Defence Mechanical Group Leader — Lead & Innovate

Mane Contract Services; Horsham; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Early finish every Friday

Hybrid and flexible working

28 days annual leave

Christmas shutdown

Job summary

Mane Contract Services is seeking an experienced Mechanical Group Leader in the United Kingdom to lead a high‑performing team responsible for complex electro‑mechanical systems in defence and engineering applications. You will provide technical leadership across the full lifecycle and work with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions.

You will drive continuous improvement, participate in resource planning and recruitment, and shape the future direction of the engineering function

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline (minimum 2:1).
• Extensive experience designing complex mechanisms and structures in multidisciplinary environments.
• Proven leadership experience managing projects and engineering teams.
• Strong background in design analysis, FEA and performance calculations.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes including machining, fabrication, sheet metal forming, casting and moulding.
• Experience with electromechanical drive systems including motors, gearboxes and ballscrews.
• Strong understanding of interaction between mechanical, electrical and optical systems.
• Chartered Engineer status.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of Mechanical Engineers.
• Provide technical guidance on complex engineering challenges and design decisions.
• Drive continuous improvement across engineering processes, tools and training.
• Support project planning, resource allocation and recruitment activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Support business development through concept generation, cost estimation and bid support.
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory and industry standards.
• Monitor team performance and coach for development.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and best practices.

Skills

Leadership

FEA

SolidWorks

PDM

Jira

Confluence

Mentoring

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

PDM

Jira

Confluence

Job description

Mane Contract Services is seeking an experienced Mechanical Group Leader in the United Kingdom to lead a high‑performing team responsible for complex electro‑mechanical systems in defence and engineering applications. You will provide technical leadership across the full lifecycle and work with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions.

You will drive continuous improvement, participate in resource planning and recruitment, and shape the future direction of the engineering function