Senior Design Manager

ZipRecruiter; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm based in Glasgow is seeking a Senior Design Manager to oversee the design for major substation projects. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience in substation design and demonstrate strong leadership in managing design teams. This role offers a salary of £90-100,000 per annum, along with benefits including flexible working and professional development support.

Benefits

Car allowance or company vehicle

Private healthcare

Enhanced pension

Flexible working options

15% annual bonus

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in substation design and construction.
• Proven leadership in managing design teams.
• Strong knowledge of transmission and distribution systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design process for substations.
• Oversee design teams, ensuring quality.
• Drive innovation and value engineering.

Skills

Leadership in multi-disciplinary design teams

Knowledge of UK grid codes

Excellent communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline

Chartered Engineer or working towards

Job description

Overview

Senior Design Manager – Substations

Location: Glasgow, Scotland

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Industry: Power & Energy / Electrical Infrastructure

Salary: £90-100,000 per annum

We are seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to lead the design function on major substation construction projects across the UK. Based in Glasgow, this is a pivotal role within our growing energy infrastructure division, supporting the successful delivery of high-voltage substations from concept to commissioning.

As the Senior Design Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing all design activities, ensuring technical excellence, compliance with industry standards, and alignment with project timelines and budgets. You will collaborate closely with project teams, clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the end-to-end design process for 132kV–400kV substations
• Oversee internal and external design teams, ensuring quality and consistency
• Liaise with DNOs, TOs, and clients to ensure design meets all regulatory and operational requirements
• Drive innovation and value engineering throughout the design lifecycle
• Ensure compliance with CDM regulations, IEC standards, and company HSEQ policies
• Review and approve technical drawings, calculations, and specifications
• Support tendering processes with design input and feasibility studies
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the strategic growth of the design team

Requirements

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
• Chartered Engineer (or working towards)
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in substation design and construction
• Proven leadership in managing multi-disciplinary design teams
• Strong knowledge of UK grid codes, transmission and distribution systems
• Experience working with major utility companies and grid operators
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites as required

What’s on Offer

• Salary - £90-100,000 per annum
• Car allowance or company vehicle
• Private healthcare and enhanced pension
• Flexible working options - 2 days a week in the office and 3 from home
• 15% annual bonus
• Clear career progression in a growing business
• Support for professional development and chartership

How to Apply

Ready to take the lead on some of the UK's most critical energy infrastructure projects? Send your CV and a cover letter to [e-mail] and we will be in contact to discuss further.

We look forward to hearing from you.