Design Manager – Design & Build Team
Location: Open to Home based / Scotland wide with trips to sites / offices monthly
Role Purpose:
Our client are looking for a Design Manager to join their growing 11/33kV Design & Build team. You will lead the delivery of complex and challenging engineering projects that help the UK meet its Net Zero targets. Projects cover the full energy system — from generation, transmission, distribution and storage right through to load-end consumers in manufacturing, processing, data centres and recycling.
As Design Manager you will head the 11/33kV Primary Design team, providing leadership, mentorship and line management to a team of 3+ technical staff. You will also act as the technical authority and head a Sub-Business Unit within their Professional Services Division.
Key Deliverables:
• Act as the senior team lead: run client meetings, drive business development, serve as the technical authority, mentor and coach team members.
• Deliver high-quality 11/33kV substation primary plant and cable design projects on time, on budget and to the required profitability targets.
• Produce Transmission & Distribution level designs fully compliant with DNO and National Grid standards.
• Complete detailed substation plant design including layouts, plant specifications, short-circuit calculations, cable system design, TMF calculations and ancillary equipment selection & specification.
• Undertake earthing design and system X/R ratio analysis to correctly specify transformer NERs.
• Carry out site survey work and guide the team on all constructability issues (essential for Design & Build delivery).
• Take full design liability and manage all associated risks for the primary design.
• Identify additional business development opportunities during project delivery.
• Prepare, monitor and control project cost budgets.
• Independently deliver projects from senior-management oversight, ensuring all primary design deliverables are met on time and within budget.
• Write clear, professional technical proposals and produce high-quality Design Intent Documents (DID), Project Execution Plans (PEP) and contribute to BIM Execution Plans (BEP).
• Fully comply with company SHEQ requirements and act as CDM2015 Principal Designer (where required) for large 11/33kV substation projects — understanding the distinct roles of Principal Designer, designers, Principal Contractor and client.
What We’re Looking For:
• Proven budgetary and project management skills at this level
Solid commercial awareness of design & construction contract forms (especially NEC) and experience working under those contract conditions.
• Demonstrable experience working in a design environment, ideally within 11/33kV or similar distribution networks and Design & Build projects.
Does this sound like the role you have envisaged for yourself?
If you are ready to take the next step in your career with a forward-thinking, growing Design & Build business, we would love to hear from you.
Why Join Us?
We believe in attracting and retaining the best talent by offering great benefits and career progression opportunities, including:
* Pension with up to 8% employer contribution
* Car Allowance
* Private Medical Insurance
* Personal Wellbeing and Volunteer Days
* Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme (Hybrid/Electric Vehicle)
* Flexible benefits (e.g., Dental Insurance, Gym Memberships, Tax-Free Bikes)
* Ongoing Training & Development Programme