Mechanical Design Engineer

Jobheron; Congleton; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobheron is seeking a hands-on Mechanical Design Engineer who can step into a General Manager Designate role in Congleton. You will blend design work with practical oversight of fabrication and shop-floor activities.

You will produce 3D models and drawings in SolidWorks, manage projects end-to-end, and drive efficiency and quality across the workshop and design office. This is a leadership pathway anchored in technical delivery.

Qualifications

• Qualified Mechanical Design Engineer (or equivalent experience).
• Strong background in product design within fabrication/manufacturing.
• Proficient in SolidWorks with ability to produce detailed 3D models and drawings.
• Experience designing bespoke mechanical solutions, not mass production.

Responsibilities

• Design bespoke lifting and handling equipment from concept through build and test.
• Produce detailed 3D models and manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks.
• Manage projects end-to-end, ensuring on-time delivery and specification compliance.
• Oversee workshop operations to maintain productivity and quality.
• Act as a link between design and fabrication teams.
• Perform quality checks during all stages of manufacture.
• Support continuous improvement across processes and workflows.
• Contribute to day-to-day operations and participate in leadership decisions.

Skills

SolidWorks

Project management

Leadership potential

Fabrication experience

Job description

Mechanical Design Engineer / General Manager Designate | Congleton | Up to £60,000 (DOE)

Are you a hands-on Mechanical Design Engineer ready to take the next step into leadership?

We're working with a highly specialised UK manufacturer of bespoke material handling and lifting equipment, supplying precision-engineered solutions into regulated industries. Due to continued growth and succession planning, they are now seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer / General Manager Designate to play a pivotal role in both the technical and operational success of the business.

This is more than a design role, it's a genuine pathway into senior leadership.

The Opportunity:

You'll be at the heart of the business, combining design expertise, project ownership, and operational oversight. Working closely with the business owner, you will help drive efficiency, quality, and delivery across both the design office and workshop.

This is a hands-on position, you'll be as comfortable creating detailed designs in SolidWorks as you are engaging directly with the shop floor, overseeing fabrication, and signing off completed projects.

Key Responsibilities of the Mechanical Design Engineer / General Manager Designate:

• Design bespoke lifting and handling equipment from concept through to final build and test
• Produce detailed 3D models and manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks
• Manage projects end-to-end, ensuring delivery on time and to specification
• Oversee workshop operations, ensuring productivity, quality, and efficiency
• Act as a key link between design and fabrication teams
• Conduct quality control checks before, during, and after manufacture
• Support continuous improvement across processes and workflow
• Take responsibility for aspects of day-to-day business operations, including site security and locking up procedures
• Contribute to strategic decision-making as part of the leadership team

About You:

• Qualified Mechanical Design Engineer (or equivalent experience)
• Strong background in product design within a fabrication or manufacturing environment
• Proficient in SolidWorks
• Experience designing bespoke mechanical solutions (rather than mass production)
• Ideally some exposure to pharmaceutical, regulated industries, or light material handling systems
• Practical, hands-on approach with a willingness to engage on the workshop floor
• Strong organisational and project management skills
• Ambitious and motivated to progress into a General Management role

Why Apply?

• Excellent Salary of up to £60,000 per annum depending on experience
• 40 hours per week
• Clear progression into the General Manager position
• Work on highly bespoke, technically interesting projects
• Be part of a small, expert team where your impact is visible every day
• Opportunity to shape the future direction and performance of the business

What's Next?

If you're looking for a role where you can combine engineering expertise with real business influence, this is a rare opportunity to step into a leadership pathway while staying close to the technical work you enjoy.