At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of high-voltage substations and ensure compliance with UK standards.
- Company: Join Freedom, part of the NG Bailey Group, a leader in engineering and services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, car allowance, 25 days holiday, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with clear development paths and ongoing training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in electrical substation design and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
The Pre-Construction Design Manager – Electrical Substations is responsible for leading the design development and coordination of high-voltage substation projects during the pre-construction phase. This role ensures designs are safe, compliant, cost-effective, and deliverable, while supporting successful project mobilisation and execution. The position also plays a key role in contractor onboarding and management, site supervision readiness, and the preparation and authorisation of Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS).
Key Responsibilities
- Design Management (Pre-Construction)
- Lead the development and coordination of substation designs (typically 11kV–400kV), ensuring compliance with UK standards, DNO/IDNO requirements, and client specifications.
- Manage multidisciplinary design teams including civil, electrical, and protection & control engineers.
- Review/Programme design deliverables such as single line diagrams, layout drawings, cable routing, earthing designs, and equipment specifications.
- Ensure constructability, safety by design, and value engineering principles are embedded throughout the design process.
- Interface with clients, consultants, and stakeholders to resolve technical queries and secure approvals.
- Contractor Onboarding & Management
- Lead the prequalification, onboarding, and induction of subcontractors and design partners.
- Ensure all contractors meet competency, safety, and compliance requirements (including SSSTS/SMSTS, CSCS, and relevant electrical authorisations).
- Establish clear scopes of work, deliverables, and performance expectations.
- Monitor contractor performance against programme, quality, and safety metrics.
- Facilitate coordination meetings and ensure alignment across all delivery partners.
- Site Supervision & Pre-Construction Readiness
- Support site mobilisation by ensuring designs are fully coordinated and construction ready.
- Provide oversight during early site activities, including surveys, enabling works, and setting-out.
- Conduct site visits to verify design implementation and resolve technical issues.
- Collaborate with site managers and supervisors to ensure safe systems of work are implemented.
- Ensure that all pre-construction information is communicated effectively to site teams.
- RAMS (Risk Assessments & Method Statements)
- Lead the preparation, review, and authorisation of RAMS for all pre-construction and early construction activities.
- Ensure RAMS are compliant with UK health and safety legislation, including CDM Regulations.
- Work closely with contractors and site teams to develop practical and safe methodologies.
- Verify that all high-risk activities are properly assessed and controlled.
- Maintain auditable records of RAMS approvals and revisions.
- Health, Safety, and Compliance
- Promote a strong safety culture and ensure all designs adhere to “Safety by Design” principles.
- Ensure compliance with CDM Regulations, acting in support of the Principal Designer where required.
- Identify and mitigate design and construction risks early in the project lifecycle.
- Programme & Commercial Support
- Support project planning, sequencing, and programme development.
- Provide technical input into cost estimates, procurement strategies, and tender evaluations.
- Identify design risks and opportunities impacting cost and schedule.
- Carry out forecasting and remain focused on budget control throughout the life of the project.
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in design and delivery of electrical substations within the UK (preferably up to 132kV).
- Strong understanding of UK grid standards (e.g., National Grid, DNO requirements).
- Experience managing multidisciplinary design teams and subcontractors.
- Demonstrable experience in preparing and authorising RAMS.
- Knowledge of CDM Regulations and construction health & safety requirements.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Ability to balance technical, commercial, and programme priorities.
Qualifications
- Project Management APM PMQ or Prince2.
- Chartered Project Manager status (or working towards) preferred.
- Relevant health & safety certifications (e.g., NEBOSH, IOSH).
- Site based Qualifications SSSTS/SMSTS, Temporary Works Coordinator, NRSWA.
Key Competencies
- Leadership and coordination.
- Risk management and decision-making.
- Attention to detail and safety focus.
- Commercial awareness.
- Problem-solving and adaptability.
Additional Requirements
- Willingness to travel to project sites across the UK.
- Full UK driving licence.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Car or Car allowance.
- 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays.
- Pension with a leading provider and employer contribution.
- Sick Pay.
- Personal Wellbeing and Volunteer Days.
- Private Medical Insurance.
- Free 24/7 365 Employee Assistance Program to support mental health and well-being (including counselling sessions and legal advice).
- Flexible benefits to suit from Dental Insurance, Gym Memberships, Give As You Earn, Travel Insurance, Tax Free Bikes.
- Personal development programme.
Next Steps
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.
Electrical Substation Pre-Construction Design Lead employer: NG Bailey
At Freedom, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our comprehensive personal development programmes and the opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects across the UK. With competitive salaries, flexible benefits, and a strong focus on wellbeing, we ensure that our team members are supported both professionally and personally in a rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Electrical Substation Pre-Construction Design Lead
✨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 electrical substations and how your skills align with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience with RAMS and design management clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Electrical Substation Pre-Construction Design Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with electrical substations and design 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 Teamwork Skills:Since this role involves managing multidisciplinary teams, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you’ve led or contributed to team efforts in past projects, especially in high-pressure situations.
Highlight Compliance Knowledge:Given the importance of health and safety regulations in this role, make sure to mention your familiarity with CDM Regulations and RAMS preparation. We’re looking for candidates who can ensure compliance and promote a strong safety culture.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you receive updates directly from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at NG Bailey
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of electrical substations, especially the design and compliance aspects. Familiarise yourself with UK grid standards and DNO requirements, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing multidisciplinary teams, be prepared to discuss your experience in leading design teams and contractors. Share specific examples of how you've successfully coordinated projects and resolved conflicts.
✨Prepare for RAMS Discussions
Given the importance of Risk Assessments and Method Statements in this role, be ready to talk about your experience in preparing and authorising RAMS. Highlight any challenges you've faced and how you ensured compliance with health and safety regulations.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's approach to safety culture, project management, and team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
