Design Manager

NRL; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Design Manager to oversee engineering design projects in the high-voltage Transmission & Distribution sector. This role involves leading multidisciplinary teams, managing project lifecycles from concept to construction support, and ensuring compliance with technical and regulatory standards. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership and stakeholder management skills while delivering complex projects on time and within budget. Join a forward-thinking company committed to creating a cleaner, greener future through engineering excellence.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing engineering design in the T&D sector.
• Strong knowledge of National Grid standards and CDM Regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design delivery for HV substations and cable infrastructure projects.
• Manage engineering teams and ensure compliance with client specifications.

Skills

Engineering Design Management

Leadership Skills

Stakeholder Management

Project Management

Regulatory Compliance

Communication Skills

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MS Project

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Title: Design Manager
Location: Birmingham
Contract Type: 6-Month rolling contract
Working Pattern: Hybrid – 2/3 days in office a week
Rate: £600 per day

Role Overview:
We are looking for an experienced Design Manager to lead the delivery of engineering design projects within the high-voltage Transmission & Distribution (T&D) sector. This role will oversee multidisciplinary teams, manage project lifecycles from concept to construction support, and ensure that all technical and regulatory requirements are met to the highest standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design delivery for HV substations, overhead lines, and cable infrastructure projects (up to 400kV)
• Manage engineering teams and coordinate cross-discipline design activities across internal and external resources.
• Ensure project designs comply with client specifications, regulatory standards (e.g., CDM, National Grid TP procedures), and industry best practices.
• Oversee the full project lifecycle from FEED through to construction support and close-out.
• Act as Design Manager on Design & Build or EPC projects; potentially act as Project Manager for design-only schemes.
• Conduct design reviews, risk assessments, constructability reviews, and client meetings.
• Monitor project progress, budget, quality, safety, and scheduling targets.
• Develop project execution plans, manage resource planning, and maintain interdisciplinary coordination.
• Provide mentoring, technical support, and leadership to junior engineers and design staff.
• Support proposal development, tendering, and business development activities.

Requirements:

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• Proven experience managing engineering design in the T&D sector (132kV–400kV).
• Strong knowledge of National Grid standards (e.g., TP106, TP135, TP153) and NEC contract frameworks.
• Understanding of CDM Regulations and UK HSE and environmental legislation.
• Proficiency with MS Project and Microsoft Office suite.
• Exceptional leadership, coordination, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrable experience in delivering technically complex and multi-stakeholder projects on time and within budget.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable:

• Chartered Engineer (or working toward it).
• Health & Safety qualification (e.g., NEBOSH, IOSH).
• Experience with project management methodologies (e.g., PRINCE2, APM, PMP).
• Familiarity with procedural control of Temporary Works and Impressed Voltage considerations.

If this position sounds of interest please send a copy of your CV to [e-mail] or apply directly.


The NRL Group connect global companies with the right people to bring engineering projects to life. Supporting contracting companies with energy transition plans and working with our clients to create a cleaner, greener future.

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