Head of Design Management

United Infrastructure Ltd

. Provide strategic leadership and operational management for United Infrastructure’s UK engineering design management team within the power transmission and distribution sector .

Posted 9/25/2026full-timeWarrington • United KingdomLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide strategic leadership and operational management for United Infrastructure’s UK engineering design management team within the power transmission and distribution sector
Lead, line-manage, recruit, and mentor a team of Design Managers
Establish capability development pathways and support career progression
Conduct performance appraisals, identify training needs, and foster an inclusive, high-performing team culture
Drive workload forecasting, capacity planning, and resource allocation across the Design Management team
Provide overarching design management and technical governance for projects from concept to closeout
Serve as the senior escalation point for design delivery on high-risk, complex, or strategic projects
Maintain compliance with company and client design management processes, quality management systems, and procedural controls
Coordinate engineering staff and enforce robust inter-disciplinary coordination
Champion a proactive Safety by Design culture
Ensure compliance with UK Health & Safety, Environmental, and Waste Management legislation
Support CDM 2015 Principal Designer obligations
Drive sustainability, whole-life asset optimization, and carbon reduction initiatives
Oversee technical, operational, and commercial risk management, including design change control, risk registers, and hazard identification
Lead contract management and administration for NEC3/NEC4 contracts
Ensure financial and legal coordination while protecting business margins
Establish relationships with key clients, subcontractors, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders
Support business development through technical proposals, pitch presentations, and contract negotiations
Represent United Infrastructure within professional bodies and industry working groups, maintaining active CPD

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in an engineering discipline relevant to the Electricity Transmission & Distribution sector from an accredited institution
10+ years of engineering design and design management experience within the UK power transmission and distribution industry
Proven track record in direct line management, leadership, resource planning, and capability development of engineering or project management personnel
Chartered Engineer (CEng) status with a relevant institution (IET, ICE, or equivalent) or APM Registered Project Professional (RPP) status
Extensive experience with transmission & distribution projects and deep familiarity with National Grid & SSE procedures & policies
Thorough working knowledge of current CDM Regulations 2015, with demonstrated experience fulfilling or overseeing the CDM Principal Designer role
Strong contract management expertise, particularly with the NEC family of contracts (NEC3/NEC4)
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
Master’s degree in engineering or project management (desirable)
Formal leadership / management qualifications (e.g., CMI or ILM Level 5/7) (desirable)
Active engagement with sustainable design standards (e.g., PAS 2080) (desirable)
Relevant Health & Safety qualification (e.g., NEBOSH National General/Construction Certificate, IOSH Managing Safely, or NVQ Level 3/5 in H&S) (desirable)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive salary commensurate with level & experience
Hybrid working arrangement (Dependent upon role)
Structured career development pathway
Professional membership and chartership support
Company pension scheme
25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
Private Medical Cover