At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design development for high-voltage substation projects and ensure compliance with UK standards.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company that values collaboration and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, car allowance, 25 days holiday, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in electrical substations and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Pre-Construction Design Manager – Electrical
United Kingdom (Hybrid/Site-Based as Required)
Competitive Salary, Car Allowance and Benefits
Role Overview:
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:
We are always evolving our benefits to ensure we're attracting and retaining great people. Some of what you can expect includes:
- 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.
FG - Pre Construction Manager - Operations Mgt employer: NG Bailey
At Freedom, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the field of electrical substation design. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our personal development programmes and comprehensive benefits, including competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and robust health and wellbeing support. Located in the UK, we provide a unique opportunity to work on impactful projects while ensuring a strong focus on safety and compliance, making us an ideal choice for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land FG - Pre Construction Manager - Operations Mgt
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and join relevant online groups. 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 role thoroughly. Understand their projects, values, and challenges. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. This will help you get comfortable with common questions and refine your responses, making you more confident when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and appreciation for the opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace FG - Pre Construction Manager - Operations Mgt
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Pre-Construction Design Manager role. Highlight your experience with electrical substations and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past experiences that relate to design management and contractor onboarding.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your technical skills, especially those related to RAMS and compliance with UK standards. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge of health and safety regulations!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at NG Bailey
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of electrical substations and UK grid standards. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving high-voltage systems. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Pre-Construction Design Manager, you'll be leading multidisciplinary teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in coordinating design efforts and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Highlight your ability to resolve conflicts and keep everyone aligned.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about RAMS and CDM Regulations. Be ready to explain how you’ve prepared and authorised Risk Assessments and Method Statements in previous roles. It’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of health and safety legislation and how it impacts project delivery.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Communication is key in this role. Think of instances where you’ve effectively interfaced with clients, consultants, or contractors to resolve technical queries. Show that you can build relationships and ensure everyone is on the same page, which is vital for successful project execution.
