Design and Innovation Manager

Design Performance and Innovation Manager

Department: Regulated Power

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Ruislip

Reporting To: Ed Yeates

Ruislip, London | Permanent | Full-Time | Office based

Remuneration for this role is benchmarked competitively within our sector.

An opportunity to shape and improve design performance across a large-scale engineering portfolio, combining technical understanding with delivery transformation and digital innovation. This role focuses on driving measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, and consistency across complex infrastructure projects.

• Map and analyse end-to-end design workflows to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and rework drivers
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean / Six Sigma principles to reduce design cycle times and improve right-first-time delivery
• Standardise design outputs, templates, and technical packs across substation, underground cable, and overhead line projects
• Identify and implement automation opportunities, including scripting, rules-based design, and template-driven outputs
• Drive adoption of digital tools including CAD, BIM, and Common Data Environments (CDEs) to improve consistency and data quality
• Evaluate and introduce AI-enabled solutions to support design validation, documentation, and knowledge management
• Engage and influence engineers, design managers, and stakeholders to embed process and behavioural change
• Ensure all improvements are practical, deliverable within live project constraints, and aligned with DNO standards and compliance requirements

• 8–15+ years’ experience in power, utilities, or infrastructure engineering environments
• Strong background in substation, overhead line, or underground cable design (or closely related disciplines)
• Proven experience delivering process improvement, transformation, or operational efficiency initiatives
• Strong understanding of engineering design workflows and delivery constraints within regulated environments
• Experience working within Tier 1 contractors, engineering consultancies, or utility organisations
• Knowledge of CAD, BIM, and/or Common Data Environments (CDEs)
• Strong stakeholder management and ability to influence technical and non-technical teams
• Experience operating within live project delivery environments with competing priorities
• Ability to translate complex operational challenges into practical, implementable solutions
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills

• Lean / Six Sigma certification or practical application of continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience implementing automation or scripting within design workflows
• Exposure to AI tools or digital innovation in engineering design environments
• Experience working within DNO frameworks or regulated utilities environments
• Experience leading cross-functional transformation or digital engineering programmes
• Strong understanding of engineering governance, assurance, and compliance processes

At OCU, we believe that meaningful work should come with meaningful support. That's the principle behind Careers with Purpose, our commitment to ensuring every person at OCU feels supported, developed, and valued, not just in their role today, but throughout their career with us.

Alongside the opportunity to work on some of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects, we offer a benefits package that we are continuing to develop as we grow, and the kind of career acceleration that only comes from being inside a business moving at this pace.

As a rapidly growing organisation, there are genuine opportunities to progress, broaden your experience, and build a long-term career within OCU Group.