Design Manager - Transmission & Distribution

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Transmission & Distribution

Company: AECOM

Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering Management / Operations

Date Posted: August 06, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years implied)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary engineering design projects within the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) sector, focusing on projects like the UK National Grid's Great Grid Partnership.

• Act as a Technical Project Manager, overseeing the entire project lifecycle from concept and FEED through to detailed design and delivery for complex infrastructure initiatives.

• Drive technical excellence, safety, and quality assurance across all design phases, ensuring compliance with industry best practices, codes, and client standards.

• Foster strong client relationships and support business development efforts, contributing to AECOM's growth in the energy infrastructure consulting space.

• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to engineering teams, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within the T&D business line.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Design Manager in Transmission & Distribution at AECOM, particularly with involvement in large-scale programs like the Great Grid Partnership, signifies a critical operational leadership position. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise in power systems engineering and robust project management capabilities to navigate complex, multi-stakeholder environments. The emphasis on "Safety by Design" and "design optimization" highlights a focus on operational efficiency, risk mitigation, and long-term asset value, aligning with core revenue and sales operations principles of driving predictable outcomes and managing resources effectively.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end engineering design process for T&D projects, from initial concept and Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) through detailed engineering and construction support.

• Manage project teams, including Discipline Leads and engineers across various specialisms (substation primary, cables, protection & control, civils, overhead lines, environmental), ensuring effective resource allocation and coordination.

• Act as the primary technical point of contact for clients and stakeholders, leading project and client meetings to communicate progress, address concerns, and ensure alignment.

• Ensure all design submissions strictly adhere to relevant codes, industry standards, AECOM's design management processes, and client-specific requirements.

• Implement and champion a "Safety by Design" culture, integrating safety, health, environmental, sustainability, and quality considerations into every stage of the design lifecycle.

• Conduct internal reviews and quality checks of engineering deliverables, including complex designs, calculations, reports, proposals, and drawing packages, to maintain high technical standards.

• Identify and drive opportunities for design optimization, cost efficiencies, and innovative solutions that enhance constructability and long-term asset operability.

• Support proposal preparation, including scope definition, budget estimation, schedule development, and participation in contract negotiations, contributing to AECOM's business development objectives.

• Manage project budgets, schedules, procurement activities, and proactively identify and mitigate design challenges and risks.

• Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and professional development support to junior engineers and team members, fostering growth and expertise within the T&D engineering discipline.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities clearly indicate a focus on operational execution within a project-based delivery model. The emphasis on managing multiple disciplines, client interactions, and adherence to standards points to a need for strong process governance and risk management, which are foundational to effective revenue and sales operations. The inclusion of proposal support and business development highlights the role's contribution to the commercial pipeline, a key metric for operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Degree qualified in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, or an equivalent technical discipline. Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in managing complex, multi-discipline engineering design projects within the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) or related large infrastructure sectors (e.g., renewables).

• Proven track record of meeting delivery requirements for clients in the UK & Ireland.

• Experience working with National Grid and other Transmission System Operator (TSO) projects is highly advantageous.

• Significant experience in managing the entire project lifecycle, from concept and FEED to detailed engineering and project close-out. Required Skills:

• Transmission & Distribution Engineering: In-depth understanding of T&D systems, including substations, cabling, overhead lines, and protection & control systems.

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage complex, multi-disciplinary projects, including scope, schedule, budget, and resource planning.

• Technical Leadership: Ability to guide and mentor engineering teams, ensuring high technical standards and quality of deliverables.

• Client Relationship Management: Strong skills in building and maintaining effective relationships with clients and stakeholders.

• Safety & Quality Assurance: Commitment to "Safety by Design" principles and ensuring adherence to quality standards and regulatory compliance.

• Design Optimization: Capability to identify and implement design improvements for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and constructability.

• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement and reporting.

Preferred Skills:

• Chartership: Chartered Engineer status or equivalent professional accreditation (e.g., LCDAE, CDAE).

• Business Development: Experience in identifying new opportunities, contributing to proposals, and participating in contract negotiations.

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

• Renewables Integration: Experience with the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid.

• Environmental & Permitting: Understanding of environmental assessment processes and permitting requirements for infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications list strongly emphasizes technical engineering depth within the T&D domain, coupled with essential project management and client-facing skills. The preference for Chartered status and experience with specific clients like National Grid indicates a need for seasoned professionals who can operate autonomously and with a high degree of credibility. These attributes are crucial for roles that bridge technical execution with business objectives, common in operations leadership.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Management Case Studies: Demonstrations of successfully managed multi-disciplinary T&D design projects, highlighting scope, timeline, budget adherence, and key challenges overcome.

• Design Optimization Examples: Specific instances where design improvements were implemented, detailing the proposed changes, their impact on cost, safety, constructability, or operability, and the achieved results.

• Technical Deliverable Samples: Examples of reviewed engineering drawings, calculations, reports, or proposals that showcase attention to detail, adherence to standards, and technical accuracy.

• Client Engagement Documentation: Evidence of client interaction, such as meeting minutes, presentation materials, or correspondence that illustrates effective communication and relationship management.

Process Documentation:

• Design Management Frameworks: Documentation outlining AECOM's or a previous employer's structured approach to managing design projects, including phases, key gate reviews, and stakeholder involvement.

• Risk Management Protocols: Examples of how design risks were identified, assessed, and mitigated throughout the project lifecycle.

• Quality Assurance Procedures: Documentation of quality control processes, including review checklists, approval workflows, and methods for ensuring compliance with standards and specifications.

• Collaboration & Communication Workflows: Demonstrated processes for effective cross-functional team collaboration and communication, especially when integrating diverse engineering disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio is critical for showcasing practical application of skills. The emphasis should be on quantifiable achievements in project delivery, cost savings through optimization, and effective team/client management. This aligns with operations' focus on measurable outcomes and process efficiency. The request for documentation of frameworks and protocols highlights the expectation of understanding and implementing structured operational processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the location (Birmingham, UK), the hybrid work model, the seniority implied by "Design Manager" with 5-10 years of experience, and the specialized nature of Transmission & Distribution engineering, the estimated salary range is £55,000 - £75,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar engineering management roles in the UK, considering the demand for specialized skills in the energy sector and the prestige of AECOM as an employer.

Benefits:

• Career Development Opportunities: Access to training programs, professional development resources, and pathways for advancement within AECOM.

• Flexible Hybrid Working Model: Options to balance office-based work with remote working, promoting work-life balance.

• Technical Practice Networks: Opportunities to connect with and learn from specialists across various engineering disciplines within AECOM globally.

• AECOM University: Access to a dedicated learning platform for continuous skill enhancement and knowledge acquisition.

• Volunteering Days: Paid time off to contribute to community initiatives and social responsibility programs.

• Pension Scheme: Comprehensive pension contributions to support long-term financial security.

• Health and Well-being Programs: Access to employee assistance programs, health insurance, and well-being initiatives.

• Life Assurance: Coverage providing financial security for dependents.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week, with a hybrid working arrangement allowing for flexibility in how and where these hours are fulfilled, subject to project needs and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and Payscale data for "Engineering Design Manager" or "Project Manager - Engineering" in Birmingham, UK, with adjustments for the specialized T&D sector and AECOM's market position. The benefits listed are directly from the job description, highlighting AECOM's commitment to employee growth and well-being, which are attractive to operations professionals seeking stability and development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering. AECOM operates globally, providing a wide range of services across transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and environmental sectors. This specific role falls within the Energy business line, focusing on Transmission & Distribution (T&D).

Company Size: AECOM is a large, publicly traded Fortune 500 company with over 50,000 employees worldwide. This scale offers significant opportunities for career progression, access to diverse projects, and robust internal resources.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910, boasting a long history and extensive experience in delivering complex infrastructure projects globally. This legacy suggests a culture that values stability, expertise, and long-term client relationships.

Team Structure:

• The Transmission & Distribution (T&D) Engineering team is part of the broader Energy business line. It comprises specialized engineers and design professionals focused on power systems analysis, substations, cabling, protection, SCADA, and HVDC systems.

• This role will likely report to a Director or Senior Manager within the T&D business line, with direct management responsibility for project teams and Discipline Leads.

• Collaboration is expected to be highly cross-functional, involving other engineering disciplines, project managers, commercial teams, and potentially global AECOM Enterprise Capability offices. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Decisions and optimizations are informed by technical analysis, simulations, and performance data.

• Systematic Project Delivery: AECOM employs structured project management methodologies to ensure predictable outcomes, manage risks, and maintain quality across diverse projects.

• Innovation & Technology Integration: A focus on leveraging cutting-edge technology and digital solutions to enhance design capabilities and project delivery.

• Client-Centric Approach: Prioritizing client needs and expectations, fostering strong partnerships to achieve mutual success.

Company Website: https://aecom.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's size and global reach provide a stable yet dynamic environment. For operations professionals, this means access to well-defined processes, sophisticated tools, and opportunities for diverse project exposure, while also requiring adaptability to large organizational structures. The emphasis on "delivering a better world" and "solving complex challenges" suggests a mission-driven culture that appeals to individuals seeking impactful work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior management level, requiring significant technical expertise and proven project leadership. It bridges the gap between detailed technical execution and strategic project oversight, with a focus on operational delivery within the T&D sector.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the Energy business line, such as an Operations Director or a T&D Sector Lead. They will manage project teams, including Discipline Leads and individual engineers, coordinating efforts across multiple specialized areas.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is directly tied to the successful, on-time, and on-budget delivery of critical infrastructure projects. By ensuring design integrity, safety, and efficiency, they contribute to AECOM's reputation, client satisfaction, and profitability, directly influencing revenue generation and project pipeline health. Effective management of design processes also minimizes costly rework and potential project delays, safeguarding project margins.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific T&D technologies (e.g., HVDC, grid modernization) or gain broader knowledge across multiple infrastructure sectors.

• Project Leadership: Progress to managing larger, more complex, or strategically significant programs, potentially leading to Director-level positions.

• Business Development & Commercial Acumen: Develop skills in client engagement, proposal management, and contract negotiation, moving towards roles with greater commercial responsibility.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on international projects or relocate to other AECOM offices worldwide.

• Mentorship & Team Building: Develop leadership skills by mentoring teams and contributing to talent development within AECOM.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager in this context is typically upward within project delivery or outward into broader operational leadership or business development roles. The "Freedom to Grow" ethos at AECOM suggests a supportive environment for career progression, with clear pathways for individuals who demonstrate technical excellence and leadership capabilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM operates a hybrid work model. This role is based at the Birmingham office, with the expectation of working a portion of the week from the office and the remainder remotely. The Birmingham office is located at Colmore Plaza, a modern business hub.

Office Location(s): Primary location is Birmingham, UK (Colmore Plaza). The role also supports projects across the UK & Ireland, and potentially leverages global Enterprise Capability offices.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages collaboration through scheduled office days, team meetings, and project-specific workshops. The office space is likely designed to facilitate teamwork.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to AECOM's standard engineering software, project management platforms, and digital collaboration tools will be provided to support design and communication.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with project teams, Discipline Leads, senior management, and clients, both in person and virtually.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. The hybrid model offers flexibility in structuring these hours, allowing for better integration of personal commitments with professional responsibilities, crucial for managing demanding project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment at AECOM in Birmingham is designed to offer a balance between structured office collaboration and the flexibility of remote work. This model is increasingly standard for operations roles, enabling efficient project execution while supporting employee well-being. The emphasis on integrated technology underscores the operational reliance on digital tools for seamless workflow.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application by HR or a recruitment specialist to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the Hiring Manager (likely a Director or Senior Manager in T&D) focusing on your technical expertise, project management experience, and understanding of T&D projects. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your career.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to present a case study from your portfolio showcasing a complex design project you managed, focusing on challenges, solutions, and outcomes. This could involve a technical problem-solving exercise related to T&D design.

• Team/Panel Interview: Interviews with potential colleagues, Discipline Leads, or other senior team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and your ability to integrate into the existing team dynamics.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader for final approval, focusing on strategic fit and long-term potential within AECOM.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best represent your experience in managing complex, multi-disciplinary T&D design projects.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline: the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the design process/methodology used, key decisions made, technical solutions implemented, stakeholder management, and quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, safety improvements).

• Highlight "Safety by Design" & Optimization: Specifically showcase instances where you actively promoted safety and achieved design efficiencies.

• Demonstrate Technical Depth: Be ready to discuss the technical aspects of your projects, the standards you adhered to, and any complex engineering challenges you resolved.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handled difficult stakeholders, and how you measured project success.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand AECOM's Projects: Research AECOM's current T&D portfolio, especially their work with National Grid (e.g., Great Grid Partnership) to understand their strategic priorities and operational challenges.

• Review T&D Standards: Refresh your knowledge of relevant UK/EU standards and regulations for transmission and distribution infrastructure.

• Practice Presentation Skills: Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure clarity, conciseness, and impact. Focus on storytelling that highlights your operational leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to rigorously assess both technical capability and operational leadership. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates process, challenges, and measurable outcomes is crucial. Candidates should prepare to defend their decisions and demonstrate strategic thinking relevant to AECOM's business objectives in the T&D sector.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for schedule, budget, and resource management.

• CAD & Design Software: Familiarity with industry-standard CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD) and potentially specialized design software relevant to T&D (e.g., Bentley Systems suite for substation design, ETAP for power system analysis).

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency in using Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for team communication, document sharing, and virtual meetings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from project management systems and engineering analyses to track progress, identify trends, and inform decisions.

• Reporting Software: Experience in generating project status reports, performance metrics, and financial summaries.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct sales role, understanding CRM principles for client management and tracking business development activities may be beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Awareness of how automation can streamline design processes, document management, and reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is primarily engineering-focused, proficiency with project management and collaboration tools is essential for operational efficiency. Familiarity with specialized T&D design software is a significant advantage, indicating the need for candidates who can hit the ground running with AECOM's existing technology stack.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding AECOM's Code of Conduct and ethical standards in all dealings, especially with clients and stakeholders.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality engineering designs that meet or exceed industry standards and client expectations.

• Safety First: A deeply ingrained "Safety by Design" culture, prioritizing the well-being of project teams, end-users, and the public.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where diverse teams work together effectively to achieve common project goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and proactive approaches to optimize processes, designs, and project delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with various engineering disciplines, project managers, and commercial teams to ensure seamless project execution.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and transparent communication channels with all stakeholders, providing regular updates and addressing issues promptly.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in internal forums, technical networks, and team discussions to share best practices and lessons learned.

• Client-Focused Partnership: Building strong, trust-based relationships with clients through responsiveness, reliability, and a deep understanding of their needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values emphasize integrity, excellence, and collaboration, which are critical for successful operational teams. A candidate's ability to demonstrate these values through their actions and communication style will be key to fitting into the team culture and contributing effectively to project success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Interdependencies: Successfully coordinating multiple engineering disciplines, client requirements, and regulatory frameworks on large-scale T&D projects.

• Balancing Project Demands: Effectively managing competing priorities, tight deadlines, and resource constraints while maintaining high quality and safety standards.

• Navigating Stakeholder Expectations: Aligning diverse stakeholder interests, including clients, regulatory bodies, and internal teams, to ensure project alignment and buy-in.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of rapid advancements in T&D technology and digital tools to ensure designs remain current and efficient.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses and certifications in areas like HVDC systems, grid modernization, or renewable integration.

• Project Management Certifications: Support for pursuing or maintaining certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to enhance management, coaching, and strategic planning skills through AECOM's internal programs.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Participation in key industry events to network, learn about emerging trends, and represent AECOM.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders or to mentor junior staff, fostering a strong learning culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior engineering management roles in complex industries. AECOM's commitment to learning and development provides a structured pathway for individuals to overcome these challenges and advance their careers, aligning personal growth with the company's operational needs.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex, multi-disciplinary engineering design project from concept to completion. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure successful delivery?" (Focus on project lifecycle management, problem-solving, and team coordination).

• "How do you foster a 'Safety by Design' culture within an engineering team? Provide an example of how you've implemented this principle and its impact." (Assess commitment to safety and proactive risk management).

• "Walk me through your process for identifying and driving design optimization and cost efficiencies on infrastructure projects. What metrics do you use to measure success?" (Evaluate analytical skills and focus on operational efficiency and ROI). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of AECOM and the T&D sector, what do you see as the biggest operational challenges facing the industry today, and how would you address them in this role?" (Gauge industry awareness and strategic thinking).

• "How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication across diverse engineering disciplines and with external stakeholders?" (Assess interpersonal and team-building skills).

• "AECOM emphasizes 'delivering a better world.' How do you see this role contributing to that mission through effective design management?" (Understand alignment with company values and impact). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach, the operational execution, and the tangible results. Use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Quantify Your Impact: Wherever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate the impact of your management and design decisions (e.g., percentage cost savings, schedule improvements, reduction in design errors).

• Focus on "How": Explain your decision-making process, your methodologies, and how you managed challenges, rather than just listing achievements.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about the technical specifics of your projects and your understanding of T&D engineering principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical competence but also strong operational leadership, strategic thinking, and a commitment to AECOM's values. Candidates should be ready to showcase their ability to manage complex processes, mitigate risks, and drive efficiency in a project-based environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form via the provided link on smartrecruiters.com.

• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV highlights your experience in Transmission & Distribution, multi-disciplinary project management, and client engagement, using keywords from the job description such as "Design Manager," "Transmission & Distribution," "Project Management," "FEED," and "Safety by Design."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your capabilities in managing complex T&D design projects. Structure your case studies to clearly articulate challenges, your role, solutions, and quantifiable results, with a specific focus on design optimization and safety.

• Research AECOM: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's recent projects in the T&D sector, their company values, and their approach to infrastructure development, particularly their involvement with the UK National Grid.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that demonstrate your leadership, technical expertise, and problem-solving skills. Rehearse your portfolio presentation for clarity and impact.

⚠️ 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.