At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design improvements and drive innovation in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Join a leading power and utilities company focused on transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for continuous improvement and growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of design innovation and efficiency in the power sector.
- Qualifications: 8-15+ years in design, with a focus on power or utilities.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
The Design Performance and Innovation Manager will play a senior role within the Design function, working alongside the Design Manager to enhance the efficiency, quality, and consistency of design delivery across a portfolio of substation, underground circuit, and overhead line projects delivered under a DNO framework (circa 100 live projects). Unlike traditional design roles, this position blends credible engineering understanding with the ability to drive meaningful change within a regulated, delivery-pressured environment. The successful candidate will act as a bridge between design teams, delivery, digital systems, and strategic improvement initiatives - ensuring transformation sticks, adds value, and accelerates programme performance.
This role is responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing improvements to design processes, systems, and tools, including the adoption of digital technologies, automation, and AI where appropriate. The objective is to reduce design programme durations, improve right-first-time quality, and standardise outputs while maintaining compliance with regulatory and client requirements. The role requires a balance of technical design credibility, continuous improvement expertise, and strong stakeholder engagement to successfully embed change within a live delivery environment.
About the job
- Design Performance & Continuous Improvement
- Map end-to-end design workflows to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and key drivers of rework
- Apply Lean / Six Sigma principles to improve design cycle times, reduce variation, and enhance right-first-time performance
- Drive standardisation of design packs, templates, and technical outputs across multiple projects
- Lead targeted improvement initiatives and pilot schemes, evaluating outcomes and scaling successful approaches across the design function
- Digital Design Systems & Innovation
- Improve and optimise digital design workflows, including CAD/BIM environments, Common Data Environments (CDEs), and structured data libraries
- Identify, prioritise, and implement automation opportunities (e.g. scripted drawings, rules-based design, template-driven outputs)
- Assess and deploy practical AI and digital solutions (such as document generation, design validation, and knowledge retrieval tools), ensuring value-driven adoption
- Collaborate with IT and digital teams to implement systems that improve efficiency, consistency, and data management across design activities
- Stakeholder Engagement & Influence
- Build credibility with engineers and designers through a strong understanding of sector constraints, including DNO standards, safety culture, and governance requirements
- Influence and engage senior engineers, design managers, project teams, and client stakeholders to drive adoption of improved processes
- Communicate and implement change in a pragmatic and collaborative manner, piloting solutions effectively and scaling with confidence
- Technical & Delivery Awareness
- Maintain a strong understanding of substation, underground circuit, and overhead line design processes, standards, and interfaces
- Ensure all improvement initiatives are aligned with live delivery environments, including programme pressures, approval processes, constructability, and safety requirements
- Prioritise improvements that deliver tangible benefits, including reduced rework, faster approvals, improved quality, and enhanced design assurance
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Significant experience (typically 8–15+ years) in power, utilities, or infrastructure design environments
- Demonstrable background in the design of substations, cable systems, or overhead lines, or closely related disciplines
- Experience working within Tier 1 contractors, engineering consultancies, or utility organisations
- Proven track record of delivering process improvements or transformation initiatives within a design or engineering function
- Experience implementing standardisation, digital tools, or familiarity with working in regulated environments and/or within DNO frameworks
- Experience operating within live project environments with competing delivery pressures
- Strong understanding of engineering design processes and delivery constraints within the power sector
- Excellent process analysis and continuous improvement capability (Lean / Six Sigma principles desirable)
- Ability to translate operational challenges into practical, implementable solutions
- Good knowledge of design systems and tools (e.g. CAD, BIM, Common Data Environments)
- Awareness of emerging technologies, including automation and AI, and their practical application in design
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills across technical and non-technical teams
- Ability to build credibility quickly with engineering teams and gain buy-in for change initiatives
- Analytical mindset with the ability to use data to drive decision-making and measure success
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate ideas and drive engagement
- Resilient and pragmatic approach, with the ability to operate effectively in a complex, regulated environment
Design Performance and Innovation Manager in London employer: OCU Group
As a Design Performance and Innovation Manager at our Ruislip location, you will join a forward-thinking team dedicated to enhancing design efficiency and quality across a diverse portfolio of projects. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that encourages continuous improvement and innovation, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a focus on adopting cutting-edge digital technologies and a commitment to employee well-being, we provide a rewarding environment where your contributions can make a significant impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Performance and Innovation Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want you to be able to discuss how your skills in design performance and innovation can directly benefit their ongoing projects. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! We recommend rehearsing how you’ll present your experience and ideas around improving design processes. Make sure you can clearly articulate how you can drive meaningful change in a regulated environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Performance and Innovation Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in design processes and continuous improvement. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Design Performance and Innovation Manager, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive change and improve efficiency. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact – numbers speak volumes!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at OCU Group
✨Know Your Design Processes
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of substation, underground circuit, and overhead line design processes. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the technical aspects of the role and can engage with engineers effectively.
✨Showcase Your Improvement Mindset
Prepare examples of how you've successfully implemented process improvements in previous roles. Use Lean or Six Sigma principles to illustrate your approach to enhancing efficiency and quality in design delivery.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you can build credibility with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss strategies for influencing senior engineers and project teams to adopt new processes, demonstrating your strong stakeholder management skills.
✨Embrace Digital Solutions
Familiarise yourself with digital design tools and automation opportunities relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've used technology to optimise workflows and improve design outputs in past projects.
