Senior Design Manager

Description:

Mane Contract Services is actively seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to lead and coordinate the design of a major 400/132kV GIS substation project. This is a high-responsibility role ideal for a technically astute professional who is skilled in multi-disciplinary coordination and adept at navigating complex engineering, budgetary, and stakeholder requirements.

As the Lead Design Manager, you will take full ownership of design-related activities, acting as the central design authority. You will work closely across disciplines and manage a team of Design Managers and Design Coordinators to ensure smooth project execution in line with National Grid standards.

The position involves working at both the Uxbridge Moor site (adjacent to Iver Substation) and the Kentish Town Head Office, with some flexibility for remote work depending on project demands.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the entire design scope for a 400/132kV GIS substation project in strict adherence to National Grid standards.

• Optionally serve as the Lead Contractor Design Assurance Engineer (LCDAE), ensuring regulatory and procedural compliance.

• Manage a multi-disciplinary team including Design Managers and Design Coordinators across engineering fields.

• Ensure seamless integration between civil, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering disciplines.

• Organise and lead design review meetings; ensure clear documentation of meeting minutes and actionable items.

• Provide timely progress updates to both functional heads and project delivery teams.

• Monitor and control design budgets and program schedules, ensuring delivery within scope and time.

• Handle commercial aspects like Early Warnings (EWs), Compensation Events (CENs), and Project Manager Instructions (PMIs).

• Maintain logs for design decisions, assumptions, and changes.

• Lead hazard identification workshops, manage risk reviews, and ensure safety by design.

• Take accountability for the performance, mentorship, and continuous development of the design team.

Candidate Requirements:

• Extensive experience in substation design management, especially at 400/132kV GIS level.

• Previous experience working with or on behalf of National Grid and familiarity with their procedures is highly desirable.

• Strong leadership abilities with a track record of guiding and motivating engineering teams.

• Exceptional project coordination and communication skills across disciplines and stakeholder levels.

• Skilled in handling design budgets, technical documentation, and commercial processes.

• High degree of ownership, reliability, and a proactive problem-solving approach.

Work Arrangement:

• Location Split: 3–4 days per week on-site at Uxbridge Moor or at Kentish Town office

• Remote Working: 1–2 days remote (depending on project requirements)

• Employment Type: PAYE only (no LTD or umbrella contracts)