Mechanical Design Manager

Manager, Mechanical Design & Engineering

Haverhill, Suffolk | Permanent | Engineering / Mechanical Design

A well-regarded engineering organisation is looking for a Mechanical Design & Engineering Manager to lead its multi-disciplinary engineering design team on a permanent basis.

This is a role split equally between project supervision and people leadership — overseeing the delivery of engineering projects while actively developing the team around you. You'll support both UK and global engineering functions, guide design solutions, coach team members and drive continuous improvement across projects and processes. It suits someone who is as comfortable in a technical conversation as they are in a one-to-one with a junior engineer.

The Role

• Project Oversight — Overseeing locally delivered engineering projects and monitoring progress through to successful delivery

• Risk & Escalation — Advising on risk and escalating technical issues where required

• Bid Support — Supporting estimating and bidding activity for new work

• Quality & CI — Carrying out quality checks and driving continuous improvement across projects

• People Leadership — Leading, mentoring and supporting the career development of team members through regular one-to-ones

• Training & Development — Facilitating training and building skills across the team

• Resource Planning — Supporting scheduling, workforce planning and system approvals

• Leadership Representation — Representing the team in local leadership forums

• Culture — Promoting a positive, adaptable, growth-focused team environment

What We're Looking For

• BSc in Mechanical Engineering or a similar technical discipline

• Experience managing technical teams with an emotionally intelligent and collaborative approach

• Exposure to complex engineering or technology-driven industries

• Proven ability to perform well in fast-paced, high-pressure environments

• Organised and efficient, with the ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload

• Calm under pressure and able to make sound decisions in fast-moving situations

• A clear, confident communicator — written and verbal

• Collaborative, trusted and able to influence constructively

• Committed to high standards, continuous improvement and developing those around you

What's on Offer

• Competitive pension scheme with employer contributions

• Life assurance

• Health cashback plan

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Income protection / critical illness cover

• Optional private medical insurance (role dependent)

• Paid annual leave increasing with service

• UK bank holidays

A permanent leadership opportunity for an experienced engineering manager who thrives on balancing technical oversight with genuine people development — in a business that values both equally.

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