Design Manager

Summary: The Design Manager for Power Transmission & Distribution will lead engineering design projects within the UK energy sector, overseeing the entire project lifecycle from concept to completion. This role requires collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure high-quality outcomes while managing compliance with statutory obligations and internal processes. The position also involves stakeholder engagement, reporting, and promoting a culture of safety and technical excellence. Additionally, the Design Manager will mentor junior staff and contribute to business development efforts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead engineering design delivery for projects across the UK energy sector, collaborating with senior leadership to assemble and manage high-performing project teams.
• Take responsibility for the full project lifecycle, from front-end engineering design (FEED) through to project closeout.
• Manage design-only and design-build (EPC) projects, serving as Project Manager or Design Manager as appropriate.
• Oversee performance metrics including safety, environmental compliance, resource allocation, schedule, quality, and stakeholder relationships.
• Ensure adherence to all statutory and contractual obligations.
• Maintain compliance with internal and client-specific design management processes.
• Coordinate with engineering leads to ensure appropriately skilled team members are assigned to projects.
• Implement project policies, controls, and execution plans to drive efficiency and quality.
• Lead regular reporting on progress, budget, scheduling, procurement, and risk.
• Facilitate project and client meetings, ensuring alignment across all disciplines and stakeholders.
• Contribute to proposal preparation, client presentations, and contract negotiations with support from senior management.
• Promote a “Safety by Design” culture and ensure technical excellence.
• Apply industry best practices to enhance constructability, maintainability, and operability of projects across the asset lifecycle.
• Maintain compliance with UK health, safety, and environmental regulations, including CDM Regulations.
• Support the development and mentoring of junior staff, helping to identify training needs and provide technical guidance.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships to identify and pursue new business opportunities.
• Assist in strategic business planning, identifying future talent requirements and participating in recruitment and interviews.
• Interpret and apply company policies and project strategies.
• Support departmental goal-setting, performance monitoring, and implementation of standards.
• Actively contribute to a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and client success.

Key Skills:

• Degree in an engineering discipline relevant to electricity transmission & distribution.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience delivering engineering design services.
• Strong understanding of project and design management methodologies (e.g., APM, PMP, PRINCE2).
• Proven experience in a design management role on UK electricity transmission projects.
• Familiarity with UK Health & Safety and Environmental legislation related to construction and design.
• Competency in CDM Regulations and experience as a Principal Designer representative.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office tools, including MS Project.
• Sound contract management knowledge, especially NEC contracts.
• Knowledge of National Grid procedures and standards (e.g., TP106, TP135, TP137, TP184, etc.).
• Understanding of impressed voltage and procedural controls for temporary works in line with British Standards.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Leadership ability with a focus on coaching and team development.
• Proactive mindset and engagement in industry developments and best practices.
• Health & Safety qualification required (e.g., IOSH Managing Safely, NEBOSH Certificate/Diploma, or equivalent NVQ Level 3+).

Salary (Rate): 600

City: Glasgow

Country: UK

Working Arrangements: undetermined

IR35 Status: undetermined

Seniority Level: undetermined

Industry: Engineering