Mechanical Design Manager

Pertemps Network Group; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to £60,000 salary

Annual bonus up to £5,000

Private health insurance

Contributory pension

21 days’ annual leave plus bank hols

Early finish on Fridays

Long service holiday entitlement

Job summary

Pertemps Network Group in the United Kingdom is seeking a Mechanical Design Manager to lead the mechanical design team behind bespoke automation and special-purpose machinery. This hands-on leadership role combines people development with ensuring design quality, standards and timely project delivery.

You’ll oversee 3D CAD, BOMs and drawings while coordinating with Project Management, Manufacturing and Procurement on on-site projects.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a mechanical design team.
• Strong background in mechanical design, automation or SP machinery.
• Hands-on 3D CAD capability and ability to read drawings and BOMs.
• Experience delivering machinery projects from concept through manufacture.
• Ability to plan resources and manage multiple projects.
• Experience conducting performance reviews and developing engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct the mechanical design team.
• Hands-on design of special-purpose machinery and automation systems.
• Plan departmental resources and workloads.
• Oversee projects from concept through manufacture and commissioning.
• Ensure designs are safe, manufacturable and commercially viable.
• Maintain high standards for 3D models, drawings, BOMs and reviews.
• Identify risks early and report progress to Engineering Director.
• Drive continuous improvement in design processes and standards.
• Collaborate with PM, Manufacturing, Electrical Design, Controls and Procurement.
• Set KPIs and conduct performance reviews.

Skills

Team leadership

3D CAD

Project planning

Performance reviews

BOMs and drawings

Stakeholder management

Tools

3D CAD software

Job description

Job Title: Mechanical Design Manager – Automation & Special-Purpose Machinery

Salary: Up to £60,000 DOE

Bonus: Up to £5,000 annually

Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00am–5:00pm; Friday, 8:00am–2:00pm

Contract: Permanent, full-time | Fully site-based

Lead the mechanical design function behind bespoke automation projects

An established and internationally successful engineering business is seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Manager to lead its mechanical design team while remaining actively involved in the design of bespoke machinery.

This is a hands‑on leadership position offering responsibility for the performance and continued development of the department. You will oversee technical standards, team workload, design quality and project delivery, ensuring engineering solutions are practical, commercially effective and delivered on time and within budget.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading and supporting the mechanical design team, providing clear technical and day-to-day direction.
• Remaining hands‑on with the design and development of special-purpose machinery and automation systems.
• Planning departmental resources and balancing workloads across multiple live projects.
• Overseeing mechanical design projects from initial concept through manufacture, assembly and commissioning.
• Ensuring designs are safe, accurate, commercially viable and suitable for manufacture.
• Maintaining high standards across 3D models, engineering drawings, BOMs and design reviews.
• Identifying project risks early and keeping the Engineering Director informed of progress and potential challenges.
• Driving continuous improvement across design processes, standardisation and departmental efficiency.
• Working closely with Project Management, Manufacturing, Electrical Design, Controls and Procurement.
• Setting clear departmental and individual goals, objectives and KPIs.
• Conducting annual and mid-year performance reviews and supporting individual development plans.
• Identifying skills gaps and arranging appropriate technical or professional training.
• Supporting team members with performance, attendance and conduct matters when required.
• Building productive relationships with customers and suppliers.

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience leading or managing a mechanical design team.
• A strong background in mechanical design, ideally involving automation, robotics, special-purpose machinery or industrial equipment.
• Hands‑on 3D CAD capability and a strong understanding of engineering drawings, BOMs, design reviews and engineering standards.
• Experience delivering machinery or engineering projects from concept through manufacture, assembly and commissioning.
• The ability to plan resources, manage competing priorities and maintain delivery standards across several projects.
• Experience conducting performance reviews, setting objectives and supporting the development of engineers.

What’s on offer

• Up to £60,000 salary, depending on experience.
• Annual bonus of up to £5,000:
• Up to £2,000 based on company performance.
• Up to £3,000 based on three individual KPIs.
• Additional spot bonuses and awards for exceptional contributions.
• Private health insurance for you, your partner and your children after probation.
• Contributory pension scheme after probation.
• 21 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Additional holiday entitlement for long service.
• Early finish at 2:00pm every Friday.
• The opportunity to shape and improve an established engineering department.
• Varied and technically interesting automation projects across multiple industries.

If you are an experienced mechanical design leader who enjoys developing people, improving engineering standards and remaining close to the technical work,