Senior Design Manager - Substations

VGC; Calderbank; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contractor in UK construction is seeking a Senior Design Manager to oversee the design and engineering of major substation projects. The ideal candidate will lead design activities across tenders and live projects, ensuring design excellence while managing contractor involvement. Candidates should have relevant technical degrees, design management experience in the energy sector, and aim for chartered status. This role offers a competitive salary and various benefits including a performance-related bonus and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Performance related bonus

Company car scheme

Private medical insurance

Generous holiday allowance

Flexible working arrangements

Mentorship and continuous learning opportunities

Contributory pension contributions

Qualifications

• Proven experience in tendering, preconstruction, and project delivery.
• Membership in a recognised professional body (e.g., CIOB, ICE, IET) and ideally working toward chartered status.
• Strong knowledge of the Energy and Power sectors, particularly Substations.

Responsibilities

• Lead design elements across tenders, preconstruction phases, and live projects.
• Manage early contractor involvement (ECI) and preconstruction design activities.
• Collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure design excellence.

Skills

Design management

Stakeholder collaboration

Tendering experience

Knowledge of Energy sector

Education

Degree or HNC/HND in relevant field

Job description

VGC Group are supporting a key client, a leading contractor active across several sectors within UK construction and infrastructure, as they look for a Senior Design Manager to oversee the design and engineering of major substation projects throughout the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design elements across tenders, preconstruction phases, and live projects
• Manage early contractor involvement (ECI) and preconstruction design activities
• Collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure design excellence

What We're Looking For

You're already an experienced Senior Design Manager with:

• A degree or HNC/HND in a relevant technical field
• Membership in a recognised professional body (e.g., CIOB, ICE, IET) and ideally working toward chartered status
• Proven experience in tendering, preconstruction, and project delivery
• Strong knowledge of the Energy and Power sectors, particularly Substations

Essential Experience

• Preconstruction and tender design appointments
• Substation design and delivery within the Energy sector
• NEC 3 / 4 contract frameworks and change control processes
• Design consultant engagement and scope/programme management
• Familiarity with design management procedures and BIM

On Offer

• Salary up to £85,000
• Performance related Bonus
• Company car scheme and private medical insurance (role-dependent)
• Generous holiday allowance + option to purchase extra days
• Flexible working arrangements with Family friendly policies
• Mentorship and continuous learning opportunities
• Contributory pension contributions