Mechanical Design Engineer

Design & Manufacturing Manager

Knowsley, Merseyside | Full-time | Attractive with benefits

Only candidates with the legal right to work in the UK will be considered for this position.

My Client is a leading provider of fluid power solutions, specialising in hydraulic components, systems, and services. With a strong reputation for technical excellence and customer service, They continues to expand its operations and deliver high-quality engineered products across multiple industries.

Role Overview

My client is seeking an experienced Design & Manufacturing Manager to lead our Manufacturing Engineering team and oversee the seamless transition of projects from concept through to production and delivery. This is a key leadership role responsible for managing a team of four Design Engineers, coordinating with multiple departments, and ensuring products are designed, manufactured, and delivered to specification, on time and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of four Design Engineers, promoting best practices and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the design and development of hydraulic systems, components, and assemblies using CAD software.
• Liaise closely with the Manufacturing and Workshop teams to ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, and meet quality standards.
• Collaborate with internal departments — including Sales, Purchasing, and Operations — to ensure design intent aligns with customer requirements and delivery schedules.
• Review and approve engineering drawings, technical documentation, and BOMs.
• Manage and resolve technical queries during design, production, and assembly phases.
• Ensure materials and components are checked, validated, and available to meet project timelines.
• Contribute to process improvements and standardisation within design and manufacturing functions.
• Support project planning, resource allocation, and workload management across the design team.
• Maintain compliance with relevant engineering standards, safety requirements, and company procedures.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience in a Design Manager, Engineering Manager, or Senior Design Engineer role within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of hydraulic systems and fluid power design principles.
• Proficient in CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar).
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide technical staff.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities to liaise effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Detail-oriented with strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with materials selection, production planning, and quality control processes.

Desirable Qualifications

• Degree or HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience working within a hydraulics, mechanical systems, or industrial equipment manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement principles.

The benefits are as follows

• Attractive salary with benefits – depending on experience.
• Discretionary annual bonus of up to 15% of annual salary.
• Holiday entitlement of 25 days per annum + 8 bank holidays.
• Company pension scheme (5% employee contribution, 3% employer contribution).
• Life Assurance scheme (3 x annual salary for death in service).
• Access to the BeSupported AXA Employee Assistance Programme.