Design Manager

United Living; Warrington; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

United Living is seeking a Design Manager to lead innovative design solutions for complex gas infrastructure projects in Warrington. You will mentor a design team, manage engineering solutions, and ensure compliance with safety standards and industry regulations.

The ideal candidate holds an MEng/MSc and Chartered Engineer status, with at least 5 years of relevant experience. Join us to contribute to the UK's lower-carbon energy network!

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing design team.
• Manage and approve temporary works and engineering solutions.
• Produce and review high-quality 2D and 3D design models and drawings.

Skills

Leadership

Design Engineering

Project Management

AutoCAD

Finite Element Analysis

Education

MEng/MSc in Mechanical, Structural, Civil, or related discipline

Chartered Engineer status (or equivalent)

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

United Infrastructures Energy business is looking for a Design Manager who can combine technical excellence with inspiring leadership to deliver innovative, safe, and effective solutions across complex gas infrastructure projects.

Our work supports the UK’s transition to a secure and lower-carbon energy network, delivering major pipeline upgrades, above ground installations, compressor station projects, and gas transmission infrastructure for the UK’s leading gas network operators.

What You’ll Do

In this pivotal role, you’ll act as the business’s Designated Individual for Temporary Works (BS 5975) while leading the design delivery across gas infrastructure projects including pipelines, AGIs, PRS installations, and compressor station upgrades.

You will:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing design team delivering engineering solutions across major gas infrastructure projects, including high, intermediate, and medium pressure pipelines.
• Manage and approve temporary works and engineering solutions associated with pipeline installation, diversions, above ground installations (AGIs), and compressor station works.
• Support the design and delivery of gas transmission and distribution infrastructure, ensuring solutions are practical, safe, and aligned with operational and construction requirements.
• Undertake structural and engineering assessments using steel, timber, and polymer systems, supported by Finite Element Analysis where required.
• Produce and review high-quality 2D and 3D design models and drawings using AutoCAD and Inventor to support complex pipeline and infrastructure projects.
• Act as process owner for design governance, ensuring compliance with statutory regulations, gas industry standards, and client requirements.
• Work closely with operations, project management, commercial teams, and external stakeholders to support the delivery of major capital gas infrastructure programmes.
• Lead technical reviews, design workshops, package reviews, and design coordination meetings across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Support tender reviews and identify value engineering opportunities to improve constructability, programme efficiency, and cost performance.
• Drive innovation by exploring improved construction methodologies, materials, and solutions that support the future hydrogen-ready gas network and lower carbon infrastructure.
• Promote and embed United Living Infrastructure Services’ commitment to world‑class health, safety, and environmental performance across all design activities.

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.

Additional Information

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.