Mechanical Design Manager: Lead & Deliver Automation

AuRoLog Talent; England; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

AuRoLog Talent seeks a Mechanical Design Manager to lead an established design team within an automation machinery environment. You will own the mechanical design function, balancing hands‑on design with leadership and driving project delivery.

You will set design standards, oversee the full project lifecycle from concept to commissioning, and develop the team through coaching, performance reviews and skills development.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in mechanical design.
• Proven experience leading or managing a Mechanical Design team.
• Strong working knowledge of 3D CAD.
• Experience within automation, special‑purpose machinery, robotics, packaging machinery or related environment.
• Experience delivering complex engineering projects from concept through to manufacture, assembly and commissioning.
• Strong understanding of engineering drawings, BOMs, design reviews and standards.
• Experience managing workload, resources and project priorities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Legally eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and develop an established Mechanical Design team.
• Manage day‑to‑day workload, resource allocation and project priorities.
• Remain hands‑on with the mechanical design of bespoke and special‑purpose machinery.
• Ensure designs are practical, accurate, safe and suitable for manufacture.
• Maintain and improve mechanical design standards and engineering practices.
• Oversee design activities through the full project lifecycle, from concept through design, manufacture, assembly and commissioning.
• Review and manage engineering drawings, BOMs, design reviews and technical documentation.
• Work closely with Project Management, Manufacturing, Electrical, Controls, Procurement and other functions.
• Identify and resolve technical and project delivery issues.
• Drive continuous improvement, standardisation and efficiency across the design function.
• Set departmental and individual objectives and KPIs.
• Conduct performance reviews and support the professional development of team members.
• Identify skills gaps and training requirements within the team.
• Maintain a strong focus on engineering quality and health & safety.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Team development

Hands-on design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

3D CAD software

Job description

AuRoLog Talent seeks a Mechanical Design Manager to lead an established design team within an automation machinery environment. You will own the mechanical design function, balancing hands‑on design with leadership and driving project delivery.

You will set design standards, oversee the full project lifecycle from concept to commissioning, and develop the team through coaching, performance reviews and skills development.