Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: N G Bailey

Location: Scotland, United Kingdom

Job Type: Permanent - Full Time

Category: Engineering / Design Management

Date Posted: June 1, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

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

• Act as the primary design interface for clients, managing expectations and fostering strong collaborative relationships.

• Drive design strategy and execution, ensuring alignment with project requirements, commercial targets, and regulatory standards.

• Oversee technical outputs and provide leadership to ensure design compliance and mitigate risks within project lifecycles.

• Support pre-construction activities by contributing clear design strategies, program inputs, and early risk identification.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a leadership opportunity within the engineering and design function, emphasizing project delivery and client interaction over hands-on design execution. The focus is on managing teams and processes to achieve project outcomes in the power and infrastructure sectors.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

• Organize workloads, prioritize project activities, manage inter-team interfaces, and ensure the design team is engaged with the most critical tasks at the appropriate times.

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

• Support Pre-Construction Managers by providing clear design strategies, realistic program timelines, input for buildability discussions, and early identification of project risks.

• Plan, manage, and monitor design delivery to meet programme, quality, and commercial targets, intervening proactively where progress or focus is at risk.

• Coordinate the production of 11kV / 33kV substation and cable system designs, ensuring all outputs are compliant with Distribution Network Operator (DNO) and National Grid standards.

• Oversee the creation of detailed technical outputs, including engineering reports and drawings, without necessarily performing the detailed design work personally.

• Provide technical leadership and assurance, challenging design solutions when necessary and ensuring that appropriate checks and reviews are implemented.

• Manage design risk, including ownership of design assumptions, residual risks, and contributing to 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, such as Design Information Documents (DIDs), Project Execution Plans (PEPs), Basis of Design (BEPs), and technical reports, are produced to the required standard and issued on time.

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

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

• Champion Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality (SHEQ) compliance across the design team and ensure CDM 2015 duties are understood and discharged appropriately.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a management role focused on process, team coordination, client liaison, and risk management within the context of electrical infrastructure design, specifically substations and cable systems up to 33kV. Emphasis is placed on strategic oversight and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific educational requirements are not explicitly stated, a strong foundation in electrical engineering is paramount, typically achieved through a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline. Relevant professional certifications or advanced degrees may be advantageous.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in electrical engineering roles, 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 client-facing responsibilities is essential.

Required Skills:

• Electrical Engineering Expertise: Deep understanding of electrical systems, particularly 11kV and 33kV substation design and cable systems, including adherence to DNO and National Grid standards.

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead, coordinate, and manage design teams, workflows, and deliverables to meet project timelines and quality objectives.

• Project Delivery Leadership: Experience in overseeing the end-to-end delivery of complex infrastructure projects from a design perspective.

• Client Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal skills to lead client meetings, manage expectations, and build robust working relationships.

• Technical Leadership & Assurance: Capacity to provide technical direction, challenge design decisions, and ensure rigorous review processes.

• Risk Management: Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and managing design-related risks, including understanding CDM 2015 obligations.

• Resource Planning & Organization: Ability to effectively plan workloads, allocate resources, and sequence tasks for design teams.

• Pre-Construction Support: Experience in contributing design insights and strategies to pre-construction and tendering phases.

Preferred Skills:

• CDM 2015 / Principal Designer Experience: Direct experience in fulfilling CDM Designer or Principal Designer roles and responsibilities.

• Power Systems Analysis: Familiarity with power systems analysis tools and methodologies.

• Business Development Support: Experience in contributing to proposals, tenders, and identifying new project opportunities.

• SHEQ Compliance Champion: Proactive approach to promoting and ensuring adherence to Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality standards.

• Multi-disciplinary Coordination: Experience coordinating design efforts with other engineering disciplines (e.g., civil, mechanical) where applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a transition from a technical engineering role to a management position, requiring not only technical depth but also strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills. Experience with UK specific regulations like CDM 2015 and industry bodies like DNOs and National Grid is crucial.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of successful leadership in managing electrical engineering design teams for power and infrastructure projects.

• Case studies showcasing the coordination of multi-disciplinary design efforts and the delivery of complex substation and cable system designs.

• Examples of client engagement, including leading design meetings and managing stakeholder expectations.

• Documentation illustrating contributions to pre-construction phases, including design strategy development and risk identification.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow designs and optimization strategies for managing design processes within a project lifecycle.

• Implementation and automation methods used to enhance design team efficiency and output.

• Metrics and performance analysis demonstrating the successful delivery of design projects against program, quality, and commercial targets.

• Documentation of processes for ensuring compliance with DNO, National Grid, and CDM 2015 standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with specific projects, demonstrating their ability to manage design processes, teams, and client relationships. The focus should be on leadership, project outcomes, and adherence to stringent industry standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Competitive Salary (DOE - Depending on Experience), plus Car or Car Allowance, plus Flexible Benefits.

• Regional Context: For Scotland, a competitive salary for an experienced Design Manager in the power and infrastructure sector, particularly with electrical engineering expertise, would typically range from £55,000 to £75,000 per annum. This range can fluctuate based on the specific complexity of projects, the candidate's exact experience, and the company's compensation strategy. The inclusion of a car or car allowance and flexible benefits significantly enhances the overall compensation package.

• Research Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for engineering management roles in the UK, factoring in the specialized nature of power infrastructure and the leadership responsibilities outlined. Data sources include industry salary surveys, recruitment agency reports for engineering and construction roles in Scotland, and general cost of living considerations for the region.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary (DOE)

• Car or Car Allowance

• Pension with up to 8% employer contribution

• Sick Pay

• Private Medical Insurance

• Personal Wellbeing Days

• Volunteer Days

• Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme (Hybrid/Electric Vehicle)

• Flexible benefits (e.g., Dental Insurance, Gym Memberships, Tax-Free Bikes)

• Ongoing Training & Development Programme

Working Hours: Full Time, typically around 40 hours per week, with a hybrid/home-based arrangement offering flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation package is designed to be attractive, combining a competitive base salary with significant additional benefits that cater to a range of employee needs, from transportation to personal well-being and professional development. The hybrid arrangement offers substantial flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering and Services within the Building and Infrastructure sector. N G Bailey operates as a leading independent engineering and services business in the UK.

Company Size: Part of the NG Bailey Group, which has approximately 3,000 employees and a turnover of £500 million. This indicates a substantial and established organization with a significant presence in the market.

Founded: 1921. This long history suggests a stable company with deep industry experience and a culture that values long-term development and relationships.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary electrical design teams, implying a team size that can vary depending on project scope but likely includes several engineers and technicians.

• The role involves collaboration with Pre-Construction Managers, suggesting a structured approach to project lifecycle management.

• Reporting likely falls within a broader engineering or project management hierarchy, with direct interaction with senior leadership and client representatives.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not explicitly detailed, strategic decision-making in design management relies on analyzing project requirements, technical constraints, and performance data to inform design choices and risk mitigation.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role emphasizes organizing workloads, prioritizing activities, and ensuring efficient design delivery, indicating a focus on robust process management and continuous improvement.

• Automation & Efficiency: While not explicitly stated as a requirement, leveraging technology and efficient processes to manage design outputs is implied through the need to meet program and quality targets.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: N G Bailey positions itself as a forward-thinking, innovative, and responsible company with a strong emphasis on developing its people. The company's long history and significant scale suggest a stable yet dynamic environment where professional growth and adherence to high standards are valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the engineering and design discipline, specifically focused on management. It bridges the gap between technical execution and strategic project oversight. The Design Manager is responsible for leading teams, managing complex design processes, and serving as a key interface for major projects, indicating a significant level of autonomy and responsibility.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Head of Design, Engineering Director, or a senior Project Director, depending on the organizational structure for specific projects or divisions. They will manage a team of electrical design engineers and technicians.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role has a profound impact on project success by ensuring that designs are technically sound, compliant, cost-effective, and delivered on time. Their leadership directly influences project budget, schedule, quality, and client satisfaction, thereby contributing significantly to the company's profitability and reputation in the power and infrastructure sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to advance into roles such as Head of Design, Engineering Director, or Program Manager, overseeing larger and more complex projects or multiple design teams.

• Industry Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of power infrastructure, substation design, or grid connections, and stay abreast of evolving technologies and regulatory landscapes.

• Leadership Potential: Development of advanced leadership and management skills through the management of diverse teams, complex stakeholder negotiations, and strategic project planning, paving the way for executive leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression from a senior technical contributor to a strategic leadership position within the engineering and infrastructure domain. The emphasis on project delivery, client management, and team leadership provides a strong foundation for future career growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid / Home Based with requirements to attend client sites and potentially company offices as needed. This blended approach aims to provide flexibility while ensuring essential face-to-face collaboration and site engagement.

Office Location(s): Primarily based in Scotland, United Kingdom, with the flexibility to work from home. This role will involve travel to client sites and potentially N G Bailey offices across Scotland for meetings, site visits, and project coordination.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates active collaboration with design teams, pre-construction managers, construction teams, and clients, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills in both remote and in-person settings.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard project management software, design tools (e.g., CAD, simulation software), communication platforms, and potentially specialized electrical engineering design software will be available. The emphasis is on managing the use of these tools by the team.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design reviews, and client discussions are integral. The hybrid nature means balancing remote work efficiency with the necessity of in-person interactions for critical project phases and team cohesion.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours (approx. 40 hours per week) are expected, but the hybrid arrangement offers flexibility in terms of where the work is performed. Project deadlines and client demands may necessitate occasional adjustments to the schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a significant feature, offering flexibility for the Design Manager. However, the nature of the role requires a proactive approach to managing remote work while ensuring consistent on-site presence and team engagement when critical project phases demand it.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess suitability against the core requirements, particularly electrical engineering background and management experience.

• First Interview: Likely with a hiring manager or senior engineering lead to delve into your technical experience, design management philosophy, leadership style, and understanding of project delivery in the power infrastructure sector. Be prepared to discuss your approach to team leadership and client interactions.

• Second Interview/Assessment: This stage might involve a presentation of a past project or a case study focusing on a complex design challenge you've managed. It could also include a discussion with senior stakeholders or a panel interview to assess cultural fit and strategic thinking.

• Final Stage: Potentially a meeting with higher management or a final discussion to confirm the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Project Focus: Prepare to discuss 2-3 key projects where you led electrical design efforts for significant power or infrastructure projects.

• Leadership & Management: Highlight your role in managing teams, coordinating tasks, and ensuring timely delivery. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., project value, team size managed, efficiency improvements).

• Technical Acumen: Be ready to discuss technical challenges, design decisions, and how you ensured compliance with standards like DNO and National Grid.

• Client & Stakeholder Management: Showcase examples of how you managed client relationships, chaired meetings, and resolved conflicts.

• Risk Management: Detail your approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating design risks, referencing CDM 2015 if applicable.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Strategy Case Study: You might be asked to outline a design strategy for a hypothetical complex power project, including how you would mobilize a team, manage risks, and engage with clients.

• Problem-Solving Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle a situation where a design is falling behind schedule, facing technical issues, or encountering client objections.

• Team Management: Questions may arise regarding motivating teams, resolving inter-team conflicts, or managing underperformance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their leadership capabilities, technical expertise in electrical infrastructure, and experience in managing complex projects and client relationships. A strong understanding of UK-specific regulations and industry standards is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: While not expected to perform detailed design, familiarity with the types of software used is beneficial. This could include:

  • CAD Software: AutoCAD, Revit MEP (for BIM integration).
  • Electrical Design Software: DIgSILENT PowerFactory, ETAP, PSS/E, or similar for power system analysis and simulation.
  • Project Management Software: Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Jira, or similar for planning, scheduling, and tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom for communication and virtual meetings.

• Document Management Systems: SharePoint, or similar platforms for managing design documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Proficiency in interpreting project performance reports, financial data related to design costs, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for design delivery.

CRM & Automation:

• While direct CRM use might be limited, understanding how design inputs affect client relationship management and sales processes is valuable.

• Familiarity with workflow automation concepts in project management and design processes to drive efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role focuses on managing the use of these tools by the design team rather than being a hands-on user. However, a strong understanding of the capabilities and purpose of these tools is essential for effective team management and project oversight.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Inclusion and Respect: N G Bailey emphasizes a culture where everyone is included and treated fairly and with respect, starting from recruitment.

• Innovation and Forward-Thinking: The company promotes an innovative, responsible, and forward-thinking approach to projects, utilizing the latest tools and technologies.

• Development and Progression: A strong value is placed on developing people through investment in training and providing clear development paths and ongoing support.

• Quality and Safety: Championing SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality) compliance is a core expectation, integral to all operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with pre-construction, construction, commissioning, SHEQ, and business development teams to ensure holistic project success.

• Process Review and Feedback: A culture that likely encourages constructive feedback and process reviews to identify areas for improvement in design delivery and team performance.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, technical insights, and lessons learned across the design team and wider organization is vital for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should align with N G Bailey's commitment to diversity, respect, and continuous professional development. The emphasis on collaboration and SHEQ compliance reflects a professional and safety-conscious work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Competing Priorities: Balancing the demands of multiple projects, client expectations, and internal stakeholder needs simultaneously.

• Ensuring Technical Compliance: Navigating complex DNO and National Grid standards, and ensuring all design outputs meet stringent regulatory requirements.

• Leading Diverse Teams: Effectively managing and motivating a multi-disciplinary team, potentially with varying levels of experience and specializations.

• Integrating Design with Construction: Bridging the gap between design intent and practical site execution, ensuring buildability and smooth handover.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Keeping abreast of new design tools, methodologies, and technologies in the rapidly changing power infrastructure landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to gain experience in managing larger, more complex, or multi-sector projects, potentially leading to director-level roles.

• Industry Certification & Conferences: Access to ongoing training, industry conferences, and potential for certifications relevant to power systems engineering and project management.

• Mentorship & Leadership Development: Formal and informal mentorship programs, leadership training, and opportunities to develop strategic thinking and business acumen.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are directly linked to substantial growth opportunities. The ability to navigate these complexities effectively will be key to career advancement within N G Bailey.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading and motivating a multi-disciplinary electrical design team to achieve challenging project deadlines." (Focus on team management, delegation, and performance monitoring).

• "How do you ensure design compliance with complex standards such as DNO and National Grid requirements, and what is your strategy for managing design risk under CDM 2015?" (Highlight your technical assurance process and risk mitigation strategies).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about N G Bailey and our work in the power and infrastructure sector?" (Research recent projects, company values, and market position).

• "How do you foster a culture of safety and quality within your design teams?" (Discuss your commitment to SHEQ and how you embed it in daily operations).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the actions you took (especially leadership and process management), and the quantifiable results (e.g., on-time delivery, budget adherence, technical success).

• Highlight Leadership & Process: Emphasize your management of the design process, team coordination, client engagement, and risk mitigation, rather than just the technical design details.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics where possible to demonstrate the scale of projects, team sizes, budget managed, or improvements achieved.

• Visual Aids: If presenting, use clear, concise slides that support your narrative without being overwhelming. Focus on key achievements and process flows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to demonstrate not only technical competence in electrical engineering but also strong leadership, project management, and client-facing skills. Tailor your responses to align with N G Bailey's stated values and the specific requirements of managing design for power infrastructure.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce hiring platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare to discuss specific projects from your career that best exemplify your experience in leading electrical design teams for power and infrastructure projects, focusing on your management and delivery achievements.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your CV clearly highlights your electrical engineering background, design management experience, leadership skills, and familiarity with UK industry standards (DNO, National Grid, CDM 2015). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your approach to team leadership, client management, risk mitigation, and project delivery. Prepare specific examples using the STAR method.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research N G Bailey, its services, recent projects, and its commitment to culture, safety, and employee development. Understand the company's values and how your approach aligns with them.

⚠️ 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.

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