Mechanical Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Mechanical Design Manager

Company: Glasswell and Last Limited

Location: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering Management / Operations Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-29

Experience Level: 5-10 Years Management Experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a team of Mechanical Designers and Engineers to deliver high-quality design solutions for industrial clients.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the design department to enhance efficiency, technical compliance, and client satisfaction.

• Oversee the entire mechanical design lifecycle, from initial client liaison and site surveys to final fabrication and installation support.

• Ensure accurate project costing and resource allocation to meet demanding project deadlines and client expectations.

• Uphold and advance the company's quality management systems through robust process documentation and adherence to industry best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a management-level position within an established mechanical and electrical contractor. The focus on "continuous improvement," "co-ordination," "management," and "organisation of design resources" strongly indicates a Revenue Operations or GTM Operations adjacent role, emphasizing process optimization and resource management within a technical engineering context. The emphasis on client service, technical compliance, and on-time delivery aligns with core GTM operations principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate all mechanical design work required throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring seamless integration with fabrication and installation phases.

• Conduct site surveys and liaise with client design teams to accurately capture project requirements for costing and design development.

• Develop comprehensive project programs and effectively manage and allocate design resources to meet demanding project deadlines.

• Oversee the creation and refinement of 3D construction models and 2D drawings using a suite of Autodesk software (Inventor, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, Advanced Steel, Revit, Navisworks).

• Manage technical queries from client design teams, ensuring timely and accurate responses that maintain project momentum.

• Develop detailed technical specifications, including design risk assessments, schedules, fabrication/assembly drawings, and bills of materials.

• Liaise closely with fabricators, site managers, supervisors, fitters, and subcontractors to resolve technical queries related to design, fabrication, and installation.

• Ensure compliance during the installation phase by preparing Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs) and Quality Assurance (QA) plans as necessary.

• Hold team members accountable for the quality and timeliness of their work, fostering a culture of responsibility and excellence.

• Contribute to the development and documentation of design processes and actively engage in the continuous improvement of the company's quality management systems.

• Manage the upskilling and professional development of the design team through training opportunities and performance management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are highly process-oriented and directly impact Go-To-Market (GTM) efficiency. Tasks such as "accurate costing," "resource allocation," "project deadlines," "technical specifications," and "quality management systems" are core operational functions that drive revenue enablement. The emphasis on cross-functional liaison with clients, fabricators, and site teams highlights the critical operational bridge this role provides.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Management, or a related field is typically expected for a management role of this nature. A strong portfolio of work demonstrating technical expertise and project leadership will be highly valued.

Experience:

• Management: 5+ years of experience in a design coordination or management role.

• Technical Proficiency: 7+ years of advanced working knowledge of Autodesk software suites.

• Industry Knowledge: 5+ years of relevant industry experience, particularly within the water, gas, or electrical distribution sectors. Required Skills:

• Advanced working knowledge of Autodesk modelling software: AutoCAD, Autodesk P&ID, Plant 3D, Revit, Inventor, Advance Steel, ASD.

• Advanced working knowledge of non-modelling software: Navisworks, Adobe Suite, Nitro, CorelDRAW, Visio.

• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Proven experience in structural calculations, fabrication, and site installation processes.

• Ability to create 3D models from conceptual input, sketches, or formal drawings.

• Excellent timekeeping and organizational skills.

• Highly motivated and a self-starter with the ability to work independently.

• Results-driven with very strong communication skills.

• Full UK driving license and use of own car. Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience within the water industry.

• Demonstrated experience in implementing and improving Quality Management Systems (QMS).

• Proven track record in managing engineering teams and fostering professional development.

• Strong understanding of project management methodologies and best practices.