Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: N G Bailey

Location: Scotland, United Kingdom

Job Type: Permanent - Full Time

Category: Engineering / Operations Management

Date Posted: 2026-04-15

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid / Home Based

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary electrical design teams for complex power and infrastructure projects, ensuring timely and quality delivery.

• Manage project interfaces, client interactions, and pre-construction support, acting as the primary design representative.

• Drive technical assurance, risk management, and compliance with industry standards (DNO, National Grid, CDM 2015).

• Oversee the strategic planning and execution of design deliverables, focusing on program, quality, and commercial targets.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is not a hands-on design position but a leadership role focused on managing the design process and team within the power and infrastructure sector. The emphasis is on strategic oversight, team coordination, and client engagement rather than individual design contributions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Act as the primary design lead and focal point for project delivery, ensuring alignment and productivity of multi-disciplinary electrical design teams.

• Organize workloads, prioritize activities, and manage interfaces to ensure the design team works on the most critical tasks at the optimal time.

• Lead and chair client design meetings, serving as a confident and credible representative of the design function and the organization.

• Provide crucial support to Pre-Construction Managers by developing clear design strategies, realistic project timelines, and contributing to buildability assessments and early risk identification.

• Plan, manage, and monitor design delivery against program, quality, and commercial targets, proactively intervening to address any risks to progress or focus.

• Coordinate the production of detailed technical outputs for 11kV and 33kV substation and cable system designs, ensuring full compliance with DNO and National Grid standards.

• Oversee the technical review and assurance of design solutions, challenging where necessary and confirming that appropriate checks and reviews are implemented.

• Manage design risk, including ownership of design assumptions, residual risks, and fulfilling CDM Designer / Principal Designer responsibilities as required.

• Organize the design team for effective delivery, encompassing resource planning, task sequencing, and coordination with construction and commissioning teams.

• Ensure all design deliverables, including Design Information Documents (DIDs), Project Execution Plans (PEPs), Basis of Design (BEPs), technical reports, and drawings, meet required standards and are issued punctually.

• Support business development by identifying new opportunities, shaping technical solutions, and contributing to proposals and tender responses.

• Maintain robust working relationships with clients, contractors, and internal stakeholders, fostering a collaborative and delivery-focused culture.

• Champion Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality (SHEQ) compliance throughout the design process and ensure all CDM 2015 duties are understood and properly discharged.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on project management, stakeholder communication, and technical leadership within an electrical engineering context. Candidates should demonstrate experience in managing design processes for high-voltage infrastructure.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline is typically expected for a Design Manager role in this sector. Professional chartered status (e.g., CEng MIET) would be highly advantageous.

Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in electrical engineering, with a significant portion dedicated to design leadership and project management within the power and infrastructure sectors. Proven experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams and complex projects is essential.

Required Skills:

• Extensive knowledge and practical application of electrical engineering principles, particularly in power distribution and substations.

• Proven experience in design management, including team leadership, resource allocation, and workflow optimization.

• Strong understanding of project delivery methodologies, program management, and commercial acumen.

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships, including clients, contractors, and internal teams.

• Expertise in managing design risk, including familiarity with CDM regulations (specifically CDM 2015).

• Proficiency in coordinating the design of 11kV and 33kV substation and cable systems.

• Experience in supporting pre-construction activities, including strategy development and bid support.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with the ability to chair technical meetings and represent the company confidently.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and National Grid standards.

• Familiarity with various design software and project management tools relevant to the electrical engineering and infrastructure sectors.

• Experience in business development and contributing to tender responses.

• Knowledge of contract management and commercial negotiations.

• Understanding of sustainability principles in engineering design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+" years of experience, combined with the responsibilities, suggests a senior-level position. The emphasis on electrical engineering, substations, and cable systems indicates a specialized domain. Candidates should highlight their leadership experience and technical depth in these areas.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Leadership Case Studies: Demonstrations of leading complex electrical engineering or infrastructure projects from design conception through to delivery. Highlight your role in managing design teams, coordinating efforts, and achieving project milestones.

• Design Process Optimization: Examples of how you have improved design workflows, implemented new processes, or enhanced team efficiency to meet program, quality, or commercial targets. Quantify the impact where possible.

• Stakeholder Management Examples: Scenarios showcasing your ability to effectively manage client relationships, chair design meetings, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to achieve project objectives.

• Risk Management Documentation: Evidence of your approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating design risks, including contributions to CDM compliance and the management of design assumptions.

• Technical Assurance Frameworks: Examples of how you have implemented technical review processes, ensured design quality, and provided technical leadership to design teams.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase your ability to map out and refine design processes, from initial concept and feasibility through to detailed design, review, and handover.

• Implementation and Automation: Provide examples of how you have introduced new tools, methodologies, or automation to streamline design processes, improve accuracy, or reduce delivery times.

• Measurement and Performance Analysis: Demonstrate how you track and report on design team performance, project progress, and key performance indicators (KPIs) related to quality, cost, and schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, the portfolio should focus on leadership, process management, and outcomes rather than individual design outputs. Evidence of managing teams, processes, and achieving results for complex projects is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Competitive Salary (DOE), plus Car or Car Allowance, Plus Flexible Benefits. Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in the UK's engineering and infrastructure sector, a competitive salary range could be estimated between £60,000 - £85,000 per annum, depending heavily on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the complexity of projects previously managed. This range is an estimation and actual compensation will be determined by experience (DOE - Depending On Experience).

Benefits:

• Car or Car Allowance: A significant benefit for a role requiring travel or site visits.

• Pension: Up to 8% employer contribution, indicating a strong retirement savings support.

• Sick Pay: Provision for employee health and well-being.

• Private Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage for employees.

• Personal Wellbeing and Volunteer Days: Support for work-life balance and community engagement.

• Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme: Opportunity for hybrid/electric vehicles, supporting sustainability and potential cost savings.

• Flexible benefits: Options such as Dental Insurance, Gym Memberships, and Tax-Free Bikes allow for personalized benefit selection.

• Ongoing Training & Development Programme: Commitment to continuous professional development and career advancement.

Working Hours: Full Time, with an implied standard working week of approximately 40 hours, but with the flexibility offered by a hybrid/home-based arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is stated as "Competitive (DOE)", implying a range that will be determined by the candidate's experience. The detailed list of benefits suggests a comprehensive package designed to attract and retain senior talent, with a focus on well-being, financial security, and personal development. The hybrid nature of the role offers flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering & Services, specifically within the Building and Infrastructure sectors, with a focus on power and infrastructure projects. N G Bailey is part of the NG Bailey Group, a major independent engineering and services business in the UK.

Company Size: Part of the NG Bailey Group, which has approximately 3000 employees and a turnover of £500m. This indicates a large, established organization with significant resources and project capacity.

Founded: 1921. The company has a long history, suggesting stability, experience, and a deep understanding of its industry.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will lead a multi-disciplinary electrical design team. This team is likely composed of electrical engineers, designers, and technical specialists.

• The role involves coordination with Pre-Construction Managers, construction teams, and commissioning teams, indicating a highly collaborative environment.

Methodology:

• Focus on delivering complex power and infrastructure projects, adhering to DNO and National Grid standards.

• Emphasis on a structured design process, including planning, monitoring, and technical assurance.

• Integration of Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality (SHEQ) and CDM 2015 compliance as core components of the design methodology.

• A collaborative approach to business development, supporting proposals and tender responses with technical expertise.

• Commitment to continuous improvement, with investment in training and development for employees.

Company Website: https://www.ngbailey.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: N G Bailey's long history and significant size suggest a well-established corporate culture that likely values expertise, safety, and long-term employee development. The "Freedom" division likely operates with a degree of autonomy within this larger group, focusing on specialized projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the engineering and design function, specifically managing the design lifecycle for critical infrastructure projects. It's a step beyond individual contributor or specialist roles, requiring strategic oversight, team management, and significant stakeholder engagement.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Senior Project Manager, Operations Director, or Head of Design within the "Freedom" division or the broader N G Bailey Group. They will have direct reports from the electrical design team members.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is critical to the success of power and infrastructure projects. Effective design management ensures projects are technically sound, compliant, delivered on time and within budget, and meet client expectations. This directly influences project profitability, client satisfaction, and the company's reputation in the market. Their work is foundational to the successful execution and commissioning of complex electrical systems.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership: Progression to roles such as Head of Design, Technical Director, or Project Director, with broader responsibility for multiple projects or a larger portfolio.

• Specialization Advancement: Deepening expertise in specific areas of power engineering (e.g., high-voltage AC/DC systems, renewable energy integration, grid modernization) or moving into specialized consultancy roles.

• Business Development & Commercial Growth: Transitioning into roles with a stronger commercial focus, such as Business Development Manager for engineering services or Lead Bid Manager for complex infrastructure tenders.

• Mentorship and Training: A natural progression could involve mentoring junior engineers and managers, contributing to the company's internal training programs, and shaping future design talent.

• Operational Excellence: Moving into roles focused on optimizing engineering processes, implementing new technologies, and driving operational efficiency across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager in this context typically leads to executive-level positions within engineering or project management, emphasizing strategic decision-making and organizational leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid / Home Based, indicating a flexible working arrangement. This suggests a modern approach to work-life balance, allowing for a blend of remote work and office-based collaboration.

Office Location(s): Primarily based in Scotland, with the ability to work from home. Travel to project sites, client offices, or N G Bailey offices within Scotland or potentially across the UK may be required.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While hybrid, the role necessitates active collaboration. Expect regular virtual meetings and planned in-person sessions for critical design reviews, client meetings, and team strategy sessions.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, project management software, and specialized electrical design and simulation tools will be provided or expected.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with a dedicated electrical design team, as well as extensive collaboration with pre-construction, construction, commissioning, and commercial departments.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexibility afforded by the hybrid model. The focus will be on achieving project deliverables and meeting deadlines, rather than strict adherence to a 9-to-5 schedule, typical for management roles in project-driven industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key feature, offering flexibility while still requiring strong communication and collaboration skills to manage a dispersed team and project stakeholders effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly electrical engineering background and design management experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focusing on your experience in leading design teams, managing complex projects, and your understanding of power infrastructure and substation design. Expect questions about your leadership style and approach to problem-solving.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to present a case study from your portfolio demonstrating how you've managed a challenging design project, resolved technical issues, or improved design processes. This could involve a presentation and Q&A.

• Stakeholder/Panel Interview: Meeting with key stakeholders, potentially including senior management, pre-construction leads, or commercial managers, to assess your fit within the broader team and your strategic thinking.

• Final Offer: Following successful interviews and reference checks.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Leadership & Process: Your portfolio should emphasize your role as a manager and leader, not just a designer. Showcase how you've guided teams, implemented processes, and driven project success.

• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work – e.g., percentage reduction in design errors, on-time delivery rates, cost savings achieved through design optimization.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project presented, clearly outline the challenge, your approach/strategy, the actions you took, and the measurable results achieved.

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Prioritize projects that showcase your expertise in electrical engineering, substations, cable systems, and power infrastructure.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Include examples where you successfully navigated complex technical challenges, managed conflicting priorities, or resolved stakeholder disputes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Strategy Presentation: Be prepared to discuss your approach to developing design strategies for large infrastructure projects, considering factors like compliance, buildability, cost, and program.

• Team Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you motivate teams, manage performance, resolve conflicts, and foster a collaborative environment, especially within a hybrid setup.

• Risk Mitigation Discussion: Prepare to discuss your methods for identifying and mitigating design risks, including your understanding of CDM regulations and their practical application.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio showcasing leadership, process improvement, and quantified results is crucial. Candidates should prepare to articulate their strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities, especially in the context of electrical infrastructure projects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Electrical Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD and design software such as AutoCAD Electrical, Revit MEP, or similar platforms for schematic development and documentation.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Jira, or similar for planning, scheduling, and tracking project progress.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack, or other video conferencing and team communication tools for managing a hybrid workforce.

• Document Management Systems: Knowledge of systems for organizing, storing, and sharing project documentation (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Tracking Tools: Ability to utilize or oversee the use of tools for tracking design team productivity, project milestones, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Reporting Software: Experience in generating reports using standard office suites (e.g., Microsoft Excel for data analysis, Word for reports) or more advanced business intelligence tools if integrated into project reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Potentially): While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with CRM systems might be beneficial for understanding client engagement and business development aspects, though likely not a primary tool for the Design Manager.

• Workflow Automation Tools (Exposure): Understanding of how automation can be applied to design processes, even if not directly implementing it.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is management-focused, a Design Manager should have a strong understanding of the tools their team uses and how to leverage them for efficient project delivery and reporting. Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools is essential for a hybrid role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Delivery: A core value focused on consistently meeting and exceeding project objectives in terms of quality, safety, and timeliness.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to design and project execution, coupled with a commitment to learning and development.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a supportive and cooperative environment where individuals work together effectively across disciplines and departments.

• Safety and Responsibility: Upholding the highest standards of Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality (SHEQ) in all operations and design decisions.

• Integrity and Professionalism: Conducting business with honesty, respect, and a strong ethical compass.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A key aspect will be seamless collaboration with pre-construction, construction, commissioning, commercial, and client teams to ensure a unified approach to project delivery.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and frequent communication within the design team and with external stakeholders to address issues promptly and maintain alignment.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: A culture that encourages early identification and collaborative resolution of challenges, rather than reactive firefighting.

• Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where experienced team members share knowledge and mentor junior colleagues, fostering collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values, as implied by its long history and industry standing, likely emphasize professionalism, safety, and a commitment to quality. The collaborative style is essential for managing complex, multi-faceted projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Competing Priorities: Balancing the demands of multiple projects, tight deadlines, and diverse stakeholder expectations.

• Ensuring Technical Compliance: Keeping abreast of and ensuring adherence to evolving DNO, National Grid, and CDM standards, which can be complex and demanding.

• Leading a Hybrid Team: Effectively managing, motivating, and coordinating a design team that is not co-located, ensuring consistent performance and team cohesion.

• Interfacing with Diverse Stakeholders: Effectively communicating technical information and managing expectations with clients, contractors, and internal departments who may have varying levels of technical understanding.

• Driving Innovation: Introducing and embedding new technologies or design methodologies within a potentially traditional engineering environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas of electrical engineering, renewable energy integration, or grid modernization.

• Leadership and Management Development: Formal training programs in leadership, project management, financial acumen, and strategic planning.

• Industry Conferences and Certifications: Support for attending industry events and obtaining relevant professional certifications (e.g., CEng, PMP, specific safety certifications).

• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior leaders for guidance and career development advice.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Opportunities to gain insights into other areas of N G Bailey's operations, such as construction, commissioning, or business development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior management roles in complex project environments. The growth opportunities are robust, reflecting N G Bailey's stated commitment to employee development and career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing a design strategy for a major power infrastructure project. What key factors do you consider?" (Focus on your process, risk assessment, and stakeholder engagement.)

• "How do you ensure your design team remains aligned, focused, and productive when working in a hybrid or remote environment?" (Highlight your communication strategies, performance management, and team-building efforts.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about N G Bailey and its work in the power and infrastructure sectors?" (Research recent projects, company values, and news.)

• "How do you foster a culture of safety and quality within a design team?" (Discuss your commitment to SHEQ and CDM compliance and how you embed it.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 2-3 Key Projects: Choose projects that best demonstrate your design management capabilities, complexity, and impact.

• Structure Your Presentation: For each project, clearly outline the objective, your specific role and responsibilities, the challenges faced, your strategic approach, the key actions taken, and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Highlight Process Improvements: Emphasize any processes you implemented or improved that led to better outcomes (e.g., efficiency gains, risk reduction, quality enhancements).

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: While you're managing, expect questions about the technical aspects of your projects, demonstrating your electrical engineering foundation.

• Focus on Leadership: Articulate how you guided your team, managed stakeholders, and ensured successful project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership, strategic thinking, technical understanding, and strong communication skills, particularly in the context of managing design for complex electrical infrastructure.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce job portal.

• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV prominently features your electrical engineering background, design management experience, and specific achievements in leading teams and delivering complex infrastructure projects. Use keywords from the job description such as "Design Manager," "Electrical Engineering," "11kV/33kV," "Substation Design," "CDM 2015," and "Project Delivery."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of case studies that best exemplify your leadership, process management, problem-solving skills, and project success. Quantify achievements wherever possible and be ready to present them concisely.

• Research N G Bailey: Understand the company's history, values, recent projects, and its position within the UK's engineering and services sector. This will help tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Your Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioural and situational questions using the STAR method, focusing on your leadership, project management, and technical problem-solving abilities. Practice presenting your portfolio case studies.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description provides a comprehensive overview based on the provided details and industry standards. Specific expectations regarding salary, benefits, and interview stages should be confirmed directly with N G Bailey during the application process.