At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate design activities for exciting NGET substation projects and ensure high-quality outputs.
- Company: Join OCU, a forward-thinking company with a focus on multidisciplinary design.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Gain exposure to nationally significant projects and support for professional development.
- Why this job: Grow your career with a clear pathway to key engineering roles in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in design coordination or project management is essential; all experience levels welcome.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Design Project Manager
Application Deadline
Department
OCU Design
Employment Type
Permanent - Full Time
Location
Stockport
Reporting To
- Kristoffer Baker
- Description
OCU are looking for a proactive and well organised Design Project Manager to support and coordinate the delivery of multidisciplinary design work on National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) substation projects.
These projects require robust design governance, clear communication, and structured progression through client mandated assurance processes.
A core part of this role involves developing towards the responsibilities associated with a Lead Contractor Design Approval Engineer (LCDAE) and Principal Design Representative (PD-Rep).
Within National Grid’s Supplier Requirements framework, LCDAEs & PD-Reps play a key role in ensuring engineering designs meet strict technical and compliance standards for substation and transmission projects.
You do not need to be an LCDAE or PD-Rep today this role provides a supported pathway if you wish to grow into it. Existing LCDAE qualified applicants are equally welcome.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate all design activities for NGET substation projects, ensuring timely and high quality outputs.
- Support design governance processes as you develop towards LCDAE & PD-Rep level responsibility.
- Manage the flow of design information between engineering teams, contractors, and the client.
- Organise and facilitate design reviews, interdisciplinary workshops, and design risk assessments.
- Monitor design progress, identify blockers, and drive corrective actions.
- Ensure design deliverables align with project scope, NGET technical standards, safety requirements, and programme milestones.
- Assist with technical queries, document control, change processes, and configuration management.
- Build strong working relationships across engineering, construction, and client teams.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
We welcome applicants with diverse experience levels — from those new to National Grid design assurance processes to those already fully LCDAE qualified.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Experience in design coordination, design management, or project management in engineering, utilities, infrastructure, or construction.
- Understanding of multi‑disciplinary design workflows and design delivery environments.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and organisational skills.
- Ability to manage parallel workstreams and maintain structured documentation.
- Interest in working towards LCDAE & PD-Rep competency on NGET substation projects.
Desirable (but not required)
- Existing LCDAE & PD-Rep qualification or experience supporting LCDAE activities.
- Familiarity with National Grid Supplier Requirements or equivalent transmission/substation design processes.
- Project management certifications such as APM.
- Job Benefits
- A clear training and development pathway towards LCDAE & PD-Rep responsibilities.
- Exposure to nationally significant NGET substation and transmission projects.
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.
- Hybrid/flexible working options.
- Support for professional accreditations and continued development.
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Design Project Manager in Stafford employer: OCU Group
At OCU, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the utilities and energy sector, offering a dynamic work environment in Reading that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ongoing training and development opportunities, ensuring that our team members are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge in high voltage electrical systems. With a strong focus on safety and excellence, we provide a supportive culture where every individual can thrive and contribute to impactful projects that shape the future of infrastructure engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Project Manager in Stafford
✨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 Project 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 Project 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 Project Manager in Stafford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Design Project 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.
