Overview
The Design Performance and Innovation Manager will play a senior role within the Design function, working alongside the Design Manager to enhance the efficiency, quality, and consistency of design delivery across a portfolio of substation, underground circuit, and overhead line projects delivered under a DNO framework (circa 100 live projects).
Unlike traditional design roles, this position blends credible engineering understanding with the ability to drive meaningful change within a regulated, delivery-pressured environment. The successful candidate will act as a bridge between design teams, delivery, digital systems, and strategic improvement initiatives - ensuring transformation sticks, adds value, and accelerates programme performance.
This role is responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing improvements to design processes, systems, and tools, including the adoption of digital technologies, automation, and AI where appropriate. The objective is to reduce design programme durations, improve right-first-time quality, and standardise outputs while maintaining compliance with regulatory and client requirements.
The role requires a balance of technical design credibility, continuous improvement expertise, and strong stakeholder engagement to successfully embed change within a live delivery environment.
Responsibilities
* Map end-to-end design workflows to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and key drivers of rework
* Apply Lean / Six Sigma principles to improve design cycle times, reduce variation, and enhance right-first-time performance
* Drive standardisation of design packs, templates, and technical outputs across multiple projects
* Lead targeted improvement initiatives and pilot schemes, evaluating outcomes and scaling successful approaches across the design function
* Improve and optimise digital design workflows, including CAD/BIM environments, Common Data Environments (CDEs), and structured data libraries
* Identify, prioritise, and implement automation opportunities (e.g. scripted drawings, rules-based design, template-driven outputs)
* Assess and deploy practical AI and digital solutions (such as document generation, design validation, and knowledge retrieval tools), ensuring value-driven adoption
* Collaborate with IT and digital teams to implement systems that improve efficiency, consistency, and data management across design activities
Qualifications
* Significant experience (typically 8–15+ years) in power, utilities, or infrastructure design environments
* Demonstrable background in the design of substations, cable systems, or overhead lines, or closely related disciplines
* Experience working within Tier 1 contractors, engineering consultancies, or utility organisations
* Proven track record of delivering process improvements or transformation initiatives within a design or engineering function
* Experience implementing standardisation, digital tools, or familiarity with working in regulated environments and/or within DNO frameworks
* Experience operating within live project environments with competing delivery pressures
* Strong understanding of engineering design processes and delivery constraints within the power sector
* Lean / Six Sigma principles desirable
* Ability to translate operational challenges into practical, implementable solutions
* Good knowledge of design systems and tools (e.g. CAD, BIM, Common Data Environments)
* Awareness of emerging technologies, including automation and AI, and their practical application in design
* Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills across technical and non-technical teams
* Ability to build credibility quickly with engineering teams and gain buy-in for change initiatives
* Analytical mindset with the ability to use data to drive decision-making and measure success
* Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate ideas and drive engagement
* Resilient and pragmatic approach, with the ability to operate effectively in a complex, regulated environment
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