Mechanical Design Engineer

Pioneering People; Congleton; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Pioneering People is recruiting for a Mechanical Design Engineer / General Manager Designate in Congleton. This hands-on leadership path combines hands-on design work with operational oversight, working closely with the owner to drive efficiency and quality across design and workshop.

You'll create detailed SolidWorks designs, manage projects end-to-end, and contribute to strategic leadership while remaining closely involved in technical work. Salary up to £60,000 DOE, 40 hours/week.

Qualifications

• Experience in designing bespoke mechanical solutions within fabrication/manufacturing.
• Proven ability to manage projects end-to-end and drive delivery.
• Hands-on leader who can engage on the shop floor and mentor teams.

Responsibilities

• Design bespoke lifting and handling equipment from concept to build/test.
• Produce detailed 3D models and drawings using SolidWorks.
• Manage projects end-to-end ensuring on-time delivery and quality.
• Oversee workshop operations for productivity and quality.
• Act as a link between design and fabrication teams.
• Conduct quality checks before/during/after manufacture.
• Support continuous improvement across processes and workflow.
• Contribute to leadership decisions as part of the management team.

Skills

Product design

Project management

Hands-on leadership

Workshop oversight

Tools

SolidWorks

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:

• 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.