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- Tasks: Lead engineering design projects in the high-voltage sector and manage multidisciplinary teams.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company committed to energy transition and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative engineering projects while leading talented teams.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering and experience in T&D sector required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career advancement opportunities and a supportive work culture.
Location: Birmingham
Contract Type: 6-Month rolling contract
Working Pattern: Hybrid – 2/3 days in office a week
Rate: £600 per day
Role Overview: We are looking for an experienced Design Manager to lead the delivery of engineering design projects within the high-voltage Transmission & Distribution (T&D) sector. This role will oversee multidisciplinary teams, manage project lifecycles from concept to construction support, and ensure that all technical and regulatory requirements are met to the highest standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the design delivery for HV substations, overhead lines, and cable infrastructure projects (up to 400kV).
- Manage engineering teams and coordinate cross-discipline design activities across internal and external resources.
- Ensure project designs comply with client specifications, regulatory standards, and industry best practices.
- Oversee the full project lifecycle from FEED through to construction support and close-out.
- Act as Design Manager on Design & Build or EPC projects; potentially act as Project Manager for design-only schemes.
- Conduct design reviews, risk assessments, constructability reviews, and client meetings.
- Monitor project progress, budget, quality, safety, and scheduling targets.
- Develop project execution plans, manage resource planning, and maintain interdisciplinary coordination.
- Provide mentoring, technical support, and leadership to junior engineers and design staff.
- Support proposal development, tendering, and business development activities.
Requirements:
- Degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
- Proven experience managing engineering design in the T&D sector (132kV–400kV).
- Strong knowledge of National Grid standards and NEC contract frameworks.
- Understanding of CDM Regulations and UK HSE and environmental legislation.
- Proficiency with MS Project and Microsoft Office suite.
- Exceptional leadership, coordination, and stakeholder management skills.
- Demonstrable experience in delivering technically complex and multi-stakeholder projects on time and within budget.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Desirable:
- Chartered Engineer (or working toward it).
- Health & Safety qualification.
- Experience with project management methodologies.
- Familiarity with procedural control of Temporary Works and Impressed Voltage considerations.
If this position sounds of interest please send a copy of your CV to or apply directly.
About NRL: The NRL Group connect global companies with the right people to bring engineering projects to life. Supporting contracting companies with energy transition plans and working with our clients to create a cleaner, greener future. We welcome applications from every walk of life and are committed to diversity within the industries we support, as a certified Inclusive Recruiter and Armed Forces friendly employer.
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Design Manager in Birmingham employer: NRL
Contact Detail:
NRL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Birmingham
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Design Manager role.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience managing engineering design projects. Share specific examples of how you’ve led teams and delivered complex projects on time and within budget. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Research the company and understand their projects in the T&D sector. We recommend preparing answers for common questions and having a few questions ready to ask them too. It shows you’re genuinely interested and engaged.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly 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 the initiative to engage with us directly. Let’s get you that Design Manager position!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing engineering design projects, especially in the T&D sector. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Design Manager, you'll be leading teams and coordinating activities. Use your application to showcase your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure to get to the point while still covering all the important details about your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at NRL
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of high-voltage Transmission & Distribution systems. Familiarise yourself with the key standards like TP106, TP135, and TP153. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just a candidate, but a knowledgeable expert in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Design Manager, you'll be leading teams and coordinating activities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams or complex projects. Highlight your ability to mentor junior engineers and how you've navigated challenges in project delivery.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Get a solid grasp of the CDM Regulations and UK HSE legislation. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to safety and quality, which is crucial in this sector.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to design reviews, risk assessments, and project lifecycle management. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies. This will help you convey your expertise and problem-solving abilities effectively during the interview.
