At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive design performance improvements and lead innovative engineering projects.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing organisation focused on significant infrastructure projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Genuine opportunities for career progression and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in engineering while shaping the future of design innovation.
- Qualifications: 8-15+ years in power or infrastructure engineering with strong process improvement skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Department: Regulated Power
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Ruislip
Reporting To: Ed Yeates
Description: Ruislip, London | Permanent | Full-Time | Office based. Remuneration for this role is benchmarked competitively within our sector.
Opportunity: An opportunity to shape and improve design performance across a large-scale engineering portfolio, combining technical understanding with delivery transformation and digital innovation. This role focuses on driving measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, and consistency across complex infrastructure projects.
What You'll Do:
- Map and analyse end-to-end design workflows to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and rework drivers.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean / Six Sigma principles to reduce design cycle times and improve right-first-time delivery.
- Standardise design outputs, templates, and technical packs across substation, underground cable, and overhead line projects.
- Identify and implement automation opportunities, including scripting, rules-based design, and template-driven outputs.
- Drive adoption of digital tools including CAD, BIM, and Common Data Environments (CDEs) to improve consistency and data quality.
- Evaluate and introduce AI-enabled solutions to support design validation, documentation, and knowledge management.
- Engage and influence engineers, design managers, and stakeholders to embed process and behavioural change.
- Ensure all improvements are practical, deliverable within live project constraints, and aligned with DNO standards and compliance requirements.
What You'll Bring:
Essential:- 8–15+ years’ experience in power, utilities, or infrastructure engineering environments.
- Strong background in substation, overhead line, or underground cable design (or closely related disciplines).
- Proven experience delivering process improvement, transformation, or operational efficiency initiatives.
- Strong understanding of engineering design workflows and delivery constraints within regulated environments.
- Experience working within Tier 1 contractors, engineering consultancies, or utility organisations.
- Knowledge of CAD, BIM, and/or Common Data Environments (CDEs).
- Strong stakeholder management and ability to influence technical and non-technical teams.
- Experience operating within live project delivery environments with competing priorities.
- Ability to translate complex operational challenges into practical, implementable solutions.
- Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.
- Lean / Six Sigma certification or practical application of continuous improvement methodologies.
- Experience implementing automation or scripting within design workflows.
- Exposure to AI tools or digital innovation in engineering design environments.
- Experience working within DNO frameworks or regulated utilities environments.
- Experience leading cross-functional transformation or digital engineering programmes.
- Strong understanding of engineering governance, assurance, and compliance processes.
What We Offer: At OCU, we believe that meaningful work should come with meaningful support. That's the principle behind Careers with Purpose, our commitment to ensuring every person at OCU feels supported, developed, and valued, not just in their role today, but throughout their career with us. Alongside the opportunity to work on some of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects, we offer a benefits package that we are continuing to develop as we grow, and the kind of career acceleration that only comes from being inside a business moving at this pace. As a rapidly growing organisation, there are genuine opportunities to progress, broaden your experience, and build a long-term career within OCU Group.
Design Performance and Innovation Manager in Harefield employer: OCU Group
At OCU, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Ruislip. Our commitment to employee development is reflected in our 'Careers with Purpose' initiative, ensuring that every team member feels valued and supported while working on impactful infrastructure projects. With competitive remuneration and genuine opportunities for career progression, OCU is the ideal place for professionals looking to make a meaningful difference in the engineering sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Performance and Innovation Manager in Harefield
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Design Performance and Innovation Manager role you’re after at OCU Group.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at OCU Group a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at OCU Group.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Design Performance and Innovation Manager at OCU Group, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Performance and Innovation Manager in Harefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Design Performance and Innovation Manager, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at OCU Group a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to OCU Group specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at OCU Group
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with OCU Group, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like OCU Group want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
