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 please contact Sarah Clarke.