Design Team Leader

J3a Recruitment; Bath; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering recruitment firm is seeking a Design Lead (Mechanical) in Bath. You will lead a team of engineers in developing high-quality designs for water and wastewater projects. The role requires strong leadership, mechanical design experience, and a degree in engineering. Competitive salary of up to £70,000 plus benefits, including a company car or allowance. Join a company recognized as one of the Top 100 Places to Work in the UK.

Benefits

Company car or car allowance

Health cash plan

Standard Life Pension Scheme (5% employer contribution)

Life Assurance

Training & development opportunities

Employee referral bonuses

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical design engineering experience on small to medium-sized projects.
• Proven leadership in managing multi-disciplinary design teams.
• Experienced with CAD-based design systems and design planning tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of mechanical design engineers.
• Oversee all stages of the design process from outline to fabrication-level.
• Drive design innovation and project delivery.

Skills

Mechanical design engineering

Leadership and team development

Knowledge of UK water or wastewater industry

CAD-based design systems

Design project management

Education

Degree in Mechanical or Civil Engineering

Tools

CDE platforms

Job description

Overview

Design Lead (Mechanical) - Water & Wastewater

Location: Bath (Hybrid - minimum 3 days in office)

Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 + Car/Allowance + Excellent Benefits

Type: Full-time, Permanent

The Role

• Lead and develop a team of mechanical design engineers to deliver high-quality engineering design outputs.
• Oversee all stages of the design process — from outline scope and detailed design through to fabrication-level design and construction support.
• Support the development of specifications for equipment, systems, and survey requirements, ensuring compliance with client needs and industry standards.
• Drive design innovation, continuous improvement, and efficient project delivery.
• Collaborate with project managers, commercial teams, and other discipline leads to achieve successful project outcomes.
• Attend client sites as required, providing technical input and receiving valuable project feedback.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and supply chain partners.

About You

• Strong mechanical design engineering experience on small to medium-sized projects.
• Proven leadership in managing, developing, and mentoring multi-disciplinary design teams.
• Background in the UK water or wastewater industry (or similar engineering sectors).
• Experienced with CAD-based design systems, CDE platforms, and design planning tools.
• Skilled in design project management, commercial awareness, and financial reporting.
• Degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical or Civil Engineering.
• Professional membership (e.g., IMechE, ICE) desirable.

What\'s On Offer

• Competitive salary up to £70,000
• Company car or car allowance
• Health cash plan
• Standard Life Pension Scheme (5% employer contribution)
• Life Assurance
• Employee discount scheme
• Bike to Work scheme
• Training & development opportunities
• Employee referral bonuses
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Supportive, family-run culture with a strong focus on wellbeing and career growth
• Join a forward-thinking engineering company that truly values its people and is proud to be recognised as one of the Top 100 Places to Work in the UK.

If you\'re ready to lead, design, and inspire in a business that\'s driving sustainable change across UK water infrastructure — we\'d love to hear from you.

Apply now to take the lead in shaping the future of design