CONTRACT OPPORTUNITY: Design Manager - MEP
Location: UK (Project-based with hybrid flexibility)
Contract Position
Sector: Infrastructure / Utilities / Energy / Construction
Reports to: Engineering Manager
Team: CAD Technician, Design Coordinator, BIM Coordinator
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Design Manager - MEP to lead, coordinate and assure all Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control & Automation (MEICA), High Voltage, and Protection & Control design activities across a major infrastructure project.
This role sits at the heart of project delivery-managing design consultants, ensuring technical excellence, driving integration, and providing full visibility of design progress to the Project Manager. You'll act as the technical authority for MEP design, overseeing both internal and external stakeholders to ensure high-quality, safe, and compliant delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership & Assurance
Manage and coordinate all design consultant activities and deliverables.
Lead the technical direction for MEP/MEICA and HV design elements.
Review, challenge and approve design submissions for quality, accuracy, and compliance.
Manage design interfaces and run all design review meetings (internal and external).
Design Management & Reporting
Maintain and manage the full design deliverables schedule.
Track all design inputs/outputs and report progress to the Project Manager.
Produce monthly design progress reports and manage technical queries and field change processes.
Ensure design approval procedures and contractual requirements are fully adhered to.
Stakeholder & Client Collaboration
Act as the primary point of contact for client design representatives.
Lead engagement with external suppliers, subcontractors, and approving bodies (NG, TAA, NR, LUL etc.).
Manage communication flows, RFIs, and document control requirements.
Change, Compliance & Quality
Implement change order management and ensure correct authority pathways are followed.
Approve designers' quality management systems.
Ensure accurate and timely updates to client document registers.
Support client assurance functions on design-related deliverables.
Leadership & Additional Duties
Provide coaching and support to engineering staff.
Assist with recruitment, training, and professional development within the engineering function.
Promote best practice and represent the company with clients, consultants, universities, and industry partners.
What We're Looking For
Technical Expertise
Minimum 5 years UK-based construction and design management experience.
Strong working knowledge of MEP/MEICA systems and integration.
Experience delivering in a consultant or temporary works design environment (min. 12 months).
Working knowledge of construction methods, outputs, and digital delivery.
Project & Digital Competency
Strong BIM/CAD and document control systems experience.
Ability to deputise for the Project Manager when required.
Understanding of Principal Designer duties (including ERIC principles).
Experience on National Grid (NG) projects and TP/SR188 desirable.
Behavioural Competencies
Aligned with our core values: Integrity, Accountability, Innovation, Delivery, Sustainability.
We're looking for someone who:
Communicates openly and constructively.
Drives continuous improvement and innovation.
Builds strong, collaborative relationships.
Takes ownership of outcomes and supports others.
Works safely, responsibly and sustainably.
Why Join?
Play a pivotal role in a high-profile infrastructure project.
Work in a collaborative, technically strong engineering environment.
Lead a multidisciplinary design team with the autonomy to shape outcomes.
Opportunity to influence best practice and contribute to talent development within the organisation.
Apply Now
If you are a proactive, technically strong Design Manager with a passion for delivering high-quality MEP design solutions and managing complex stakeholder environments, we'd love to hear from you.
To apply, please send your CV and availability to (url removed)