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