Design Manager

Help us to make a world of difference

Urenco is a global leader in the production of low carbon energy, playing a critical role in delivering secure, reliable nuclear fuel solutions worldwide. We are focused on enabling the sustainable generation of electricity for customers around the world, while operating within the highest environmental, social and regulatory  addition, as part of a strategically important industry, Urenco is now required to support the UK Government in exploring options to re-establish nuclear fuel capabilities to produce reactor fuel for defence purposes.

To support this new project, we are seeking a Design Manager to join our Capenhurst/Birchwood site. In this role, you will work within our government services function as a key interface between site teams and Group stakeholders to ensure effective planning, coordination and delivery across complex programmes.

At Urenco, we’re committed to helping you be your best. If you feel you meet some, but not all, of what we’re looking for, we still encourage you to apply. We believe in embracing the passion and potential of our people and offer market-leading training, development, coaching, and mentoring opportunities from some of the brightest minds in the industry.

About the Role You will lead multidisciplinary design teams within a matrix organisation, delivering up to three concurrent projects while ensuring alignment with business objectives, customer requirements, regulatory obligations, and engineering standards.  You will be responsible for the delivery of Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), including Feasibility Studies, Best Available Technology (BAT) assessments, Conceptual Design, and Basic Design, while supporting project execution through technical oversight, supplier management, and design assurance.

The role ensures plant and facility designs incorporate Urenco best practices, innovative technology solutions, and the highest standards of safety, quality, and operational performance. You will also play a key role in safeguarding Urenco’s technology, intellectual property, and engineering standards throughout the design lifecycle.

What You’ll DoLead Design Delivery Lead multidisciplinary design teams to deliver FEED activities, including feasibility studies, BAT assessments, Conceptual Design, and Basic Design.

Ensure designs align with approved investment proposals, customer requirements, and Urenco engineering standards.

Develop plant and facility designs that incorporate engineering best practice and innovative technology solutions.

Work collaboratively with Project Managers to achieve project goals while meeting schedule and budget requirements.

Manage Engineering Projects Plan and coordinate design resources, budgets, and delivery activities across multiple projects.

Provide engineering support throughout project execution, including review and approval of detailed designs, deviations, concessions, and FAT/SAT outcomes.

Support investment decisions through technical assessments, optioneering studies, and design recommendations.

Drive Technical Excellence Ensure consistency and integration across engineering disciplines through effective management of design interfaces and technical risks.

Deliver safe, compliant, and fit-for-purpose plant designs that meet operational, customer, and licensing requirements.

Promote continuous improvement and application of lessons learned across engineering activities.

Provide Assurance & Stakeholder Leadership Build effective relationships with project teams, Design Authorities, suppliers, and key stakeholders.

Act as the Intelligent Customer for Core Technology suppliers, providing design assurance, governance, and oversight of engineering delivery.

Promote a strong safety culture while protecting Urenco’s technology, intellectual property, and engineering standards.

What Do You Need to Thrive in This Role?

Qualifications Essential:
Bachelor’s Degree in Process Technology, Nuclear Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Science, or a related discipline; or Professional Engineer (PE) accreditation.

Preferred:
Master’s Degree or PhD in Physics, Mathematics,…