Design Manager

Aldwych Consulting Ltd; Nantwich; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable consultancy firm in Nantwich is looking for a Design Manager to lead electrification projects in rail depot design. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in UK rail projects, strong knowledge of operational environments, and the capability to manage multidisciplinary teams. This role offers a competitive salary and the opportunity for career progression in a vital area of railway operations.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Scope for career progression

Diversity and equality promotion

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Engineer in UK rail projects.
• Proven track record in depot projects - new build, modification, or electrification of depots.
• Strong knowledge of OLE and power systems, including integration within complex operational environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design of electrification and depot modification works.
• Oversee depot-specific requirements including clearances and integration.
• Ensure compliance with CDM regulations and industry standards.

Skills

Leadership

Technical compliance

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering

Chartered Engineer (CEng) status

Tools

OLECAD

Bentley

AutoCAD

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a Design Manager with strong expertise in rail depot design and modification to lead the delivery of electrification projects. The successful candidate will manage multidisciplinary design teams covering overhead line, power distribution, civil, and M&E elements - with a particular focus on depot interfaces including stabling sidings, servicing facilities, and maintenance depots.

You will take responsibility for ensuring safe, technically compliant, and constructible designs, coordinating between multiple disciplines and stakeholders to deliver high-quality outcomes on time and to budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design of electrification and depot modification works, including OLE integration, HV/LV systems, M&E services, and civil structures.
• Oversee depot-specific requirements such as:
• Clearances for maintenance facilities.
• Integration of OLE within stabling/servicing environments.
• Depot track layout and operational considerations.
• Building services, access, and safety systems.

Manage design reviews, assurance processes, and constructability checks across all disciplines.

Act as the technical interface for depot stakeholders, ensuring designs meet operational, maintenance, and safety requirements.

Ensure compliance with CDM regulations, Network Rail and industry standards, and programme governance.

Provide ongoing design support during construction, resolving TQs and delivering workable solutions on site.

Drive innovation, value engineering, and continuous improvement in depot and electrification design.

Essential Experience

• Significant experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Engineer in UK rail projects.
• Proven track record in depot projects - new build, modification, or electrification of depots, stabling yards, or maintenance facilities.
• Strong knowledge of OLE and power systems, including integration within complex operational environments.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary design teams and coordinating consultants.
• Excellent understanding of UK rail standards, assurance processes, and safety requirements.

Desirable Skills & Qualifications

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status (or equivalent).
• Degree in Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Familiarity with depot planning and specialist design tools (OLECAD, Bentley, AutoCAD, etc.).
• Commercial awareness and experience working on large infrastructure programmes.

Why This Role

• Opportunity to take a lead role on depot-related electrification works, a critical enabler for modern, sustainable railway operations.
• Work at the interface of electrical, civil, and operational design, shaping safe and efficient depot environments.
• Competitive salary and benefits, with scope for career progression.

Please apply below if this role sounds like a good next step!

Aldwych Consulting values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.