Mechanical Design Manager

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

Job Title: Mechanical Design Manager

Mechanical Design Manager - Automation & Special-Purpose Machinery

Location: Greet, Cheltenham

Salary: £55,000-£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

• £55,000-£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.


• Cycle-to-work scheme after probation.


• 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.