Senior Design Manager - Substations

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

Job summary

A leading contractor in UK construction is looking for a Senior Design Manager to oversee major substation projects. This role requires proven experience in tendering and project delivery within the energy sector. The ideal candidate will have a degree in a relevant field, strong knowledge of substation design, and membership in a professional body. Benefits include a salary up to £85,000, performance-related bonus, flexible working arrangements, and a company car scheme.

Benefits

Performance related Bonus

Company car scheme

Private medical insurance

Generous holiday allowance

Flexible working arrangements

Mentorship opportunities

Pension contributions

Qualifications

• Membership in a recognised professional body (e.g., CIOB, ICE, IET) and ideally working toward chartered status.
• Experience in preconstruction and project management.
• Familiarity with BIM and design management procedures.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Tendering experience

Project delivery

Energy sector knowledge

Substation design

Education

Degree or HNC/HND in a relevant technical 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