Overview
Pre-Construction Design Manager – Electrical Substations is responsible for leading the design development and coordination of high-voltage substation projects during the pre-construction phase. This role ensures designs are safe, compliant, cost-effective, and deliverable, while supporting successful project mobilisation and execution. The position also plays a key role in contractor onboarding and management, site supervision readiness, and the preparation and authorisation of Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS).
Responsibilities
* Design Management (Pre-Construction): Lead the development and coordination of substation designs (typically 11kV–400kV), ensuring compliance with UK standards, DNO/IDNO requirements, and client specifications.
* Manage multidisciplinary design teams including civil, electrical, and protection & control engineers.
* Review/Programme design deliverables such as single line diagrams, layout drawings, cable routing, earthing designs, and equipment specifications.
* Ensure constructability, safety by design, and value engineering principles are embedded throughout the design process.
* Interface with clients, consultants, and stakeholders to resolve technical queries and secure approvals.
* Contractor Onboarding & Management: Lead the prequalification, onboarding, and induction of subcontractors and design partners.
* Ensure all contractors meet competency, safety, and compliance requirements (including SSSTS/SMSTS, CSCS, and relevant electrical authorisations).
* Establish clear scopes of work, deliverables, and performance expectations.
* Monitor contractor performance against programme, quality, and safety metrics.
* Facilitate coordination meetings and ensure alignment across all delivery partners.
* Site Supervision & Pre-Construction Readiness: Support site mobilisation by ensuring designs are fully coordinated and construction ready.
* Provide oversight during early site activities, including surveys, enabling works, and setting-out.
* Conduct site visits to verify design implementation and resolve technical issues.
* Collaborate with site managers and supervisors to ensure safe systems of work are implemented.
* Ensure that all pre-construction information is communicated effectively to site teams.
* RAMS (Risk Assessments & Method Statements): Lead the preparation, review, and authorisation of RAMS for all pre-construction and early construction activities.
* Ensure RAMS are compliant with UK health and safety legislation, including CDM Regulations.
* Work closely with contractors and site teams to develop practical and safe methodologies.
* Verify that all high-risk activities are properly assessed and controlled.
* Maintain auditable records of RAMS approvals and revisions.
* Health, Safety, and Compliance: Promote a strong safety culture and ensure all designs adhere to “Safety by Design” principles.
* Ensure compliance with CDM Regulations, acting in support of the Principal Designer where required.
* Identify and mitigate design and construction risks early in the project lifecycle.
* Programme & Commercial Support: Support project planning, sequencing, and programme development.
* Provide technical input into cost estimates, procurement strategies, and tender evaluations.
* Identify design risks and opportunities impacting cost and schedule.
* Carry out forecasting and remain focused on budget control throughout the life of the project.
Skills & Experience
* Proven experience in design and delivery of electrical substations within the UK (preferably up to 132kV).
* Strong understanding of UK grid standards (e.g., National Grid, DNO requirements).
* Experience managing multidisciplinary design teams and subcontractors.
* Demonstrable experience in preparing and authorising RAMS.
* Knowledge of CDM Regulations and construction health & safety requirements.
* Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
* Ability to balance technical, commercial, and programme priorities.
Qualifications
* Project Management APM PMQ or Prince2.
* Chartered Project Manager status (or working towards) preferred.
* Relevant health & safety certifications (e.g., NEBOSH, IOSH).
* Site based Qualifications SSSTS/SMSTS, Temporary Works Coordinator, NRSWA.
Key Competencies
* Leadership and coordination
* Risk management and decision-making
* Attention to detail and safety focus
* Commercial awareness
* Problem-solving and adaptability
Additional Requirements
* Willingness to travel to project sites across the UK.
* Full UK driving licence.
Benefits
* Competitive salary
* Car or Car allowance
* 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
* Pension with a leading provider and employer contribution
* Sick Pay
* Personal Wellbeing and Volunteer Days
* Private Medical Insurance
* Free 24/7 365 Employee Assistance Program to support mental health and well-being
* Flexible benefits including Dental Insurance, Gym Memberships, Give As You Earn, Travel Insurance, Tax Free Bikes
* Personal development programme
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