Engineering Design Manager (Electrical)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Engineering Design Manager (Electrical)

Company: Designer Group

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Design Management (Electrical)

Date Posted: 2026-05-19T16:31:38.96

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction and execution of electrical engineering design from tender through commissioning for complex projects.

• Act as the senior electrical authority, influencing project engineering, buildability, and overall delivery strategy.

• Manage and collaborate with external design consultants, supply chain partners, and internal project teams to ensure design alignment with programme, cost, and technical objectives.

• Drive continuous improvement in design processes, quality assurance, and engineering standards across the organization.

• Foster the development of junior and graduate engineers, contributing to the growth of the internal engineering talent pool.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior technical leadership position within electrical engineering, emphasizing strategic influence beyond typical design management. The "not a coordination role" statement highlights a need for deep technical expertise and proactive problem-solving, rather than just oversight.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the electrical design strategy from the initial tender phase through to final project commissioning, ensuring a cohesive and integrated approach.

• Provide critical value engineering and buildability input during the preconstruction and estimation phases, optimizing project feasibility and cost-effectiveness.

• Manage, challenge, and guide external design consultants and supply chain partners to ensure adherence to project specifications and performance standards.

• Oversee the technical review of submissions, drawings, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) models, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

• Deliver on-site engineering support throughout the project lifecycle, bridging the gap between design intent and practical execution.

• Ensure rigorous testing, commissioning, and quality assurance processes are implemented and successfully completed.

• Maintain strict compliance with relevant industry standards, including BS7671, NICEIC, and Designer Group's internal engineering standards.

• Collaborate closely with SAP (presumably Safety Assurance Professionals or similar) for Low Voltage (LV) and High Voltage (HV) systems, ensuring safe and effective system integration.

• Support the professional development and mentorship of junior and graduate electrical engineers.

• Actively contribute to the continuous improvement initiatives for Designer Group's design and Quality Assurance (QA) processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a hands-on, senior technical lead role. The emphasis on "value engineering," "buildability," "on-site engineering support," and "testing, commissioning, and quality assurance" indicates a need for practical, end-to-end project lifecycle understanding within an M&E contracting environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in electrical engineering, specifically within an M&E contractor environment.

• Demonstrated track record in managing both design and site delivery aspects of projects is critical.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in Electrical Design Strategy and full project lifecycle management.

• Strong proficiency in Project Delivery, encompassing both preconstruction and on-site execution.

• Advanced skills in Value Engineering and Buildability assessments.

• Proficient in reviewing Technical Submissions, Drawings, and BIM Models.

• In-depth knowledge of Testing and Commissioning procedures for electrical systems.

• Robust understanding of Quality Assurance (QA) processes and implementation.

• Excellent Stakeholder Management skills, with the ability to influence across various teams.

• Practical knowledge of LV/HV Systems, including safe integration.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Commercial, Infrastructure, or Mission-Critical projects.

• Strong technical judgment and a practical, buildable mindset.

• Familiarity with SAP (Safety Assurance Professionals or similar) for LV/HV systems.

• Experience in mentoring and developing junior engineering talent.

• Knowledge of NICEIC standards and compliance frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "strong background across design and site delivery (critical)" and "deep understanding of electrical systems, standards and compliance (BS7671, 18th Edition)" are key differentiators. The "10+ years" experience combined with an M&E contractor background positions this as a senior role requiring significant practical, hands-on industry experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable case studies showcasing leadership in electrical design strategy from tender to commissioning.

• Examples of successful value engineering and buildability initiatives that resulted in tangible cost savings or efficiency gains.

• Documentation or evidence of managing and technically challenging external consultants and subcontractors, with clear outcomes.

• Proof of ensuring design delivery alignment with programme, cost, and technical requirements on past projects.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow designs illustrating the integration of electrical design, preconstruction, and on-site delivery.

• Protocols for managing testing, commissioning, and quality assurance processes, with examples of successful implementation.

• Documentation detailing compliance adherence to BS7671, NICEIC, and internal DG engineering standards.

• Case studies on the safe integration of LV/HV systems, including collaboration with SAP.

• Examples of contributions to continuous improvement of design and QA processes within previous organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates will likely need to showcase a portfolio that not only highlights technical design competence but also strategic project management, commercial awareness (value engineering, buildability), and leadership in managing external parties and internal teams. The emphasis on BS7671 and NICEIC suggests that documented compliance and quality control processes will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Negotiable, aligned with experience.

• Research Methodology: For a senior Engineering Design Manager (Electrical) role in London with 10+ years of experience in M&E contracting, typical salary ranges can vary significantly based on the specific project portfolio and company size. Based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in London, a competitive salary could range from £75,000 to £100,000 per annum, with potential for higher remuneration for exceptionally experienced candidates or those with specialized project experience (e.g., mission-critical).

Benefits:

• 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays, providing ample time for rest and personal pursuits.

• Private family healthcare coverage, offering comprehensive medical support for the employee and their dependents.

• Pension scheme with a 7% employer contribution and a 5% employee contribution, supporting long-term financial security.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility given the hybrid work arrangement and the nature of project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Negotiable (aligned to experience)" salary indicates that the company is willing to invest in top talent. The benefits package is standard for senior professional roles in the UK, with the "long-term career development" being a significant draw for ambitious candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, and Building Services. Designer Group operates within a dynamic sector that requires a blend of technical expertise, project management, and client relations.

Company Size: The company is actively scaling and investing in its engineering capability, suggesting a growing organization that offers opportunities for impact and advancement. The specific size isn't provided, but the growth narrative implies a mature organization with potential for dynamism.

Founded: Information not provided, but the emphasis on scaling and investment suggests a forward-looking company.

Team Structure:

• The role will involve working closely with project teams, supply chain partners, and clients, indicating a highly collaborative and cross-functional environment.

• The Electrical Design Manager will be the senior electrical authority, suggesting a leadership position within the engineering function.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on integrating design and delivery, ensuring practical and compliant engineering solutions.

• Focus on value engineering and buildability from the early stages of a project.

• Commitment to continuous improvement in design and Quality Assurance (QA) processes.

• Adherence to stringent industry standards (BS7671, NICEIC) and internal engineering standards.

Company Website: designergrp.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value practical engineering, strategic influence, and growth. The emphasis on "real input into how projects are engineered" suggests an environment where experienced professionals can make a significant impact beyond traditional management.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a Senior Management or Principal Engineer level within the Electrical Engineering discipline. It carries significant responsibility for design strategy, technical authority, and project delivery excellence. The focus is on strategic leadership and hands-on technical guidance rather than purely administrative management.

Reporting Structure: The role involves leading electrical design strategy and working closely with project teams, supply chain, and clients. It also includes supporting and developing junior engineers, suggesting a direct reporting line to senior project or operational leadership, and a supervisory role over junior staff.

Operations Impact: The Electrical Design Manager directly influences project success by ensuring designs are practical, compliant, and aligned with programme and commercial objectives. Their input impacts buildability, cost-effectiveness, and the overall quality and safety of the delivered projects, contributing directly to the company's reputation and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like LV/HV systems, mission-critical infrastructure, or advanced BIM integration through complex projects.

• Leadership Progression: Advance to higher leadership roles such as Head of Electrical Engineering, Director of Engineering, or broader Project Director positions, potentially overseeing multiple disciplines or larger project portfolios across the UK and Europe.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Lead initiatives to further refine and optimize the company's design and QA methodologies, becoming a subject matter expert in operational efficiency.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gain exposure to other engineering disciplines (e.g., Mechanical, Public Health) and project management aspects through involvement in diverse UK and European projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly framed as having "real input into how projects are engineered," indicating a strategic partnership rather than a purely execution role. The mention of "long-term career development across UK & European projects" is a strong indicator of structured growth pathways.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a blend of remote work and on-site presence, likely at one of the company's offices or project sites in London.

Office Location(s): Primarily London, England, United Kingdom. Specific office locations are not detailed but would be relevant for understanding commute and local team dynamics.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with project teams, consultants, supply chain partners, and clients, fostering a dynamic and interactive workspace.

• Technical Focus: Access to relevant design software, BIM tools, and potentially on-site project facilities.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to mentor junior engineers and engage with senior leadership, contributing to a supportive and growth-oriented team atmosphere.

Work Schedule: While specified as Full-Time, the hybrid nature and project-driven demands may offer some flexibility, though adherence to project timelines and critical site activities will be paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid" work arrangement suggests a modern approach to work-life balance, though the "critical" requirement for site delivery means significant on-site presence will be necessary for project success.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and application, focusing on the required 10+ years of M&E contracting experience, design and site delivery background, and relevant qualifications (Degree/HNC, 18th Edition).

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion on electrical engineering principles, BS7671 compliance, LV/HV systems, value engineering, and buildability. Expect scenario-based questions related to managing consultants and resolving technical challenges.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation and discussion of past projects, highlighting leadership in design strategy, project delivery, and problem-solving. Focus on demonstrating impact, collaboration, and technical judgment.

• Stakeholder/Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of ability to influence stakeholders, work within a team, and align with Designer Group's values of continuous improvement and practical engineering.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type or by key responsibility areas (e.g., Design Strategy, Project Delivery, Team Management).

• Content: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, compliance achievements).

• Technical Depth: Showcase specific examples of technical problem-solving, design reviews, and compliance management (BS7671, NICEIC).

• Collaboration Evidence: Include examples of how you managed consultants, subcontractors, and internal teams, emphasizing communication and influence.

• Process Improvement: Highlight any contributions you made to improving design or QA processes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss specific technical challenges encountered in previous projects and how you overcame them.

• Anticipate questions about managing conflicting priorities between design, cost, and programme.

• Prepare to articulate your approach to value engineering and buildability assessments.

• Think about how you would mentor junior engineers and contribute to a positive team culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "real input into how projects are engineered" suggests interviewers will probe for strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities, not just task execution. The portfolio should clearly demonstrate how the candidate has influenced project outcomes through technical expertise and leadership.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• BIM Software: Proficiency in reviewing and potentially contributing to BIM models (e.g., Revit, Navisworks) will be essential for design coordination and clash detection.

• CAD Software: Familiarity with standard CAD platforms for reviewing electrical drawings.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools used for project scheduling, tracking, and communication (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar).

• Estimation & Costing Software: Understanding of tools used in preconstruction for estimating and value engineering.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to interpret and generate reports from project management and design software.

• Data Analysis: Competency in analyzing project data related to cost, schedule, and technical performance.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not a direct sales role, understanding CRM principles for client interaction and project tracking may be beneficial.

• Automation Tools: Awareness of how automation can be applied in design processes, testing, or reporting to enhance efficiency.

• Integration Tools: Understanding of how different software platforms (e.g., design, project management, estimation) integrate to streamline workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't explicitly list software, the responsibilities imply a need for strong technical proficiency in industry-standard engineering design and project management tools. BIM is specifically mentioned, and familiarity with LV/HV system design software would be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to high standards in electrical engineering design and delivery, ensuring compliance and quality.

• Practicality & Buildability: Emphasis on designs that are feasible to construct efficiently and effectively on-site.

• Collaboration & Influence: Working effectively with diverse teams (designers, clients, supply chain) and influencing decisions to achieve project goals.

• Continuous Improvement: Dedication to refining design processes, QA procedures, and overall engineering capabilities.

• Growth & Development: Supporting the professional growth of team members and contributing to the company's expanding engineering capacity.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamlessly working with project managers, estimators, site teams, and external consultants to ensure a unified approach to project delivery.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and clear communication channels to address challenges, share insights, and ensure alignment across all project stakeholders.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Actively contributing to the development of junior engineers and fostering a culture of shared learning and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture seems geared towards experienced professionals who can provide strategic technical leadership and contribute to both project success and organizational growth. The emphasis on "real input" and "continuous improvement" suggests an environment that values proactive contribution and innovation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Integrity with Commercial Constraints: Effectively managing client expectations, programme deadlines, and cost targets while upholding rigorous engineering standards.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Navigating the needs and priorities of multiple parties, including clients, consultants, subcontractors, and internal departments.

• Ensuring Consistent Quality Across Projects: Implementing and maintaining high-quality design and QA processes across a portfolio of potentially varied projects.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies and Standards: Staying current with advancements in electrical engineering, BIM, and regulatory compliance (e.g., updates to BS7671).

• Mentoring and Developing Junior Talent: Effectively guiding and supporting the growth of less experienced engineers to build team capacity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas of electrical engineering, such as advanced LV/HV systems, renewable energy integration, or smart building technologies.

• Project Management Skills: Further development in project leadership, contract management, and commercial acumen through involvement in larger or more complex projects.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Potential for participation in industry events and pursuit of advanced certifications relevant to electrical engineering and project management.

• Leadership Development: Formal and informal mentorship opportunities to prepare for broader leadership roles within Designer Group's expanding operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for growth by tackling complex projects and contributing to the company's expansion. The challenges are typical of senior engineering management roles, requiring strong technical acumen, leadership, and strategic thinking.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading electrical design strategy from tender through to commissioning." (Focus on your process, key decision points, and how you ensure alignment.)

• "How do you ensure designs are practical and buildable, especially when working with external consultants?" (Provide examples of value engineering or constructability reviews you've led.)

• "Walk me through a time you had to manage or challenge a design consultant or subcontractor who wasn't meeting standards. What was the outcome?" (Highlight your negotiation, technical judgment, and problem-solving skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Designer Group and this specific role?" (Research the company's projects and values; connect your experience to their growth narrative.)

• "How would you contribute to the continuous improvement of DG's design and QA processes?" (Think about specific areas based on the job description and your own experience.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select impactful projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your leadership in electrical design strategy, site delivery, and stakeholder management.

• Quantify your achievements: Use metrics wherever possible (e.g., cost savings from value engineering, schedule adherence, reduction in site issues).

• Highlight your influence: Clearly articulate your specific contributions and how you influenced project outcomes.

• Be ready to discuss challenges: Prepare to talk about the difficulties you faced and how you overcame them.

• Demonstrate technical depth: Be ready to elaborate on technical aspects, compliance issues, and system integrations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss specific examples demonstrating their ability to influence, manage, and deliver complex electrical engineering projects in an M&E contracting environment. The interview will likely assess not just technical knowledge but also leadership potential and strategic thinking.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Engineering Design Manager (Electrical) position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workable link.

• Customize your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 10+ years of experience in electrical engineering within M&E contracting, emphasizing your dual expertise in design and site delivery. Use keywords from the job description such as "Electrical Design Strategy," "Project Delivery," "BS7671," "LV/HV Systems," and "Value Engineering."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a concise portfolio showcasing 2-3 key projects. For each, prepare a brief overview of your role, the technical challenges, your strategic solutions (especially regarding design, buildability, and compliance), and any quantifiable results. Be ready to present this during an interview.

• Research Designer Group: Familiarize yourself with the company's website (designergrp.com), recent projects, and any publicly available information on their values and culture. Understand their focus on scaling and investing in engineering capability.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, particularly those focusing on technical leadership, stakeholder management, problem-solving, and your approach to ensuring design quality and compliance.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions based on the provided data. Details regarding specific tools, exact team structure, and precise interview stages should be verified directly with Designer Group during the application process.