2027 Graduate - Assistant Design Manager - High Voltage (Power)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: 2027 Graduate - Assistant Design Manager - High Voltage (Power)

Company: BakerHicks

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering Operations / Project Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-21

Experience Level: 0-2 years (Graduate)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This is an entry-level graduate role focused on supporting the design management function within the High Voltage (Power) sector.

• The position emphasizes learning and development through a structured graduate program, combining technical training with professional skills enhancement.

• Key aspects involve understanding the design lifecycle, information management, and project delivery processes in a complex engineering environment.

• The role requires a strong foundation in engineering principles and a commitment to developing expertise in design management and project coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Graduate" title and the explicit mention of a "two-year Graduate scheme," this role is clearly designed for individuals with minimal to no prior professional experience, targeting recent graduates. The focus on "High Voltage (Power)" indicates a specialization within the broader engineering and construction sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the development and understanding of the design lifecycle and critical information management standards within the High Voltage (Power) sector.

• Assist with essential document control processes, including managing drawing reviews, processing RFI's (Requests for Information), and maintaining design issue logs under team guidance.

• Collaborate with Senior Design Managers to proactively advance design processes, ensuring alignment with client requirements and project objectives.

• Demonstrate a high level of reliability and meticulous attention to detail in the checking, coordination, and review of project deliverables.

• Contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the design management function by adhering to established workflows and best practices.

• Participate actively in team meetings, contributing insights and seeking guidance to enhance project outcomes.

• Gain practical experience in project delivery methodologies relevant to the power engineering and construction industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are typical for an entry-level position supporting a design management team. The emphasis on "support," "assist," and "working with" indicates a learning and development focus rather than independent ownership of complex tasks. The mention of "RFI's" and "document control" are core operational tasks within design and project management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a 2:1 degree classification in a relevant engineering discipline is required. This includes, but is not limited to, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Architectural Engineering.

Experience: While formal professional experience is not expected, candidates should demonstrate a strong academic background and any relevant project work or internships that showcase their aptitude for engineering and design management. Practical experience gained through university projects, extracurricular activities, or previous internships will be highly regarded.

Required Skills:

• Foundational knowledge of engineering principles relevant to Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, or Architectural disciplines.

• Demonstrated understanding of the importance of design lifecycle and information management standards.

• Proficiency in document control and RFI (Request for Information) management processes.

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy in all tasks.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration within a team environment.

• Reliability and a proactive, can-do attitude towards problem-solving and task completion.

• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new processes and technologies.

• Eligibility to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for client projects. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with project delivery methodologies in the construction or engineering sectors.

• Exposure to design software or project management tools.

• An interest in the High Voltage (Power) sector and its specific engineering challenges.

• Understanding of construction management principles.

• Evidence of leadership potential through academic or extracurricular pursuits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements are typical for a graduate role, focusing on academic achievement and core soft skills. The explicit mention of "security clearance" is a critical requirement for roles in sensitive sectors like high voltage power infrastructure. The "0-2 years" experience level aligns perfectly with a graduate program.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Candidates are encouraged to showcase academic projects that demonstrate an understanding of the engineering design process and information management.

• Examples of coursework involving technical documentation, report writing, or design coordination are highly valuable.

• Any projects that involved RFI-like communication or problem-solving within a design context would be beneficial.

• While a formal portfolio is not explicitly required, candidates should be prepared to discuss relevant academic projects and their contributions. Process Documentation:

• The role involves supporting established design management processes, including document control, RFI workflows, and design issue tracking.

• Candidates will learn and contribute to the implementation of information management standards and the overall design lifecycle management.

• Emphasis will be placed on understanding and adhering to project-specific delivery processes and compliance requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graduate role, a formal "portfolio" is less likely to be a strict requirement compared to experienced hires. However, the expectation is that candidates can articulate their understanding of relevant processes through their academic work and be prepared to learn and contribute to BakerHicks' established workflows. The focus is on demonstrating foundational knowledge and potential.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While a specific salary range is not provided, for a graduate Assistant Design Manager role in London with a 2:1 engineering degree, typical starting salaries in the UK engineering and construction consultancy sector range from £28,000 to £35,000 per annum. This can vary based on the specific firm, the complexity of the projects, and the graduate program's structure.

Benefits:

• Mentorship and Support Towards Chartership: Structured guidance and mentorship to achieve professional chartered status, including access to experienced professionals, portfolio building, and assessment preparation.

• Exposure to High-Profile Projects: Opportunity to work on innovative, technically challenging, and high-impact projects across multiple sectors.

• Professional Development: Dedicated focus on enhancing technical expertise and essential soft skills, ensuring a well-rounded professional development path.

• Company Car or Cash Allowance: A tangible benefit for mobility and convenience.

• Up to 6% Matched Contributory Pension Plan: Financial planning support with employer matching.

• Life Assurance Scheme: Provides financial security for employees and their families.

• 25 Days Annual Leave: Generous paid time off, with the ability to purchase additional days.

• Discount Scheme: Access to various discounts, including gym memberships and mobile phone plans.

• Flexible/Hybrid Working: Offers a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

• Family Friendly Policies: Support for employees with family responsibilities.

• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential support services for personal and professional well-being.

Working Hours: The role is described as full-time, with an AI-derived standard of 40 hours per week. The "Flexible/hybrid working" benefit suggests some degree of flexibility within this structure, allowing for a blend of office-based and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for graduate engineering roles in London. The benefits package is extensive and detailed in the job description, highlighting a strong commitment to employee well-being and professional growth, which is a significant draw for graduate candidates. The mention of "chartership" is a key differentiator for career development in engineering.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: BakerHicks operates within the Engineering, Construction, and Energy sectors, providing design, engineering, and project delivery solutions. They serve a variety of clients, including those in high-security sectors, indicating a need for precision, reliability, and robust processes. The company emphasizes innovation, technical curiosity, and delivering solutions that are efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable.

Company Size: BakerHicks is part of the Morgan Sindall Group and operates from 14 locations, suggesting a medium to large-sized organization with a significant European reach. This size offers the stability and resources of a larger entity while potentially maintaining a collaborative and accessible internal culture. For operations professionals, this size often means structured processes, opportunities for specialization, and a clear career path.

Founded: The company was founded in 1957, indicating a long history of experience and established practices within the industry. This longevity suggests stability, a deep understanding of engineering challenges, and a proven track record of client delivery.

Team Structure:

• The Graduate Programme is specifically designed for the High Voltage (Power) department, implying a specialized team with focused expertise.

• Graduates will work closely with Senior Design Managers and other experienced professionals, indicating a hierarchical but supportive team structure.

• Collaboration is key, with graduates expected to contribute to a "friendly, supportive, and ambitious team culture" and engage in cross-functional work on diverse projects. Methodology:

• BakerHicks emphasizes delivering "creative design, engineering and project delivery solutions."

• Their approach focuses on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability in their solutions.

• The graduate program specifically combines "technical expertise with professional development" and "personalized on-the-job training."

• Data-driven decision-making and process optimization are likely core to their project delivery, though not explicitly detailed for this entry-level role.

Company Website: https://bakerhicks.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's history and affiliation with Morgan Sindall Group provide context for its stability and operational scale. The emphasis on a supportive, collaborative culture is important for graduate development, suggesting a learning-oriented environment. The mention of "high-security sectors" implies stringent operational standards and compliance requirements.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at the very beginning of a career path in Design Management and Project Delivery within the engineering and construction sector. It's an "Assistant" level, specifically for graduates, designed to build foundational skills and knowledge. The primary goal is to transition into a Design Manager role through structured learning and practical experience.

Reporting Structure: Graduates will report to Senior Design Managers and work within the High Voltage (Power) department team. This indicates a clear reporting line and a mentorship-driven approach, where learning is guided by experienced professionals.

Operations Impact: While this entry-level role has indirect operational impact, its success contributes to the overall efficiency and timely delivery of high-voltage power projects. By ensuring smooth design processes, proper documentation, and effective RFI management, the graduate helps prevent delays and cost overruns, directly supporting the firm's project delivery capabilities and client satisfaction. The long-term impact is developing future leaders who will manage significant engineering operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Chartership: The program explicitly offers mentorship and support towards achieving professional chartered status (e.g., CEng, IEng, MIStructE, MICE), a significant career milestone in engineering.

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to develop deep expertise in High Voltage (Power) design management, a specialized and in-demand field.

• Project Exposure: Gaining experience across a variety of technically challenging and high-profile projects, which broadens skill sets and project management capabilities.

• Career Progression: A clear pathway from Graduate Assistant Design Manager to Design Manager and potentially into senior project management roles within BakerHicks.

• Professional Development: Access to continuous learning, training, and development programs to enhance both technical and soft skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on chartership and the structured graduate program are key indicators of significant growth potential. This role is not just a job but a clearly defined career launchpad, offering substantial development opportunities beyond basic task execution. The impact is framed in terms of foundational support for critical projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: BakerHicks operates from 14 locations, suggesting a network of professional office environments. The description of offices as "appealing, friendly and comfortable spaces, easily accessible by car or public transport" points towards a modern, functional, and employee-centric workspace. The "Hybrid working" arrangement indicates that while the office is a primary base, remote work is integrated.

Office Location(s): The role is based in London. This implies access to a major metropolitan hub with excellent public transport links, making it accessible for commuting. Specific office location details would typically be provided during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The culture is described as "friendly, supportive, and ambitious," fostering collaboration. Graduates will work alongside talented professionals and be encouraged to share ideas.

• Tools and Technology: While specific tools aren't listed for this role, engineering consultancies of this nature typically utilize industry-standard design software (CAD, BIM), project management platforms, and document management systems. Graduates will be trained on these.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model suggests a balance of in-person team interactions for collaboration and strategy, alongside remote work for focused individual tasks.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (likely 40 hours/week) is expected, with the benefit of flexible and hybrid working arrangements, allowing for a degree of autonomy in managing work hours and location.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a significant aspect of the work environment, indicating a modern approach to work-life balance. The accessibility of London offices and the described office atmosphere suggest a conducive environment for learning and professional development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves an application review, followed by a short screening call to assess basic qualifications, motivation, and eligibility.

• Assessment/Case Study: A common step for graduate roles, this might involve a technical task, a problem-solving exercise related to design management, or a presentation on an academic project. This assesses practical application of knowledge and analytical skills.

• Interviews: Multiple interview rounds are probable, including interviews with the hiring manager, potential team members, and possibly senior leadership. These will focus on technical aptitude, cultural fit, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of the company's values.

• Final Round: May involve a more in-depth discussion about career aspirations, alignment with the graduate program, and final confirmation of security clearance eligibility.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Academic Project Focus: Since this is a graduate role, highlight significant university projects. Detail your role, the challenges faced, the processes you followed (e.g., design iteration, documentation, coordination), and the outcomes.

• Showcase Process Understanding: Even if projects were small-scale, emphasize any elements of design lifecycle, information management, or RFI-like communication you encountered. Explain why these steps were important.

• Demonstrate Key Skills: Use project examples to illustrate your attention to detail, problem-solving approach, communication skills, and ability to work collaboratively.

• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to articulate your contributions clearly and concisely, explaining your thought process and decision-making.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Role: Research Design Management in the High Voltage (Power) sector. What are the typical challenges? What technologies are used? What are the key deliverables?

• Problem-Solving: Prepare to tackle hypothetical scenarios related to design conflicts, scope changes, or information bottlenecks. Focus on a structured approach: identify the problem, propose solutions, consider implications, and justify your choice.

• Communication: Practice articulating technical concepts clearly and concisely, as you'll need to explain your ideas effectively to interviewers.

• Company Research: Understand BakerHicks' values, projects, and commitment to sustainability and innovation. Be ready to explain why you want to work for them and how you align with their culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for graduate roles often includes assessments designed to gauge potential rather than solely relying on past experience. Emphasizing academic projects and demonstrating a structured approach to problem-solving and communication will be key. The security clearance requirement will likely be a significant part of the final stages.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Engineering Software: While not specified, expect exposure to industry-standard tools such as AutoCAD, Revit (for BIM), and potentially specialized High Voltage (Power) design software.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com, or proprietary systems might be used for scheduling, task management, and progress tracking.

• Document Management Systems (DMS): Systems like SharePoint, Aconex, or Bentley's ProjectWise are common for managing project documentation, revisions, and approvals.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis: Basic proficiency in tools like Microsoft Excel will be essential for data manipulation, analysis, and reporting on project progress, RFI logs, and deliverable status.

• Reporting Tools: Graduates will learn to contribute to reports generated using standard office software or integrated project management platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: Less relevant for this specific design management role, but may be used at a broader company level.

• Automation: While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how workflow automation can improve efficiency in document control or RFI processing might be a learning point.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graduate role, the focus is less on advanced proficiency and more on the willingness and ability to learn the company's specific technology stack. Graduates are expected to be adaptable and quick learners of new software and systems. Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, is a baseline expectation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Curiosity & Innovation: BakerHicks encourages a proactive approach to learning and problem-solving, valuing individuals who are eager to explore new ideas and solutions in engineering.

• Client Focus: The company emphasizes delivering solutions "together with our clients," highlighting a strong commitment to client relationships and meeting their needs effectively.

• Sustainability and Impact: A core value is "Shaping a healthier, sustainable and safer world," indicating that environmental and societal impact are considered in project delivery.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: The culture is described as "friendly, supportive, and ambitious," promoting a collaborative environment where individuals work together towards shared goals.

• Reliability and Attention to Detail: Essential for high-stakes engineering projects, this value ensures precision and accuracy in design and project execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Graduates will work across various project teams and with experienced professionals, fostering an environment of shared learning and collective problem-solving.

• Process Improvement Culture: While not explicitly stated for graduates, the company's focus on efficiency and innovation suggests an openness to improving workflows and methodologies.

• Knowledge Sharing: The mentorship structure and supportive team environment encourage the exchange of knowledge and best practices among team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values align with a progressive engineering consultancy that prioritizes both technical excellence and ethical considerations (sustainability, safety). The emphasis on collaboration and client focus is crucial for understanding how operations professionals are expected to interact and deliver value.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Learning Curve: Adapting to the fast-paced environment of high-voltage power projects and mastering complex design management processes and software.

• RFI and Document Management: Ensuring accuracy and timeliness in handling a high volume of requests and documentation, which can be demanding.

• Stakeholder Coordination: Effectively communicating and coordinating with senior managers, clients, and potentially other project stakeholders to drive design forward.

• Security Clearance: Successfully obtaining and maintaining the required security clearance, which is a prerequisite for working on many projects in this sector.

• Balancing Technical and Soft Skills: Developing proficiency in both technical engineering aspects and essential project management/communication skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Chartership Program: Direct pathway and support for professional accreditation.

• On-the-Job Training: Personalized plans for practical skill development within the High Voltage department.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced professionals to navigate career challenges and develop expertise.

• Project Diversity: Exposure to a wide range of projects, offering varied learning experiences and skill application.

• Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Access to training, workshops, and potentially industry events to stay current with best practices and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as growth opportunities, typical for graduate roles. The focus is on skill acquisition and professional development, with clear pathways provided by the company. The security clearance is a critical, non-negotiable challenge.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Describe your understanding of the design lifecycle for a major engineering project. How would you ensure information is managed effectively at each stage?" (Focus on academic projects, emphasize documentation and coordination).

• Problem Solving: "Imagine you receive an RFI that requires information from multiple departments, but one department is slow to respond. How would you handle this situation to avoid delaying the design process?" (Demonstrate proactivity, communication, and escalation awareness).

• Collaboration: "Tell me about a time you worked on a team project where there were disagreements. How did you contribute to reaching a consensus and achieving the project goal?" (Highlight communication, compromise, and focus on shared objectives).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in BakerHicks and our graduate program specifically?" (Research company values, projects, and connect them to your aspirations).

• "How do you see yourself contributing to a 'friendly, supportive, and ambitious' team culture?" (Emphasize teamwork, willingness to learn, and positive attitude).

• "What does 'sustainability' mean to you in the context of engineering design?" (Connect to company mission and show awareness of environmental/social impact). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your discussion around 1-2 key academic projects. For each, clearly state the objective, your role, the methods/processes used, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and the final outcome/learning.

• Quantify: Where possible, use data or metrics to describe your contributions or project success (e.g., "completed X reports," "contributed to Y design iterations").

• Highlight Operations Skills: Specifically point out instances where you demonstrated attention to detail, document management, communication, or problem-solving relevant to design management.

• Connect to the Role: Explicitly link your experiences and skills to the responsibilities and requirements of the Assistant Design Manager role at BakerHicks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating potential, a structured approach to problem-solving, and alignment with the company's culture and values, rather than deep industry experience. Preparing to discuss academic projects in detail is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the BakerHicks careers portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your CV to highlight your engineering degree classification (2:1 or higher), relevant coursework, any project experience, and key skills such as attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving. Use keywords from the job description like "design lifecycle," "information management," and "RFI."

• Portfolio Preparation (Academic Focus): Be ready to discuss 1-2 significant academic projects in detail. Focus on your role, the processes you followed, challenges, and outcomes. Prepare to explain how these projects demonstrate your understanding of design principles and collaborative work.

• Interview Preparation: Research BakerHicks, their projects (especially in the High Voltage sector), and their values. Prepare answers to common graduate interview questions and behavioral questions, focusing on your motivation, learning ability, and teamwork skills. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly.

• Eligibility Confirmation: Ensure you understand and meet the requirements for obtaining and maintaining security clearance, and confirm your eligibility to work in the UK without requiring future sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.