Senior Design Manager (MEP) in Hemel Hempstead

WHO WE ARE:

VVB delivers sustainable mechanical, electrical and telecommunication engineering solutions with expertise and long-standing experience across Rail, Highways, Power, and Tunnels. Our approach to projects always takes into account the best interests of our clients, our people and our environment.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Competitive salaries and yearly appraisals
• Travel expenses to locations outside of your contracted location
• Perkbox giving you 24/7 access to perks, benefits, discounts and wellbeing tools
• 3 x Life Assurance covered under the VVB Group Life Assurance scheme, provided by Canada Life
• Private Medical Insurance scheme, provided by BUPA, inclusive of an online private GP
• Pension scheme (4% ER and 5% EE)
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (3-4 to be used for Christmas shut down)

ABOUT THE ANTHRO JV:

The Anthro joint venture between Egis and VVB Engineering will provide comprehensive turn-key services for London's state-of-the-art HS2 gateway station at Old Oak Common. We have been awarded a multi-year contract to deliver MEPHFC (Mechanical, Electrical Public Health, Fire and Communications) systems works.

WHAT WE ARE RECRUITING FOR:

As a Design Manager, you will be a senior member of the team and will be required to support the Associate Director, who leads the MEPHFC team. You will lead and manage Engineers and be responsible for the production and delivery of MEPHFC designs. We are looking for someone who's dedicated, diligent, and driven, and will take this challenge head on, being an important part of a dynamic team with big ambitions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and develop a high-performing team with clear vision and direction.
• Manage internal/external resources to meet contract and client expectations.
• Establish and oversee Technical Assurance processes per industry standards.
• Control project programmes, address supply chain delays, and implement mitigations.
• Ensure compliance with NR-L2-RSE-02009 through CEM and CRE governance.
• Maintain high design standards, fostering a first-time-right culture.
• Review designs to mitigate construction risks early.
• Oversee engineering team's design outputs per British Standards & Eurocodes (GRIP 1-5 / RIBA 2-5 / ES1-3).
• Ensure 3D design coordination aligns with BIM Standards.
• Manage CDM and CSM-REA requirements to minimize risks (ALARP).
• Track design progress and issue meeting minutes.
• Handle RFI, TQ, and project communications (EWN, GC).
• Coordinate engineering activities for cost-effective, timely, and quality solutions.
• Produce and distribute progress reports and dashboards.
• Ensure consistency and compliance of engineering deliverables with industry standards.
• Promote sustainable design, digital innovation, and knowledge sharing across projects.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to stakeholders.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

• Degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Council Professional Registration.
• 5-10 years' experience in Engineering/Design Management, with 2+ years in the rail industry.
• Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary rail project design and team leadership.
• Strong skills in design coordination, integration, and assurance processes.
• Ability to solve engineering problems, manage design interfaces, and ensure quality delivery.
• Experienced in reviewing DRN comments, WPP, Form C/G/A/B, and other design reviews.
• Commercially aware with a clear understanding of project scopes, requirements, and budget.
• Effective leadership, mentoring, and team development abilities.
• Communication, organisation, and collaboration with clients, stakeholders, and suppliers.
• In-depth understanding of MEPHFC systems (technical, design, installation, and maintenance).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a commitment to ongoing professional development and industry trends.

The contracted location for this role is Old Oak Common, supporting the HS2 Project. The position will require work across Central London and Acton (OOC site), with the specific location varying depending on project phases. During the design phase, expected to span the next 12–18 months, the majority of work will be based in Central London - Southwark area.

VVB values the benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to treating all prospective and current employees with dignity regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.