At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design management for major infrastructure projects in the power and utilities sector.
- Company: Join a leading organisation known for its collaborative culture and technical expertise.
- Benefits: Competitive contract rate, flexible working, and a chance to influence high-profile projects.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid model with potential for contract extension.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative design projects while enjoying a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in design management within utilities and strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.
Flexible Working (3 Days Office-Based) 6-Month Contract (Minimum) Energy/Utilities
Your new company: You will be joining a leading organisation operating within the power and utilities sector, delivering major infrastructure upgrades across substations, overhead lines and underground cable networks. The business is known for its strong technical capability, collaborative culture and commitment to safe, high-quality delivery. With a growing portfolio of complex design-led projects, they are seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to oversee third-party design partners and ensure robust design governance throughout the project lifecycle.
Your new role: As Senior Design Manager, you will take ownership of the full design management process, acting as the key interface between the client, end-customers and external design teams. You will lead design reviews, manage technical queries, coordinate multidisciplinary inputs and ensure all design deliverables meet contractual, regulatory and programme requirements.
- Overseeing and managing third-party design consultants across substation, overhead line and underground cable scopes.
- Leading design review meetings, ensuring clarity of requirements and resolving design issues promptly.
- Managing the design process from concept through to construction-ready deliverables.
- Supporting contract administration activities, including reviewing design-related obligations and ensuring compliance.
- Ensuring designs are coordinated, buildable and aligned with project constraints and safety requirements.
- Providing commercial awareness across the design process, identifying risks, changes and opportunities.
- Working closely with project managers, engineers and commercial teams to maintain programme and quality standards.
Operating in a flexible hybrid model, with three days per week, based in the Warrington office.
Proven experience as a Senior Design Manager or Design Lead within utilities, power, substations, OHL or underground cable projects. Strong capability in managing external design teams and driving performance. A solid understanding of design governance, design assurance and contract administration. Experience chairing meetings, leading design reviews and managing technical documentation. Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple design packages concurrently.
What you'll get in return: You will receive a competitive contract rate, flexible working arrangements and the opportunity to play a key role in a high-profile utilities project. You’ll join a supportive and forward-thinking team where your expertise will directly influence project success. This contract is expected to run for at least six months, with strong potential for extension.
Locations
Senior Manager, Design (Design Director) in Cheshire, Warrington employer: Hays
Join a leading organisation in the power and utilities sector, where you will benefit from a collaborative culture and a commitment to high-quality delivery. With flexible working arrangements and a focus on employee growth, this role as Senior Design Manager offers you the chance to influence major infrastructure projects while working alongside a supportive team in Warrington. Enjoy competitive rates and the opportunity for contract extension as you lead design governance across complex projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager, Design (Design Director) in Cheshire, Warrington
✨Get Plugged into Local Energy Events
Dive into energy and utilities-specific events in your area, like community workshops or regional renewable energy fairs. These gatherings are perfect for meeting industry insiders and gaining insights that can boost your chances when you chat with Hays.
✨Summer Opportunities Await!
Temporary roles in the energy sector often peak during summer or peak project periods. Keep your eyes open for advertised roles on sites like indeed.co.uk, but also consider reaching out directly to companies like Hays to ask about upcoming opportunities.
✨Show Your Passion for Sustainability
Craft a brief personal statement about why renewable energy matters to you, and be ready to share it in any interviews or conversations. This can help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about the sector, a quality that can be golden for temporary roles.
✨Utilise Job Boards Specific to Energy
Check out job boards that focus on the energy sector, like Energy Jobline or RenewableEnergyJobs. These platforms are tailored to our industry, and you'll find temporary roles that may not be listed elsewhere, bringing you one step closer to landing that role at Hays.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager, Design (Design Director) in Cheshire, Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Energy Sector Know-How:When you're applying for a temporary role in the energy and utilities sector, it’s crucial to showcase any relevant experience or knowledge you have. Highlight specific projects or coursework that demonstrate your understanding of energy systems, sustainability, or utilities management. This way, we can see you’re not just a candidate – you’re someone who knows the territory!
Certifications Matter!:If you've got any certifications related to energy management or renewable energy techniques, be sure to mention them! These are not just nice-to-haves but can really set you apart from other candidates. We’d love to see that commitment to the field reflected in your application. If you’ve got any safety training relevant to utilities, make it known!
Flexibility is Key for Temporary Roles:In your application, emphasise your availability and willingness to adapt to different roles or shifts. Since this is a temporary position, showing that you can hit the ground running and adjust to the needs of the team will make you a more attractive candidate to Hays.
Tailor Your CV to Shine:Ditch the one-size-fits-all CV approach! Tailor your CV specifically for the temporary role at Hays by emphasising skills that align with the job requirements. Be concise, but don’t forget to sprinkle in specific examples related to energy and utilities to make your application stand out. Remember, a well-customised CV speaks volumes!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Show Your Passion for Sustainability
In the energy-utilities sector, it's key to highlight your commitment to sustainable practices and innovative solutions. Be ready to share examples of how you've engaged with energy efficiency projects or how you stay updated on industry trends. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but genuinely care about making an impact.
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
Temporary roles in energy-utilities often require specific technical knowledge related to energy systems, regulations, and emerging technologies. Make sure you’re familiar with tools like energy management software or simulations. You might get asked technical questions on how to optimise energy use or manage resources efficiently.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary position, the interviewer will likely want to know how quickly you can adapt to new environments and teams. Be prepared to discuss previous experiences where you had to learn on the job or take on new responsibilities swiftly. Highlighting your flexibility will show you're a great fit for short-term projects.
✨Demonstrate Your Teamwork Skills
In the energy-utilities sector, collaboration is essential. Come armed with examples that illustrate how well you work within a team — whether it’s during a challenging project or a routine operation. Temporary roles often involve stepping into existing teams, so showcasing your ability to integrate smoothly will set you apart.
