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- Tasks: Lead engineering design projects in power transmission & distribution from concept to completion.
- Company: Join Burns & McDonnell, a global leader in engineering and construction since 1898.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for remote work and professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a culture that values innovation, safety, and client success while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in engineering and 3 years of relevant design experience required.
- Other info: This role involves travel and offers a chance to work on high-profile projects.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
Chart your own course and change the world — with the support of people whose interests are aligned with yours. At Burns & McDonnell, opportunity is waiting. We’re looking for people with big ideas and an entrepreneurial mindset. It’s those kinds of people who’ve helped us grow from a small consulting business back in 1898 to a global leader in engineering, architecture and construction solutions. Today, we’re a thriving company with more than 10,000 professionals working in 55 offices worldwide and recognised as a leader in transmission & distribution services.
The Design Manager will provide delivery of Burns & McDonnell's UK engineering design projects within the power transmission & distribution sector. Responsibilities include:
- Developing engineering design work across the UK business, working closely with the Engineering Director to assemble suitable project teams from across our global offices.
- Providing overall project management of design projects from concept to completion in accordance with recognised best practices (APM/PMP/PRINCE2 or similar).
- Supporting the project role of Project Manager on assigned design-only projects or fulfilling the role of Design Manager on assigned Design & Build/Engineer, Procure, Construct (EPC) projects.
- Ensuring performance of assigned projects, including safety, health, environmental management, sustainability, and quality.
- Maintaining project compliance to applicable Burns & McDonnell and client design management processes and procedures.
- Co-ordinating with engineering discipline department/section heads to resource appropriately competent engineering staff.
- Reporting regularly on project progress, cost and schedule metrics, procurement issues, safety or environmental concerns, design questions, potential impacts, and any issues requiring office support.
- Planning and leading project and client meetings, as required.
- Supporting the preparation of project proposals, leading presentations, and leading project contract negotiations with support from senior management.
- Driving ‘Safety by Design’ approach on all projects.
- Providing supportive general personnel management of line reports, with emphasis on supporting continued development, providing technical guidance, and establishing training needs.
- Actively supporting marketing and business development activities, building relationships with clients and generating new business.
- Identifying new skills and competencies required within the Burns & McDonnell team to meet business needs.
- Assisting in determining departmental objectives and requirements, organizing projects and developing standards and guidelines.
- Demonstrating creativity, foresight, and judgment in anticipating and solving problems.
Qualifications include:
- Bachelor Degree in an engineering discipline relevant to the electricity transmission & distribution sector, from an accredited institution and 3 years of engineering design services experience.
- Knowledge of project management and engineering design management best practices.
- Understanding of the requirements of relevant UK Health & Safety legislation relating to design and construction work in the electricity supply industry.
- Thorough understanding of current Construction (Design & Management) Regulations.
- Strong contract management skills and understanding of NEC family of contracts.
- Experience of working in a design management role on National Grid Electricity Transmission projects in the UK.
- Good knowledge of National Grid’s procedures.
- IT literate, with good knowledge of using Microsoft Office applications, including MS Project.
- Excellent written & verbal communication skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Able to manage multiple projects and conflicting deadlines.
- Capability to coach and develop the team.
- Relevant Health & Safety qualification (e.g. IOSH Managing Safely, NEBOSH Cert./Dip., NVQ Level 3 in H&S related subject).
Design Manager - Transmission & Distribution (Birmingham, UK) employer: Burns & McDonnell
Contact Detail:
Burns & McDonnell Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager - Transmission & Distribution (Birmingham, UK)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Burns & McDonnell's projects and values. Understanding their approach to engineering design and project management will help you align your experience with their expectations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the transmission and distribution sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with current employees or others in the field, which can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your project management experience in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed design projects, particularly in compliance with health and safety regulations, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of the National Grid’s procedures and the NEC family of contracts. Being knowledgeable about these aspects will demonstrate your readiness to take on the responsibilities of the Design Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager - Transmission & Distribution (Birmingham, UK)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in engineering design and project management, particularly within the electricity transmission and distribution sector. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your entrepreneurial mindset and big ideas. Explain how your background aligns with Burns & McDonnell's values and how you can contribute to their projects. Be specific about your achievements in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications, especially your degree in an engineering discipline and any relevant certifications like Health & Safety qualifications. Mention your experience with project management methodologies such as APM, PMP, or PRINCE2.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for this role, ensure your application is well-structured and free of errors. Consider including examples of how you've effectively communicated with stakeholders in past projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at Burns & McDonnell
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
As a Design Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of project management methodologies like APM, PMP, or PRINCE2. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully managed timelines, resources, and stakeholder relationships.
✨Understand Industry Standards
Familiarise yourself with UK Health & Safety legislation and the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations. During the interview, highlight your knowledge of these regulations and how you've applied them in previous roles to ensure compliance and safety.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership and Development
The role involves supporting and developing your team. Share examples of how you've coached team members, identified training needs, and fostered a culture of technical excellence and safety within your previous teams.
✨Prepare for Client Interaction Scenarios
Since building client relationships is key, be ready to discuss how you've successfully negotiated contracts or led presentations. Think of specific instances where your persuasion skills made a difference in securing a project or improving client satisfaction.
