Design Manager

Design Manager

Location: East of England
Sector:
Electricity Distribution and Connections
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: £90,000 £ 96,000 per annum

About the Company

Our client is a major UK infrastructure services provider delivering essential energy solutions across electricity transmission and distribution, renewable energy, EV infrastructure, metering, and decarbonisation. Operating on an end-to-end delivery model, the business supports critical national infrastructure with a strong focus on safety, operational excellence, and client satisfaction.

This role will involve large-scale network operations and acting as a key delivery partner on substation refurbishment and new build projects ranging from 11kV to 132kV across the East of England.

Role Overview

The Design Manager will take responsibility for leading electrical design delivery across distribution and connections projects, managing internal and external design resources. The role owns design quality, programme delivery, and commercial performance, while maintaining strong client relationships and supporting the development of the design team.

This position plays a key role in the delivery of substation refurbishment, new build schemes, customer connections, and network reinforcement works.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the delivery of design activities using internal and external teams, ensuring alignment with safety, operational, and commercial objectives
• Take ownership of the commercial performance of design projects, tracking progress against internal targets and client requirements
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with the distribution network operator and key stakeholders
• Support, develop, and resource the design team to meet programme and customer demands
• Plan workloads, prepare design programmes, and develop cost forecasts in line with project requirements
• Ensure all design activities comply with CDM Regulations and relevant industry standards

Requirements

• Proven experience leading teams within engineering, utilities, or DNO environments, with strong people management and leadership skills
• Chartered Engineer status or equivalent demonstrable experience within electrical design and delivery
• Working knowledge of ISO
  9001, ISO
  14001, and OHSAS 18001 standards
• Solid understanding of CDM Regulations and the responsibilities of the Designer role
• Technical knowledge of protection and control schemes for 11kV to 132kV electricity networks
• Confidence in design management, commercial decision-making, and performance ownership
• Experience working within an alliance or joint venture environment is advantageous

What s on Offer

• Salary of £90,000 £ 96,000 per annum
• Matched or contributory pension scheme
• Company car and fuel card, with a choice of EV or hybrid vehicles
• Salary sacrifice EV or hybrid car scheme, or car allowance with fuel card for business use
• Private healthcare and healthcare cash plan for you and your family
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Life assurance, employee assistance programme, and 24/7 online GP service
• Access to a rewards portal with thousands of retail discounts
• Cycle to work, salary finance, and give-as-you-earn schemes
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Reward and recognition scheme, plus refer-a-friend incentives
• Ongoing training, development, and industry-recognised career progression opportunities