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- Tasks: Lead complex engineering projects to help the UK achieve Net Zero targets.
- Company: Join Freedom Professional Services, part of the NG Bailey Group, a leader in engineering.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension contributions, private medical insurance, and flexible benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable energy solutions while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management, particularly in 11/33kV distribution networks.
- Other info: Dynamic work culture with a focus on inclusion, training, and career progression.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Freedom Professional Services are looking for a Design Manager to join our growing 11/33kV Design & Build team. You will lead the delivery of complex and challenging engineering projects that help the UK meet its Net Zero targets. Our projects cover the full energy system — from generation, transmission, distribution and storage right through to load‑end consumers in manufacturing, processing, data centres and recycling.
As Design Manager you will head the 11/33kV Primary Design team, providing leadership, mentorship and line management to a team of 3+ technical staff. You will also act as the technical authority and head a Sub‑Business Unit within Freedom Professional Services.
Key Deliverables- Act as the senior team lead: run client meetings, drive business development, serve as the technical authority, mentor and coach team members.
- Deliver high‑quality 11/33kV substation primary plant and cable design projects on time, on budget and to the required profitability targets.
- Produce Transmission & Distribution level designs fully compliant with DNO and National Grid standards.
- Complete detailed substation plant design including layouts, plant specifications, short‑circuit calculations, cable system design, TMF calculations and ancillary equipment selection & specification.
- Undertake earthing design and system X/R ratio analysis to correctly specify transformer NERs.
- Carry out site survey work and guide the team on all constructability issues (essential for Design & Build delivery).
- Take full design liability and manage all associated risks for the primary design.
- Identify additional business development opportunities during project delivery.
- Prepare, monitor and control project cost budgets.
- Independently deliver projects from senior‑management oversight, ensuring all primary design deliverables are met on time and within budget.
- Write clear, professional technical proposals and produce high‑quality Design Intent Documents (DID), Project Execution Plans (PEP) and contribute to BIM Execution Plans (BEP).
- Fully comply with company SHEQ requirements and act as CDM2015 Principal Designer (where required) for large 11/33kV substation projects — understanding the distinct roles of Principal Designer, designers, Principal Contractor and client.
- Proven budgetary and project management skills at this level.
- Demonstrable experience working in a design environment, ideally within 11/33kV or similar distribution networks and Design & Build projects.
- Solid commercial awareness of design & construction contract forms (especially NEC) and experience working under those contract conditions.
If you are ready to take the next step in your career with a forward‑thinking, growing Design & Build business, we would love to hear from you.
Why Join Us?- Pension with up to 8% employer contribution.
- Car Allowance.
- Private Medical Insurance.
- Personal Wellbeing and Volunteer Days.
- Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme (Hybrid/Electric Vehicle).
- Flexible benefits (e.g., Dental Insurance, Gym Memberships, Tax‑Free Bikes).
- Ongoing Training & Development Programme.
As a business, we’re on a journey to build on our culture where everyone is included, treated fairly and with respect. This starts with recruitment and how we bring people into the organisation. We’ll do our best to outline the recruitment process to you ahead of time with plenty of notice. If you require any accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure your needs are met.
About Us: Freedom are part of the NG Bailey Group, one of the leading independent engineering and services businesses in the UK. Founded in 1921, with a turnover of £500m and 3000 employees, we are proud of our history of developing great people through our investment in training. Working across a variety of sectors within the building and infrastructure industry, our innovative, responsible and forward‑thinking approach allows us to work on fantastic ground‑breaking projects, providing solutions using the latest tools and technologies. Progression is something we value and we will make sure that when you join us you have a clearly defined development path, supported by regular reviews, training and ongoing support to enable you to be the best you can be.
Design Manager – 11/33kV Design & Build Team in Leeds employer: Freedom
Contact Detail:
Freedom Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager – 11/33kV Design & Build Team in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for their work and how you can contribute to their mission of meeting Net Zero targets.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the role of Design Manager. Highlight your leadership skills and project management experience to make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager – 11/33kV Design & Build Team in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in 11/33kV design and project management. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Design Manager, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership and mentoring abilities. Share examples of how you've guided teams in the past and the impact it had on project success.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your documents well. We appreciate a professional tone, but don’t forget to let your personality shine through.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates about your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Freedom
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of 11/33kV systems and design principles. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, including the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Show Leadership Skills
As a Design Manager, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've mentored or coached team members in the past. Highlight any successful client meetings you've led and how you drove business development.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with budget management and project delivery timelines. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed project costs and ensured profitability in previous roles. This will show that you understand the commercial aspects of the job, which is key for this position.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Since compliance with DNO and National Grid standards is essential, be ready to talk about your experience with these regulations. Think of specific instances where you ensured compliance in your designs and how you handled any associated risks.