Design Manager

Billy Associates LTD; Greet; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Spot bonuses

Pension scheme

Private health insurance

Cycle to work

Holidays + BH

Job summary

Billy Associates LTD in Cheltenham is seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Manager to head up an established design team. The role combines hands-on SP machinery design with leadership, delivering high-quality, on-time solutions for manufacturing and packaging systems.

You will live on-site in Cheltenham, drive continuous improvement, manage workload, and set KPIs. The salary is £55,000–£60,000 with up to £5k bonus, and benefits including pension, private health insurance, 21 days holiday

Qualifications

• 10+ years of mechanical design experience is essential.
• Proven experience leading or managing a design team.
• Background in automation, SP machinery, robotics or similar.
• Strong knowledge of 3D CAD, drawings, BOMs and reviews.

Responsibilities

• Design SP machinery hands-on across multiple sectors.
• Lead and support the team, providing clear direction.
• Plan workload and resources, balancing priorities.
• Ensure designs meet quality and timescales.
• Maintain high engineering standards for manufacture.
• Drive continuous improvement and standardisation.
• Collaborate with PM, manufacturing, electrical, controls and procurement.
• Set department KPIs and conduct reviews.

Skills

Mechanical design

Team leadership

3D CAD

BOMs

Engineering standards

Project delivery

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Mechanical Design Manager

My client, based between Cheltenham, is looking for an experienced engineering leader to head up their established design team.

About the Role:

This is an opportunity to join an award-winning specialist in bespoke control systems and factory automation. They design, build and install manufacturing and packaging machinery, conveyors, robotics and vision inspection systems.

This is a newly created position, set up to strengthen the existing team and drive continuous improvement across the department. Reporting to the Engineering Director, you will lead the design function and make sure it delivers practical, high-quality and commercially sound solutions, on time and on budget. You will stay hands-on with special purpose machinery design while taking overall responsibility for team performance, technical standards, resourcing and project delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design special purpose machinery hands-on, across a range of industry sectors.
• Lead and support the team, giving clear direction and creating a positive, collaborative working environment.
• Plan and coordinate workload and resources, balancing priorities across multiple complex projects.
• Make sure design work is delivered to the required quality and within agreed timescales.
• Keep the Engineering Director updated on progress and risks.
• Maintain high engineering standards, making sure designs are accurate, safe and suitable for manufacture.
• Own continuous improvement, including design processes, standardisation and ways of working.
• Build strong links with project management, manufacturing, electrical, controls and procurement.
• Set individual and departmental goals and KPIs, and review progress regularly.
• Carry out annual and mid-year reviews, and identify training needs and development opportunities.
• Handle performance, attendance and conduct matters, including formal processes where needed.

Skills and Experience Required:

• 10+ years of mechanical design experience is essential.
• Proven experience leading or managing a design team is essential, including reviews and objective setting.
• Relevant industry background in automation, special purpose machinery, robotics or a similar environment.
• Strong working knowledge of 3D CAD, drawings, BOMs, design reviews and engineering standards.
• Experience managing complex projects from concept through to manufacture, assembly and commissioning.

Location: Cheltenham (fully on-site)

Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 DOE, plus up to £5,000 annual bonus

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits: Spot bonuses and awards, 21 days holiday plus Bank Holidays, additional holiday for long service, contributory pension, private health insurance for you, your partner and children, cycle to work scheme. The pension, health insurance and cycle scheme start after the probationary period.

Hours: Monday to Thursday 08:00 - 17:00, Friday 08:00 - 14:00

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available