Technical Design Lead (LCDAE) - Energy

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Flex time and additional leave

Gymflex scheme with up to 40% off memberships

Thrive programme for well-being support

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Lead Design Manager to oversee significant design projects in the electricity transmission sector in the UK. This role requires managing project teams, ensuring compliance with regulations and standards, and fostering client relationships.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree, extensive design management experience, and a strong understanding of UK health and safety regulations. With a focus on delivering client satisfaction and business growth, WSP promotes a hybrid working policy and values employee well-being.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing multiple high-value projects.
• Background in National Grid Electricity Transmission projects is advantageous.
• Leadership ability for mentoring and guiding junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale design projects from FEED to closeout.
• Manage project resources, risks, and financials.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and design processes.
• Act as key point of contact for clients.
• Drive strategic development and foster a customer service culture.

Skills

Design management experience

Understanding of UK CDM Regulations

Project management skills

Technical management skills

Client service leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline

Job description

Lead Design Manager – Job Description

As a Lead Design Manager at WSP you will lead and manage design projects within the UK’s electricity transmission and distribution sector. Working alongside the Project Director and Project manager, you will be responsible for overseeing engineering design work and delivering project management services, ensuring compliance with best practices and UK regulations. Your role will involve assembling project teams from global offices, managing design processes, and driving projects from concept to completion while maintaining high standards in safety, quality, and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead large‑scale design projects, overseeing all phases from FEED (Front‑End Engineering Design) to project closeout.
• Provide overall project management including resourcing, risk management, and financial oversight.
• Act as a key point of contact for clients, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to client satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with WSP’s and client‑specific design processes and safety standards.
• Lead contract negotiations and actively pursue new business opportunities.
• Manage subcontractors, regulatory bodies, and project stakeholders, ensuring effective collaboration and communication.
• Act as Lead Contractor Design Approval Engineer (LCDAE), ensuring compliance with UK Construction regulations and National Grid procedures.
• Lead engineering design efforts across the UK business, collaborating with the Engineering Director to form global project teams.
• Drive strategic development of the department and contribute to business planning.
• Foster a world‑class customer service culture to drive client success and maintain a high standard of ethics and integrity.
• Act as principal designer representative (PD Rep).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with design management experience.
• Advanced understanding of UK CDM Regulations and different forms of contracts (NEC, FIDIC).
• Proven experience managing multiple high‑value, complex projects.
• Experience working on National Grid Electricity Transmission projects is an advantage.
• Strong technical, contractual, and financial management skills.
• Leadership in fostering client success and world‑class customer service.
• Ability to provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior staff.
• Proven track record in business growth and identifying new opportunities.

Benefits

WSP offers a hybrid working policy that allows employees to work from home up to two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in modern offices across the UK. The company values work‑life balance and provides flex time, the “WSP My Hour” for personal activities, part‑time and flexible working arrangements, and the option to purchase additional leave or use bank holiday entitlement.

The company supports employee well‑being through programmes such as the Thrive programme, a virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, a Gymflex scheme offering up to 40% off gym memberships, and a comprehensive menopause support package.

WSP promotes an inclusive culture and offers employee resource groups that bring together employees and allies from diverse backgrounds to support inclusion and belonging.

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.