Design Manager

Design Manager - Power Transmission & Distribution Projects (Contract Position) We are seeking an accomplished Design Manager to join our client's team, providing leadership and delivery of engineering design projects within the power transmission and distribution sector. This is a contract role based in Birmingham, starting on May 2025 and running until November 2025 - option to extend About the Client: Our client is a leading global firm offering comprehensive engineering, architecture, construction, environmental, and consulting solutions. Originating from the United States with a rich history of over 125 years, they are renowned for their commitment to client success and delivering complex, high-value projects across multiple industries. In the UK, they have established a strong presence within the Electricity Transmission & Distribution sector, marking a new and successful chapter in their global operations. Their UK branch has recently secured substantial contracts, including a framework agreement with National Grid for substation projects ranging from £5 million to £50 million, as well as a framework with SSEN for projects up to £100 million. Operating from state-of-the-art offices in central Birmingham and London, the client is rapidly expanding, driven by a dedicated team of industry experts. Their focus on innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence positions them as a key player in the UK’s Transmission & Distribution landscape. Project Overview: The Design Manager will play a pivotal role in delivering engineering design projects across the power transmission and distribution sector. This role involves overall project management from concept to completion, including FEED, environmental, permitting, planning, estimating, engineering, constructability reviews, and construction stage design support. You will work closely with the Engineering Director to assemble project teams from global offices as required and will manage design-only projects as well as Design & Build/EPC projects. Key Responsibilities: As a Design Manager, you will oversee the delivery of engineering design projects within the power transmission and distribution sector. You will be responsible for ensuring that all projects are managed from concept to completion, including FEED, environmental assessments, permitting, planning, estimating, constructability reviews, and support during the construction phase. You will develop and implement project policies, procedures, and controls, including the project execution plan, while maintaining compliance with design management standards and statutory requirements. You will coordinate with engineering discipline leads to allocate competent staff and ensure effective interdisciplinary collaboration. Your role will include reporting on project progress, cost, schedule metrics, safety, environmental concerns, and any issues requiring office support. You will also plan and lead client meetings, support project proposals, and lead contract negotiations, promoting a ‘Safety by Design’ approach throughout all project phases. Additionally, you will focus on fostering a culture of safety and technical excellence, enhancing customer service, and building strong relationships with clients to generate new business opportunities. As a leader, you will provide technical guidance to less experienced engineers, develop project standards and guidelines, and actively support the recruitment and professional development of team members. You will also support business development by nurturing client relationships and identifying future business opportunities. Requirements: Essential: * Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline relevant to the power transmission & distribution sector. * Minimum 3 years' experience in engineering design services within the T&D sector. * Knowledge of project management and engineering design management best practices (APM/PMP/PRINCE2). * Strong understanding of relevant UK Health & Safety legislation, Environmental and Waste Management legislation, and CDM Regulations. * Experience in a design management role on National Grid Electricity Transmission projects. * Knowledge of National Grid procedures: TP106, TP131, TP135, TP137, TP141, TP153, TP163, TP182, TP184, TP188, TP189, TP191, TP211, TP215, TP241. * Strong understanding of NEC family of contracts and contract management skills. * IT literate, with proficiency in Microsoft Office, including MS Project. * Relevant Health & Safety qualification (e.g., IOSH Managing Safely, NEBOSH Cert./Dip.). * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Strong leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills. * Ability to manage multiple projects, meet conflicting deadlines, and work autonomously or as part of a team. Desirable: * Experience in coaching and developing engineering teams. * Demonstrated ability to innovate and develop practical solutions to complex problems. * Proactive in building knowledge of the electricity transmission and distribution industry. * Engagement with the engineering community to drive client success. Schedule & Travel: * Work Schedule: Full-time, 50 hours per week (5 x 10-hour days) * Location: Birmingham, UK * Travel: National travel required, as needed. * Contract Type: Outside IR35

Location: Balsall Heath, GB

Posted Date: 5/17/2025