Mechanical Design Manager

£55-60k + Pension + DIS x2

Derbyshire

Ref: 25328

An established manufacturer of specialist packaging and automation machinery is seeking a Mechanical Design Manager to lead its design function and support continued growth across a range of bespoke engineering projects.

This role combines technical leadership, team management, and hands-on design involvement, supporting the delivery of complex machinery from concept through to manufacture.

Mechanical Design Manager - The Role:

This is a split-role position, responsible for both people management and technical delivery:

• Lead and manage a team of 5 Mechanical Design Engineers
• Allocate workload, manage priorities, and ensure project deadlines are met
• Provide technical leadership and act as the team’s design authority
• Remain hands-on with approximately 30% design involvement, including:
• Concept design work
• Complex problem solving
• Key engineering decisions and reviews
• Oversee full design lifecycle from concept through to production
• Support the development of design specifications from customer requirements
• Ensure designs meet performance, cost, and manufacturability targets
• Review CAD models, drawings, BOMs, and technical documentation
• Ensure compliance with internal standards, SOPs, and regulatory requirements
• Drive continuous improvement and standardisation across design output
• Work closely with production, controls, and project teams

Mechanical Design Manager - The Person:

• Strong background in mechanical design of machinery / automation equipment
• Experience with packaging machinery or special purpose machinery
• Proven experience using SolidWorks
• Strong understanding of:
• Mechanical systems and fabrication
• Design for manufacture (DFM)
• Bespoke machinery design
• Ability to manage workload across multiple concurrent projects
• Strong communication and leadership capability
• Ability to make clear technical decisions under pressure

Located in Derbyshire, this role would be commutable from Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Loughborough, Coalville, Long Eaton, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Castle Donnington, Burton upin Trent, Swadlincote and Market Harborough.

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For further information call Sarah Clarke on: 01902212000 or 07519122547. Email: sarah.clarke@automationexperts.co.uk