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.
Looking for a job involved with automation, control systems, process control or systems integration? Register your details on www.automationexperts.co.uk 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 call Sarah Clarke on: 01902212000 or 07519122547. Email: sarah.clarke@automationexperts.co.uk