drive design for manufacture, reliability, cost and performance across the product portfolio.
- Develop engineering processes, standards and product development strategies aligned with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
- Mentor and develop the engineering team while managing resources, budgets and priorities and supporting continuous improvement.
About You
- Degree, HNC or HND in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
- Significant experience in mechanical product development, design engineering or engineered product manufacturing.
- Proven experience leading engineering/product development teams and delivering products from concept through to manufacture.
- Strong knowledge of mechanical design principles, materials, manufacturing processes and design for manufacture.
- Proficient with 2D/3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Inventor or AutoCAD, with experience in product testing and validation.
- Strong leadership, project management, commercial awareness and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.
Desirable
- Experience within specialist engineered equipment, HVAC, environmental control systems or a similar technical product environment.
- Experience leading New Product Development (NPD) programmes.
- Knowledge of CE/UKCA and relevant UK/international product compliance requirements.
- Experience with design risk assessment, FMEA and engineering change processes.
- Understanding of electrical systems, controls, motors or embedded systems.
Please note, we cannot offer sponsorship for this role. If you're interested in the opportunity, please send over an updated CV.
Mechanical Product Development Director employer: ZENOVO
Zenovo is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant Bristol City Centre, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and technical leadership within the Automotive/Medical Verification team. Our commitment to rigorous safety standards and a supportive culture ensures that our employees are empowered to excel in their roles while enjoying competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Product Development Director
✨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 ZENOVO.
✨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 ZENOVO love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of ZENOVO 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 Product Development Director
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 ZENOVO and the Mechanical Product Development Director 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 ZENOVO
✨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 ZENOVO.
✨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 ZENOVO.
✨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 ZENOVO, making you a more appealing candidate.
