At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage detailed design activities across multiple engineering disciplines.
- Company: Join Bridges, a leader in innovative engineering solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, health plans, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on essential infrastructure projects while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and experience in multidisciplinary design management required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
The Head of Detailed Design is responsible for leading, managing and coordinating all detailed design activities across Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and ICA disciplines within projects undertaken by Bridges through a well-established team of circa 30 engineers/designers located mainly at our head office but also throughout our network of regional locations. The role ensures that detailed designs are technically robust, compliant with client and regulatory standards, inherently safe, and deliverable within programme, cost and quality constraints. The post holder acts as the technical authority during the detailed design phase, leading multidisciplinary teams and ensuring effective integration between MEICA and civil/structural design elements.
Key Responsibilities
- Design Leadership & Delivery
- Lead the development of detailed design phase and fabrication level designs.
- Ensure all designs meet client specifications, regulatory requirements, and industry standards (e.g. Water Company asset standards, DWI, Environment Agency, legislation, etc).
- Oversee the production, review, and approval of detailed design deliverables including drawings, risk assessments, specifications, calculations, schedules, and design reports.
- Ensure effective integration and coordination between Mechanical, Electrical, ICA and Civil/Structural designs.
- Drive “right‑first‑time” design delivery, minimising rework, technical risk, and downstream construction issues.
- Support good business wide team communication, client relationships, and support Principal Design and Principal Contractor accountabilities shared in the team.
- Technical Governance
- Act as the technical authority for Civil, Structural and MEICA detailed design decisions.
- Ensure compliance with relevant standards, including but not limited to: Bridges own strategies and workflows (The Bridges Way), British Standards (BS), IEC and ISO standards, Client asset standards and specifications, Legislation.
- Review and approve design documentation, technical calculations, and design risk registers.
- Lead and manage design risk activities including HAZID, HAZOP, ALM reviews, constructability reviews, and value engineering workshops.
- Ensure lessons learned and best practice are captured and embedded into future designs.
- Team & Resource Management
- Lead and manage multidisciplinary engineering teams, including civil, mechanical, electrical and ICA engineers, designers and technicians.
- Plan and allocate design resources to meet programme milestones and project priorities.
- Understand workflows and implement methodologies to reduce 'bottlenecks' throughout the detailed design life cycle.
- Provide technical leadership, mentoring and coaching to design staff, supporting competence development and succession planning.
- Foster a collaborative, high‑performance and safety‑led design culture.
- Stakeholder & Client Engagement
- Act as a primary technical interface with clients, delivery teams, contractors, and supply chain partners during the detailed design phase.
- Lead and participate in design reviews, technical workshops, and client meetings.
- Provide technical support during procurement, construction and commissioning phases as required.
- Build and maintain strong, transparent working relationships aligned with framework and business values.
- Programme & Commercial Awareness
- Ensure detailed designs are delivered in line with agreed programmes and budgets.
- Support cost estimation activities, procurement strategies and tender evaluations through design input and technical clarification.
- Identify opportunities for efficiency, standardisation, innovation, and whole‑life cost savings within designs.
- Proactively manage design changes, ensuring impacts on cost, programme and risk are understood and controlled.
- Discipline‑Specific Oversight
- Mechanical
- Pumping systems, pipework, valves, and process/treatment equipment.
- Equipment sizing, layout development, and hydraulic design considerations.
- Optimisation of layouts for constructability, maintainability, and operability.
- Structural analysis, calculations, and buildability.
- Electrical
- LV and MV power distribution systems.
- Motor Control Centres (MCCs), standby generation, and power resilience.
- Earthing, lightning protection and hazardous area compliance.
- ICA (Instrumentation, Control & Automation)
- SCADA systems and telemetry integration.
- PLC and HMI design, control philosophies, and system architectures.
- Instrument selection, control strategies, data management, and cyber considerations.
- Mechanical
- Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with CDM Regulations and relevant health, safety, and environmental legislation.
- Embed Safety in Design (SiD) principles throughout all stages of detailed design.
- Lead design risk identification and mitigation, ensuring hazards are eliminated or reduced so far as reasonably practicable.
- Promote and demonstrate strong safety leadership behaviours across the design function.
- Success Measures
- Delivery of compliant, high‑quality and buildable detailed designs.
- Adherence to programme and budget targets.
- Effective performance, development and retention of design staff.
- Positive client feedback and successful project outcomes.
- Key Skills & Experience
- Proven experience delivering Civil/MEICA detailed design within the UK water or utilities sector.
- Strong understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes and infrastructure.
- Demonstrable experience managing and coordinating multidisciplinary design teams.
- Working knowledge of UK regulatory frameworks, CDM and water company standards.
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Qualifications
- Degree, or equivalent experience, in Mechanical, Electrical, Control Engineering or a related discipline.
- Chartered Engineer status (e.g. IMechE, IET) or actively working towards chartership.
- Relevant professional memberships.
- Desirable
- Experience working on UK water AMP programmes.
- Knowledge and application of BIM and digital engineering tools.
- Experience working under NEC forms of contract.
Benefits of Working for Bridges
- Competitive salaries
- Company car/car allowance
- Health cash plan with Healthshield
- Standard Life Pension Scheme - 5% company contribution
- Life Assurance Scheme
- Employee Discount Scheme
- Bike 2 Work scheme
- Training and development opportunities
- Employee referral scheme - £1,000 if you successfully introduce someone
- Employee recognition schemes
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
Bridges is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to ensuring equality and diversity within the workplace.
Head of Detailed Design employer: Bridges Electrical Engineers
Bridges is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive salaries, and comprehensive benefits including health plans and generous parental leave, we foster a culture of safety and excellence. Located at our head office and regional sites, our team of engineers enjoys the opportunity to lead multidisciplinary projects that make a real impact in the water and utilities sector.
Contact Details:
Bridges Electrical Engineers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Detailed Design
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet hiring managers or team leaders, bring along a portfolio of your work. Highlight projects that showcase your leadership in detailed design and your ability to manage multidisciplinary teams. Visuals can make a big impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their design processes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Tailor your answers to reflect their values and demonstrate your knowledge of industry standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview or networking event, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your appreciation and keeps you on their radar. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the company!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Detailed Design
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Detailed Design role. Highlight your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and managing detailed design activities, as this is what we’re really looking for!
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:Don’t forget to emphasise your knowledge of UK regulatory frameworks and standards relevant to civil and MEICA design. We want to see how your skills align with our technical governance requirements.
Demonstrate Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team of engineers and designers, share examples of how you’ve successfully managed teams in the past. We love to see strong leadership and communication skills in action!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bridges Electrical Engineers
✨Know Your Design Standards
Make sure you’re well-versed in the relevant standards and regulations, such as British Standards and client asset specifications. Brush up on your knowledge of the Water Company asset standards and any other legislation that might come into play during the detailed design phase.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Detailed Design, you'll need to lead multidisciplinary teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your ability to foster collaboration and drive high-performance outcomes.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked about specific technical challenges you've faced in previous roles. Be ready to discuss your experience with design risk activities, compliance checks, and how you’ve ensured safety in design. Use real-life examples to illustrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders. Think of instances where you’ve effectively communicated complex design concepts or navigated challenging discussions. This will show your potential employer that you can be the primary technical interface they need.
