Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager (Project Harker)

Company: Omexom UK

Location: Carlisle, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Management / Project Operations

Date Posted: 2026-10-02

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Minimum 3 days on-site)

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the end-to-end management, coordination, and assurance of design activities for the critical Project Harker, ensuring adherence to client specifications and Omexom governance.

• Drive the development and execution of the design programme, proactively monitoring progress, identifying deviations, and implementing strategic recovery plans in alignment with project timelines.

• Uphold rigorous technical assurance and quality standards, ensuring all design outputs comply with National Grid, SSE, and Omexom specifications, including managing assurance submissions and gateway approvals.

• Act as a key liaison for commercial and change control processes, particularly within NEC contract frameworks, managing design change documentation, and assessing impacts on cost, programme, and risk.

• Foster strong stakeholder relationships and effective communication channels with internal teams, external design partners, clients, and site delivery personnel to ensure seamless project integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically embedded within Project Harker, requiring significant on-site presence (minimum 3 days/week) in Carlisle, UK. The emphasis on NEC contracts, National Grid specifications, and HV substation projects indicates a highly regulated and technically demanding environment, common in the energy infrastructure sector. The "Design Manager" title here leans towards operations management of the design process rather than pure creative design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and issue detailed design programmes for all project schemes, proactively monitoring progress and implementing recovery strategies for any deviations.

• Coordinate design programme interfaces with planning, procurement, and construction phases to ensure seamless project progression.

• Ensure all design outputs meet National Grid, SSE, and Omexom specifications, adhering to the LCDAE and managing the assurance submission process, hold-point reviews, and gateway approvals.

• Provide oversight for compliance with internal procedures, industry standards, and CDM (Construction Design and Management) regulations.

• Act as the custodian of design change, maintaining comprehensive registers and logs, and managing Early Warning Notices (EWNs), Compensation Events (CEs), and Project Manager Instructions (PMIs) in accordance with contractual obligations.

• Identify and assess the design impacts on project cost, programme, and risk, actively supporting forecasting and commercial decision-making.

• Lead multidisciplinary design review meetings and coordinate design teams, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.

• Manage the flow of Request for Information (RFIs), Technical Queries (TQs), and other design-related communications.

• Proactively identify and manage design risks, including considerations for temporary and permanent works, and ensure Principal Designer communications are robust and documented.

• Promote the principles of prevention and safety-by-design throughout all design activities.

• Provide crucial technical input, design methodology, assumptions, and risk assessments during tender development to support the BUGM and Bid Manager.

• Ensure tender designs and proposals are robust, compliant, and commercially defensible.

• Promote collaboration, innovation, and smart design delivery within the team.

• Drive lessons learned initiatives and standardization across multiple projects to foster continuous improvement.

• Support the development and mentoring of Assistant Design Managers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a project-focused operational role managing the design lifecycle within a large infrastructure project. The emphasis on NEC contracts, CDM, and specific client (National Grid, SSE) requirements highlights the need for deep understanding of UK construction and energy sector regulations and project management methodologies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant Engineering discipline, Project Management, Construction Management, or a similar field is desired.

• Alternatively, extensive relevant experience will be considered. Experience:

• A minimum of 8+ years of experience in a related design management or project engineering role.

• Proven track record of delivering design-related projects with a high level of attention to detail and quality.

• Experience in project leadership at a management level, successfully delivering complex, multi-disciplinary, and multi-cultural projects. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to manage the entire design lifecycle from conception to completion.

• Project Leadership: Demonstrated experience leading projects, managing teams, and driving successful outcomes.

• Stakeholder Management: Expertise in building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including clients, design teams, and delivery teams.

• Technical Assurance: Strong understanding of quality assurance processes and ensuring compliance with technical specifications and standards.

• Design Coordination: Ability to effectively coordinate multidisciplinary design efforts and manage interfaces.

• NEC Contracts: Familiarity with NEC (New Engineering Contract) terms and conditions, including managing EWNs, CEs, and PMIs.

• CDM Regulations: Solid understanding of Construction Design and Management regulations and their application to design processes.

• Risk Management: Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating design-related risks.

• Substation Engineering: Direct experience working on HV (High Voltage) substation projects, ideally within the UK transmission sector.

• Design Programme Management: Ability to develop, monitor, and manage complex design programmes.

• Commercial Awareness: Understanding of the commercial implications of design decisions and change control.

• Change Control: Experience in managing design changes, maintaining registers, and assessing impacts.

• Team Mentoring: A strong belief in developing people and building high-performing teams.

• Quality Assurance: Commitment to ensuring high-quality design outputs.

• Construction Interface: Ability to manage the interface between design and site delivery teams.

Preferred Skills:

• National Grid persons accreditation (substations).

• Experience working to specific energy transmission and distribution specifications, processes, and procedures within the UK Energy sector.

• Membership of a relevant professional institution (e.g., ICE, IET).

• Experience working in highly regulated industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "8+ years" combined with "Project leadership at a management level" and specific industry experience strongly suggests an expectation for candidates with a senior-level understanding and practical application of design management principles within the energy infrastructure domain. The emphasis on National Grid processes and NEC contracts is critical.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating successful management of complex engineering design projects, specifically highlighting HV substation or similar infrastructure projects.

• Design Programme Management Examples: Provide evidence of your ability to develop, implement, and manage intricate design programmes, including examples of how you proactively addressed schedule deviations and implemented recovery plans.

• Technical Assurance & Quality Control: Include documentation or descriptions of processes you've implemented for technical assurance, quality reviews, and compliance checks, particularly against client-specific standards (e.g., National Grid).

• Change Management Documentation: Present examples of how you've managed design change, including the use of registers, logs, and the process for evaluating EWNs, CEs, and PMIs within a contractual framework (e.g., NEC).

• Risk Assessment Frameworks: Demonstrate your approach to identifying, assessing, and managing design risks, including temporary and permanent works considerations.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Detail your methodologies for designing and optimizing engineering workflows, from initial concept through to detailed design and construction handover.

• Implementation & Automation: Showcase experience in implementing design processes and, where applicable, leveraging technology or automation to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Provide examples of how you track and report on design performance, including key metrics for quality, schedule adherence, and cost impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role with a strong project and operational focus, the portfolio should emphasize process management, risk mitigation, and successful project delivery rather than purely conceptual design work. Demonstrating practical application of project management methodologies within a regulated environment is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in the UK energy sector, particularly in roles requiring on-site presence and management of complex projects like HV substations, the estimated salary range is £65,000 - £85,000 per annum. This estimate considers the location (Carlisle), the specific technical requirements (HV substations, National Grid standards), and the hybrid work arrangement. Benefits:

• Pension Scheme: Comprehensive company pension scheme with employer contributions.

• Holiday Allowance: Generous annual leave entitlement, typically starting at 25 days plus bank holidays, with potential for increases based on tenure.

• Health Insurance: Private medical insurance often provided for employees and potentially their families.

• Life Assurance: Company-paid life assurance cover.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, professional development, and support for relevant certifications.

• Company Vehicle/Allowance: Potential for a company car or car allowance due to the requirement for on-site presence and travel.

• Performance Bonus: Possible annual bonus scheme linked to individual and company performance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• The role requires a minimum of 3 days per week on-site at the Harker project location in Carlisle, offering flexibility for remote work on the remaining days.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on publicly available data for similar Design Manager roles in the UK energy/construction sector, considering the specified experience level and location. Benefits are typical for a full-time, permanent role in this industry and company size.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy Infrastructure / Electrical Engineering Services. Omexom UK is part of the VINCI Energies group, a global leader in energy and information systems. This affiliation suggests a culture that values technical expertise, safety, and large-scale project delivery.

Company Size: Omexom UK is a significant player in the UK energy sector, likely employing hundreds to thousands of individuals, with VINCI Energies itself being a global entity with over 85,000 employees. This scale implies structured processes, robust HR support, and opportunities for career advancement.

Founded: Omexom was established in 2001, and VINCI Energies traces its roots back much further. This history indicates a stable and experienced organization with established operational frameworks and a long-term vision in the energy market.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager reports to the Design Management Regional Lead for England, indicating a structured hierarchy within the design management function.

• The role involves close collaboration with Project Managers, Planning Engineers, Commercial & QS Teams, Principal Designer, Site Delivery Teams, and Client Representatives (NG/SSE). This suggests a matrixed project team structure where functional leads collaborate on project delivery.

• The team likely includes a mix of experienced design engineers, project managers, and potentially junior design managers or support staff. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on technical assurance, quality control, and commercial impacts suggests a data-driven approach to design management.

• Process Optimization: The mention of driving lessons learned, standardization, and innovation points towards a continuous improvement mindset.

• Collaborative Project Delivery: The extensive list of key interfaces highlights a strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and integrated project execution.

Company Website: https://careers.omexom.co.uk

📝 Enhancement Note: Omexom's affiliation with VINCI Energies suggests a corporate culture that prioritizes safety, technical excellence, and structured project management. The "Project Harker" designation indicates this role is dedicated to a specific, significant project, requiring deep integration with project-specific teams and client requirements.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position within the design operations function. It requires significant experience in project leadership, technical oversight, and stakeholder management within a specialized industry (HV substations). The role is responsible for the successful execution of the design phase of a major project, directly impacting project timelines, costs, and quality.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to the Design Management Regional Lead for England. This indicates a clear reporting line within a broader regional design management structure. They will also work closely with Project Managers and other functional leads on Project Harker.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is critical to the successful delivery of Project Harker. Effective management of the design programme, technical assurance, and change control directly influences project budget adherence, schedule completion, safety compliance, and overall client satisfaction. Their ability to mitigate design risks and ensure robust design solutions prevents costly rework and delays during construction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Leadership Roles: Progression to Design Management Regional Lead, Head of Design, or senior project management positions within Omexom or VINCI Energies.

• Specialization Advancement: Deepening expertise in specific areas of HV substation design, project delivery methodologies (e.g., NEC), or regulatory compliance.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into broader project management, operations management, or commercial roles within the energy sector.

• Mentorship and Team Development: Taking on greater responsibility for mentoring junior staff and developing design teams.

• International Opportunities: Leveraging experience within the VINCI Energies group for potential roles in other regions or on larger international projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within a large, established organization, particularly for individuals who excel in managing complex technical projects and stakeholder relationships within the energy infrastructure domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement with a significant on-site component. The role requires a minimum of three days per week at the Harker project site in Carlisle. This suggests a blend of office-based work (potentially a project site office or a regional Omexom office) and on-site presence.

Office Location(s): Primarily based in Carlisle, England, for Project Harker. This location is a key operational hub for this specific project.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a highly collaborative environment, involving frequent interaction with project managers, engineers, site delivery teams, and client representatives.

• Tools and Technology: Access to standard project management software, design collaboration tools, and potentially specialized engineering software for design review and analysis.

• On-Site Interaction: Significant time will be spent on the project site, requiring adaptability to site conditions and direct engagement with construction activities.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility for remote work on non-site days.

• Project demands may occasionally require extended hours or weekend work to meet critical deadlines, particularly during key project phases or when addressing urgent issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature with a strong on-site emphasis means candidates should be comfortable with travel to Carlisle and working in a project-centric environment that blends office-based coordination with active site engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess alignment with essential qualifications and experience.

• Technical Interview: Likely to involve in-depth discussion of your experience with HV substations, National Grid processes, NEC contracts, CDM regulations, and design management methodologies. Expect scenario-based questions related to managing design programmes, resolving conflicts, and handling technical challenges.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present and discuss your portfolio, focusing on specific case studies that demonstrate your capabilities in design management, project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and risk mitigation.

• Stakeholder/Management Interview: Meeting with the Design Management Regional Lead and potentially other senior project stakeholders to assess cultural fit, leadership style, and strategic thinking.

• Final Offer: Following successful interviews and background checks.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Project Harker Relevance: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects and experiences most relevant to HV substations, UK energy transmission, and NEC contract environments.

• Quantifiable Achievements: For each case study, clearly articulate the challenges, your specific role and actions, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., schedule improvements, cost savings, risk reduction, quality enhancements).

• Process Demonstration: Showcase your structured approach to design management, including programme development, risk assessment, change control, and stakeholder communication. Use diagrams or flowcharts where appropriate.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and clearly articulates your contributions and expertise. Focus on impact and results.

• Preparation for Questions: Be ready to elaborate on any aspect of your portfolio and answer questions about your decision-making process, problem-solving strategies, and leadership approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Challenges: Prepare for hypothetical scenarios related to managing design delays, resolving disputes between design teams, ensuring compliance with safety regulations under pressure, or handling significant scope changes.

• Problem-Solving: Be ready to outline your systematic approach to identifying the root cause of a design issue and developing practical, actionable solutions.

• Stakeholder Communication Strategy: Practice articulating complex technical and commercial issues clearly and concisely to various audiences, from technical teams to senior management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and specific interview stages suggests Omexom places high value on demonstrated experience and practical problem-solving skills for this role. Candidates should be prepared to "show, not just tell" their capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar for developing and managing complex project schedules and design programmes.

• Design Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools that facilitate document sharing, review, and mark-up, such as Autodesk BIM 360, Aconex, or similar.

• Document Management Systems: Proficiency in using structured systems for managing vast amounts of project documentation, including technical drawings, reports, and correspondence.

• CAD/BIM Software (Awareness): While not a direct user, understanding the outputs and capabilities of CAD (e.g., AutoCAD) and BIM (e.g., Revit) software is beneficial for design review and coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• MS Excel: Advanced proficiency for data analysis, financial tracking, risk registers, and report generation.

• Business Intelligence Tools (Desirable): Familiarity with BI tools like Power BI or Tableau for creating dashboards and visualizing project performance data, though not explicitly stated as a requirement.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP/Project Costing Systems: Awareness of integrated systems used for project financial management, procurement, and contract administration (specific systems would depend on Omexom's internal stack).

• Workflow Automation Tools (Awareness): Understanding how automation can be applied to design review processes, RFI management, or reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed, the role's nature implies a need for strong project management and document control capabilities. Proficiency in standard office productivity suites and project scheduling tools is essential.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Team Spirit & Generosity: A collaborative approach is expected, where individuals contribute to the collective success of Project Harker and support colleagues. This means actively participating in team meetings, sharing knowledge, and offering assistance.

• Trust and Empowerment: The role requires self-management and professional execution of responsibilities. You are expected to manage your time effectively, take ownership of your tasks, and deliver results independently while being trusted to do so.

• Integrity and Responsibility: A strong sense of accountability for duties and a commitment to high-quality, efficient outcomes are paramount. This involves taking ownership of mistakes, learning from them, and ensuring all work meets stringent standards.

• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: A proactive mindset is encouraged to continuously seek improvements in design processes, introduce new initiatives, and find more efficient ways of working within the project context. This could involve suggesting better ways to manage RFIs, streamline design reviews, or improve stakeholder communication.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with diverse teams (engineering, commercial, planning, site delivery, client). Effective communication and a willingness to understand and accommodate the needs of other functions are key.

• Process Review Culture: An environment where processes are regularly reviewed and feedback is encouraged to drive continuous improvement. This means being open to constructive criticism and actively participating in process refinement.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights across the project team and potentially the wider Omexom organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated values align with typical corporate expectations but are framed within the context of project delivery and operational efficiency. Candidates should demonstrate how they embody these values in their professional conduct and decision-making.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Design Complexity: Effectively coordinating and assuring the design of intricate HV substation projects with multiple disciplines and interfaces.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating diverse stakeholder expectations (client, internal teams, subcontractors) and ensuring alignment on design objectives and delivery.

• On-Site Integration: Balancing office-based programme management with the need for regular on-site presence and close coordination with construction activities.

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring strict adherence to National Grid standards, CDM regulations, and other industry-specific requirements in a highly regulated sector.

• Change Management Under Pressure: Managing design changes efficiently within a project environment where scope adjustments can have significant cost and schedule implications.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepening expertise in project controls, contract management (NEC), risk management, and stakeholder relations within the energy infrastructure sector.

• Industry Certifications: Opportunities to pursue or maintain relevant professional body memberships and certifications (e.g., MIET, MICE, APM).

• Mentorship and Leadership: Gaining experience in mentoring junior design managers and contributing to the development of the design team.

• Exposure to Large-Scale Projects: Working on significant infrastructure projects like Project Harker provides invaluable experience and a strong addition to your professional profile.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges inherent in managing large-scale, complex infrastructure projects, which also translate into substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex design programme for a large infrastructure project. What were the key challenges, how did you address them, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on programme management, problem-solving, and results).

• "How do you ensure design compliance with client-specific standards (e.g., National Grid) and regulatory requirements (e.g., CDM) throughout the design lifecycle?" (Focus on technical assurance, quality control, and regulatory understanding).

• "Walk me through your process for managing design changes and variations under an NEC contract. How do you assess impacts on cost and programme?" (Focus on NEC contract knowledge, commercial awareness, and change control). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Omexom and VINCI Energies, and why are you interested in this specific role on Project Harker?" (Demonstrate research and genuine interest).

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders, including clients and site delivery teams?" (Focus on collaboration style and stakeholder management).

• "How do you apply Omexom's values of Team Spirit, Trust, Integrity, and Innovation in your daily work as a Design Manager?" (Relate your experience to their stated values). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the scope, your role, the challenges, your specific actions (processes used, decisions made), and the quantifiable results (schedule, cost, quality, safety).

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize projects involving HV substations, transmission infrastructure, and experience with UK clients like National Grid.

• Demonstrate Process Mastery: Showcase your understanding and application of design programme management, technical assurance frameworks, risk assessment, and change control procedures, particularly within NEC contracts.

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the value you brought to each project and how your management contributed to successful outcomes.

• Prepare for Deep Dives: Be ready to answer detailed questions about the technical aspects, contractual implications, and stakeholder interactions within your presented projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical, hands-on experience in managing the operational aspects of design within the energy infrastructure sector, with a strong emphasis on project delivery, contractual compliance, and stakeholder management.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your CV and supporting documents to prominently highlight your experience in HV substation projects, National Grid standards, NEC contracts, CDM regulations, and project leadership. Prepare 2-3 detailed case studies for your portfolio that specifically showcase your design management capabilities in these areas.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 8+ years of experience, focusing on achievements and responsibilities directly related to managing design programmes, technical assurance, stakeholder engagement, and commercial control. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioural questions. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail and be ready to answer scenario-based questions related to design challenges in high-voltage substation projects.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Omexom UK, VINCI Energies, and Project Harker. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. Familiarize yourself with the UK energy transmission sector and the typical challenges faced by companies like Omexom.

⚠️ 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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