Lead Mechanical Design Manager – Automation & SP Machinery

Pertemps Specialist Talent Solutions; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private health insurance

Contributory pension

21 days' annual leave

Cycle-to-work scheme

Early Friday finish

Job summary

Pertas Engineering is seeking a Mechanical Design Manager to lead its mechanical design team for bespoke automation projects in Cheltenham. You will oversee technical standards, workload and project delivery, while remaining hands-on in the design of special‑purpose machinery.

The role combines leadership with practical design work, ensuring safety, quality and manufacturability across multiple live projects, with a focus on continuous improvement and KPI achievement.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading mechanical design teams.
• Strong background in automation, robotics, or special‑purpose machinery.
• Hands-on CAD capability and solid understanding of drawings, BOMs and reviews.
• Experience delivering machinery projects from concept to manufacture and commission.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct the mechanical design team with clear technical guidance.
• Stay hands-on with design of bespoke machinery and automation systems.
• Plan resources and balance workloads across live projects.
• Oversee projects from concept through manufacture, assembly and commissioning.
• Ensure safe, accurate, commercially viable designs and components.

Skills

Mechanical design

Team leadership

Hands-on 3D CAD

Engineering drawings & BOMs

Project delivery

Resource planning

Tools

3D CAD software

Job description

Pertas Engineering is seeking a Mechanical Design Manager to lead its mechanical design team for bespoke automation projects in Cheltenham. You will oversee technical standards, workload and project delivery, while remaining hands-on in the design of special‑purpose machinery.

The role combines leadership with practical design work, ensuring safety, quality and manufacturability across multiple live projects, with a focus on continuous improvement and KPI achievement.