Design Manager

Roc Search; Romsey; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing engineering organisation in Romsey is seeking a hands-on Mechanical Design Manager to lead a small team of four mechanical designers. The role combines practical CAD modeling with responsibilities for design management and quality assurance. With a strong preference for experience in Autodesk Inventor, the position will involve producing 3D models and overseeing the design phase for multiple projects. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with leadership experience who enjoys both technical work and team collaboration.

Benefits

Hands-on technical leadership position

Opportunity to develop a design team

Diverse engineering projects

Qualifications

• Degree or HNC / HND in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong CAD background with proven experience producing 3D models and detailed drawings.
• Leadership or mentoring experience within a design or engineering team.

Responsibilities

• Produce 3D models, assemblies, and detailed manufacturing drawings using CAD software.
• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical designers, providing technical guidance.
• Manage the design phase across multiple projects, ensuring timelines are met.

Skills

CAD modelling

Team leadership

Attention to detail

Engineering fundamentals

Education

Degree or HNC / HND in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Mechanical Design Manager

Location: Romsey, UK (Onsite)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 per annum

Hours: 40-hour week, core hours 8:00am – 4:30pm, with flexible working within onsite requirements

Role Overview

A growing engineering organisation based in Romsey is seeking a hands‑on Mechanical Design Manager to lead a small team of approximately four mechanical designers. This role combines practical CAD modelling with responsibility for reviewing drawings, managing documentation, and overseeing the design phase of multiple projects. About half the role involves producing 3D models and detailed drawings; the other half focuses on leadership, quality assurance, and process management.

This position suits an experienced mechanical designer with strong CAD capabilities (Inventor preferred) who enjoys both technical work and guiding a small team.

Key Responsibilities

• Hands‑On Design (Approx. 50%)
  • Produce 3D models, assemblies, and detailed manufacturing drawings using CAD software (Autodesk Inventor preferred).
  • Create engineering calculations, design reports, and technical documentation.
  • Support concept development, prototyping, testing, and design refinement.
• Team Leadership & Design Management (Approx. 50%)
  • Lead and mentor a team of ~4 mechanical designers, providing technical guidance and support.
  • Review and approve drawings, models, and documentation for accuracy, manufacturability, and compliance.
  • Maintain consistent design quality and ensure adherence to internal standards and processes.
  • Manage the design phase across multiple projects, ensuring timelines and specifications are met.
  • Work closely with project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to support effective project delivery.
  • Maintain and improve design documentation, templates, and workflow processes.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or HNC / HND in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong CAD background with proven experience producing 3D models, assemblies, and detailed drawings (Inventor experience preferred).
• Experience checking and approving design work.
• Leadership or mentoring experience within a design or engineering team.
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals, materials, and manufacturing methods.
• Excellent attention to detail, particularly in documentation and reporting.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with marine machinery, marine systems, or equipment designed for marine environments.
• Background in bespoke, low-volume, or special‑purpose mechanical equipment.
• Knowledge of relevant engineering standards and compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with product lifecycle management and design change control processes.

What’s Offered

• A hands‑on technical leadership position with influence across the full mechanical design lifecycle.
• Opportunity to develop and support a small, capable design team.
• A diverse and engaging mix of engineering projects.