Design Manager

United Living; Warrington; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

United Living Infrastructure Services is seeking a Design Manager to lead our design team on critical infrastructure projects in the UK. You will own temporary works design and manage procedures, appointments, and subcontractor reviews from concept through to delivery.

You will apply FE analysis, produce 2D/3D models in AutoCAD/InInventor, and ensure compliance with BS 5975 and Eurocodes while driving innovative build methods and value engineering across projects.

Qualifications

• MEng or MSc in Mechanical, Structural, Civil, or related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer status (or equivalent).
• At least 5 years' experience delivering design solutions from first principles.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage design processes.
• Familiarity with National Grid, Cadent, SGN, NGN specifications, and standards (BS 5975, Eurocodes).
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and grow our design team, ensuring quality and efficiency across all projects.
• Manage, produce, and approve temporary works solutions, including structural stress assessments using steel, timber, and polymers.
• Apply your expertise in Finite Element Analysis to conduct structural assessments.
• Create high-quality 2D and 3D models/drawings in AutoCAD and Inventor.
• Act as process owner for all design activities, ensuring compliance with statutory and client standards.
• Drive innovation by exploring alternative build methods and keeping up with new products and techniques.
• Coordinate with operations, project management, and commercial teams to deliver seamless technical support from concept through completion.
• Oversee document control, technical workshops, package reviews, and design meetings.
• Review tenders, identify value engineering opportunities, and ensure budgets and programmes are met.
• Promote and embed United Infrastructure's commitment to world‑class health and safety in every aspect of design.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Finite Element Analysis

Project design management

Team mentoring

Education

MEng/MSc in Mechanical/Structural/Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Inventor

Job description

United Infrastructure is a dynamic and rapidly expanding business, focused on delivering critical infrastructure projects, across the utility and social infrastructure sectors. Our team of highly skilled and hardworking specialists deliver innovative solutions to the complex challenges our clients face. Our company is split into two business areas: Utility Infrastructure - Our team of Utility Infrastructure specialists design, build and maintain critical water, energy (gas), power and telecoms infrastructure, for the UK's largest network owners and operators. Social Infrastructure - Our team of Social Infrastructure specialists revitalise homes and communities by carrying out a wide range of work, from retrofit to refurbishment, and maintenance. Job Description Are you an experienced engineering professional ready to lead a talented design team and make a lasting impact on critical infrastructure projects? United Living Infrastructure Services is looking for a Design Manager who can
combine technical excellence with inspiring leadership to deliver innovative, safe, and effective solutions.

What You'll Do

In this pivotal role, you'll be the business's Designated Individual for Temporary Works (BS 5975), taking ownership of procedure management, staff appointments, and subcontractor reviews. You will:

• Lead, mentor, and grow our design team, ensuring quality and efficiency across all projects.
• Manage, produce, and approve temporary works solutions, including structural stress assessments using steel, timber, and polymers.
• Apply your expertise in Finite Element Analysis to conduct structural assessments.
• Create high-quality 2D and 3D models/drawings in AutoCAD and Inventor.
• Act as process owner for all design activities, ensuring compliance with statutory and client standards.
• Drive innovation by exploring alternative build methods and keeping up with new products and techniques.
• Coordinate with operations, project management, and commercial teams to deliver seamless technical support from concept through completion.
• Oversee document control, technical workshops, package reviews, and design meetings.
• Review tenders, identify value engineering opportunities, and ensure budgets and programmes are met.
• Promote and embed United Infrastructure's commitment to world‑class health and safety in every aspect of design.

Join us at United Infrastructure today and be part of our mission to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to the complex infrastructure needs of the UK. Please note that United Living has rebranded to United Infrastructure. Our LinkedIn landing page will still display as "United Living," but when you click "Apply," it will redirect to "United Infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Qualifications MEng/MSc in Mechanical, Structural, Civil, or related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer status (or equivalent).
• At least 5 years' experience delivering design solutions from first principles.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage design processes.
• Familiarity with National Grid, Cadent, SGN, NGN specifications, and standards (BS 5975, Eurocodes).
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.