Mechanical Design Manager

Mechanical Design Manager £50-60k + EV Car + Pension + Bonus Leicestershire Ref: 25379 Are you a Mechanical Design Engineer ready to step up, or an established leader looking for a role where you can genuinely shape a team and make an impact? Join a well-established UK engineering business at the forefront of special-purpose machinery, delivering bespoke automation solutions to global manufacturing industries. This is a key hire for the business. You’ll take ownership of the mechanical design function, leading a small team while remaining hands-on in the design and development of complex, one-off automation systems. If you’re passionate about innovation, delivery, and raising standards, this role offers the platform to do it. Mechanical Design Manager - The Role: Lead and develop a team of 4 mechanical design engineers across a range of experience levels Take ownership of mechanical design delivery from concept through to build and commissioning Remain hands-on (approx. 70%) with detailed design of bespoke special-purpose machinery Drive concept development, innovation, and continuous improvement within the design function Ensure designs are robust, manufacturable, and aligned with customer and project requirements Oversee CAD output using Autodesk Inventor, ensuring consistency, quality, and best practice Work closely with electrical, controls, and build teams to deliver fully integrated automation solutions Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and support to develop team capability Improve processes, structure, and follow-through within the design lifecycle Support machine build, FAT, and occasional site activities when required Mechanical Design Manager - The Person: Proven experience in mechanical design of special-purpose machinery or bespoke automation systems Strong 3D CAD experience (ideally Autodesk Inventor or similar) A hands-on engineer who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges Previous leadership experience OR a senior engineer ready to step into a management role Able to drive projects forward, ensuring accountability and delivery to deadlines Passionate about engineering, innovation, and continuous improvement Strong communicator, capable of leading, mentoring, and developing a team Commercially aware, with an understanding of design for manufacture and project delivery This is a great opportunity to take ownership of a key function within a growing engineering business, where you’ll have the autonomy to influence direction, improve standards, and build a high-performing design team. Located in Leicestershire, this role is commutable from Leicester, Syston, Hinckley, Coventry, and South Wigston. Looking for a job involved with automation, control systems, process control or systems integration? Register your details on ourwebsite where you will find a full list of live positions where a customised automated search process allows immediate access to new vacancies as they are registered. Free, confidential service. For further information please contact Sarah Clarke. AE1