Design Manager

This Design Manager will report to the Head of Engineering and will work within Capital Programme based in our Southern Power Networks area. You will be a permanent employee. You will attract a salary depending on experience, plus managerial car allowance and a bonus of 10%. This role can also offer blended working after probationary period (6 months) - 3 days in the office and 2 remote.

We also provide the following additional benefits:

• Reservist Leave – Additional 18 days full pay and 22 unpaid
• Personal Pension Plan – Personal contribution rates of 4% or 5% (UK Power Networks will make a corresponding contribution of 8% or 10%)
• Tenancy Loan Deposit Scheme
• Season Ticket Loan
• Tax efficient benefits: Cycle to Work, Home & Tech, and Green Car Leasing Schemes
• Occupational Health support
• Switched On – scheme providing discount on hundreds of retailers’ products
• Discounted gym membership
• Employee Assistance Programme

JOB PURPOSE

The Design Manager role manages the design development within each DNO for capital programme. Principal funding streams will be asset investment plans, major connections customer funding and load related reinforcement. You will work and lead diverse teams providing industry-leading solutions which provide cost efficient solutions utilising internal and external design resources. You will provide management and direction to the Design Leads, and their teams including Senior Design Engineers, Design Engineers, Technicians and Contractors. You will provide technical leadership to portfolio teams and help deliver programme and projects. You will ensure your teams produce high quality solutions that comply with relevant legislation, standards and operational requirements. You will work and act with autonomy and communicate strategically with Senior Management. You will manage and work within agreed financial budgets and timescales. The position holder will ensure safety management with the team in all areas of their position’s responsibility following UK Power Networks policy and procedures.

DIMENSIONS

Direct Reports: 3 – 5 Internal Team: 30 to 40

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Develop, implement, and oversee the delivery of designs across a range of projects and portfolios from initial feasibility, through development, construction and commissioning.
• Manage your design teams including performance management, employee engagement, team briefings, and career development.
• Decide how to achieve strategic goals set by the Senior Management Team.
• Manage team budgets reporting to the Head of Engineering and Senior Management on performance, and the delivery of Goals.
• Being accountable for ensuring design solutions are complete, meet technical requirements are constructible and operable within our operational safety rules.
• Provide managerial and technical leadership in developing solutions and leading on the technical interface with external design organisations.
• Assess cost/benefit trade-off of design solutions and supporting the technical decision-making processes.
• Identify areas for technological advancement whilst maintaining excellent engineering standards.
• Seek design optimisation through the development and of repeatable design solutions, adoptions of digital solutions and new technology.
• Identify and deploy the technical skills, resource levels and systems to achieve projects including the engagement of external resources.
• Develop new documents, procedures and programmes for design. Ensure compliance with CDM and UK Power Networks Health and Safety policies.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree level or equivalent in engineering or science, or equivalent qualifications and experience.
• Experience as a designer, leading design development.
• Experience in a design management position.
• Experience of power system studies, protection systems, cable, civil and overhead line design.
• Proficient in report writing.
• Inspired motivator with a record of managing a team.
• Experience managing several project portfolios.
• Knowledge of Construction Design and Management Regulations.
• Apply statutory Instruments (ESQC regulations, Health and Safety at Work Act – appropriate to the role).
• Knowledge of relevant Safety Rules.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite and Outlook.
• Hold a full driving licence.
• Chartered Membership of a professional body such as the IET.
• A qualification or relevant experience in project management.
• Experience in electrical infrastructure design, construction, operations and maintenance.
• Understanding of commercial and regulatory considerations for distribution networks.
• Safety management qualification such as IOSH / NEBOSH certificate or equivalent.

HEALTH & SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

• Ensure all Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental requirements are considered.
• Ensure safe working methods and systems are followed in design.
• Meet and fulfil all UKPN Health and Safety requirements.
• Mentor junior staff in all matters relating to Health & Safety aligned with their role.
• Ensure all relevant H&S Policy principles are briefed and implemented.
• Communicate H&S information within their organisation.
• Promote feedback on H&S matters.
• Create a safe working environment for all staff and contractors supporting the business.

HEALTH & SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

Managers and supervisors carry both legal and company responsibilities for ensuring the health and safety of their employees, those under their control and those who might be affected by the work undertaken, i.e. public, visitors and employees of other organisations. This includes briefing individuals working for them and ensuring there is the necessary understanding, competence and application of requirements to work safely and without harming the environment. Employees will ensure they understand the health and safety risks involved in their work activities and their responsibility to apply the controls needed to manage those risks to acceptable levels. Similarly where work activities can have an adverse impact upon the environment, and where there are legal requirements, employees will understand those impacts and the controls they must ensure are applied.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Where applicable, this role is subject to safer recruitment processes and robust pre‑employment checks.

If you have any queries in connection to this vacancy or your application, please contact us at careers@ukpowernetworks.co.uk quoting the vacancy reference number and a member of the team will get in touch with you as soon as possible.