Design Manager

The Construction Index Ltd; Nantwich; On-site; GBP 67,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in the UK is seeking a Design Manager with expertise in rail depot design and modification. You will lead multidisciplinary teams on electrification projects, ensuring compliance with safety standards and technical requirements. The ideal candidate will have significant rail project experience and a degree in engineering. This role offers a competitive salary and opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Engineer in UK rail projects.
• Proven track record in depot projects, including modification and electrification.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary design teams and coordinating consultants.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage design for electrification and depot modification works.
• Ensure compliance with CDM regulations and safety requirements.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in depot design.

Skills

Design management

Rail project experience

Knowledge of OLE and power systems

Team leadership

Understanding of UK rail standards

Education

Degree in Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

OLECAD

Bentley

AutoCAD

Job description

• Salary: £67500 - £85000 per annum + benefits
• Type: Full Time
• Region: UK - North West
• Town/City: Nantwich, Cheshire
• Posted: 18/09/2025
• Reference: BBBH4031_1758187363

About the Role

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.

Equality and Compliance

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.

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