Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

ZipRecruiter; Manchester; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in the UK is seeking a chartered mechanical engineer to join a high-performing team. This role involves leading mechanical design strategies, ensuring compliance with building regulations, and managing external consultancies. Candidates must have deep knowledge of HVAC systems and the ability to influence senior stakeholders. This opportunity includes a competitive salary, annual bonus, and benefits like private healthcare and a subsidized gym.

Benefits

Annual bonus

28 days holiday

Pension with up to 10% employer contributions

Private healthcare

Access to a subsidized onsite gym

Coaching and training for career development

Qualifications

• Experience managing consultancy outputs and working within complex stakeholder environments.
• Deep technical knowledge of fire safety, refrigeration, water hygiene, and mechanical systems.
• Mastery of UK Building Regulations and compliance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design strategy across a diverse property portfolio.
• Review and approve technical specifications against internal standards.
• Manage external consultancies and assess outputs.

Skills

Technical knowledge of HVAC

Strong communication skills

Influencing senior stakeholders

Resilience and self-sufficiency

Education

Chartered status or working towards ECUK registration

Job description

Overview

Are you a chartered mechanical engineer with a sharp eye for compliance, a knack for value engineering, and the resilience to influence at exec level? This is a rare opportunity to join a high-performing team of senior technical specialists advising on mechanical building services across a complex estate. You'll be the go-to expert for mechanical compliance, design standards, and technical assurance - shaping specifications, reviewing consultancy outputs, and driving innovation across HVAC, fire safety, refrigeration, and water/gas systems.

What you'll do (leadership and delivery):

• Lead mechanical design strategy and performance across a diverse property portfolio
• Review and approve technical specifications, ensuring alignment with internal standards and legal obligations
• Provide expert input on Building Regulations - especially ventilation standards and SFG20 compliance
• Manage external consultancies: assess outputs, challenge assumptions, and uphold a high technical bar
• Influence senior stakeholders and external agencies with clarity and confidence
• Support value engineering initiatives - every pound spent must be justified
• Collaborate with electrical counterparts and wider design teams to ensure joined-up delivery
• Represent mechanical engineering at senior forums, with the potential to grow into Head of Engineering

What you'll need to succeed:

• Chartered status or working towards ECUK registration
• Deep technical knowledge of HVAC, fire, refrigeration, water hygiene, and mechanical systems
• Mastery of UK Building Regulations and compliance frameworks
• Experience managing consultancy outputs and working within complex stakeholder environments
• Resilience, self-sufficiency, and the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong communication skills - able to simplify technical issues and influence at all levels
• A background in consultancy or client-side engineering

What you'll get in return:

• An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance)
• 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays
• A pension with up to 10% employer contributions
• Private healthcare
• Access to a subsidised onsite gym
• Coaching and training to support your career development

What you need to do now:

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV direct to the recruiter. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at the url removed