Design Manager; OHL

Birmingham, UK

Would you like to work for an inclusive and collaborative company that is one of the most successful within the UK infrastructure industry?

We are looking for a motivated and ambitious Design Manager to join our team, supporting the delivery of asset replacement works within a major National Grid framework. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the successful delivery of critical infrastructure projects, overseeing design activities from project inception through to construction and final delivery.

As a Design Manager, you will be responsible for leading and coordinating the design function across a portfolio of projects, ensuring designs are safe, buildable, compliant, and delivered in line with programme requirements. Reporting to the Senior Design Manager, you will work closely with project teams, clients, consultants, and delivery partners to ensure successful project outcomes across a long-term framework.

• Lead and manage the design process throughout the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design teams to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of design outputs.
• Ensure designs comply with client requirements, industry standards, legislation, and best practice.
• Manage design programmes, deliverables, and key project milestones.
• Facilitate design reviews, workshops, and technical coordination meetings.
• Identify and manage design risks, opportunities, and design-related changes.
• Work closely with construction and project delivery teams to ensure designs are practical, buildable, and cost-effective.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, supply chain partners, and key stakeholders.
• Support value engineering and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to lessons learned and best practice sharing across the framework.

• Experience in design management within infrastructure, utilities, engineering, or construction environments.
• Strong understanding of design management processes and project delivery methodologies.
• Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders, consultants, and technical disciplines.
• Knowledge of relevant engineering standards, regulations, and industry best practice.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organisational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver projects to programme requirements.

• HND, Degree Apprenticeship, Degree or equivalent qualification in an Engineering, Construction, or related discipline.
• Experience working within National Grid or similar utility frameworks.
• Professional membership or working towards a relevant professional qualification.
• Experience managing design activities on asset replacement or major infrastructure projects.

• Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy five days.
• Flexible and adaptable working
• Family friendly policies and work/life approach
• Mentoring programmes and continuous learning support
• Contributory pension scheme
• Annual bonus scheme
• Recognition scheme and long service awards
• Car scheme and Private Medical Insurance (if applicable to role)
• We also provide the option to participate in our share-save scheme; discounts including cycle to work and gym membership; a support and advice service for colleagues and their families, and more.

We have extensive experience in upgrading and replacing energy networks, delivering asset management for major UK energy companies and network operators.

Our transmission and distribution services involve the upgrading and replacement of electricity assets both above and below ground.…