Head of Design - Gas

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design - Gas

Company: IES Utilities Group LTD

Location: Manchester, United Kingdom

Job Type: Permanent

Category: Engineering / Design Management (Utilities Infrastructure)

Date Posted: 2026-08-16

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead, build, and manage a new in-house Design Department focused on multi-disciplinary utility infrastructure projects, with a strong emphasis on gas networks.

• Ensure the safe, compliant, and efficient delivery of all design outputs, from concept to as-builts, adhering to stringent industry standards and regulations.

• Provide critical technical leadership and design governance, acting as the ultimate technical authority for design and temporary works.

• Drive business growth by enhancing the company's end-to-end service offering and positioning IES as a trusted design and build partner.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw job description indicates a focus on "Gas" in the title, but the core responsibilities and requirements mention a broader scope of Power, Gas, Water, Telecoms, and District Heating infrastructure. The enhancement will reflect this broader utility infrastructure focus while acknowledging the explicit mention of Gas.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Establish and scale the Design Department, defining its operational scope, robust processes, and high-level standards for design delivery.

• Develop and execute a strategic design capability roadmap that directly supports the company's overall business growth objectives.

• Provide direct line management and mentorship to a multi-disciplinary team of design engineers and CAD technicians, fostering a high-performance culture.

• Oversee the complete design lifecycle, ensuring the quality and compliance of all design outputs, including concept, FEED, detailed design, and final as-built documentation.

• Ensure strict adherence to all relevant industry standards, including IGEM, BS/EN, DWI, National Grid/ENA specifications, and CDM Regulations.

• Chair critical design reviews, HAZOP studies, and technical assurance meetings to validate design integrity and safety.

• Assume the role of Design Interim (DI) for Temporary Works, establishing, implementing, and overseeing company procedures for temporary works design.

• Appoint and manage competent individuals for Temporary Works Co-ordinator (TWC) and Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS) roles, ensuring a robust temporary works framework.

• Act as the lead technical authority, approving and signing off all designs to ensure compliance and safety.

• Conduct regular, systematic design and temporary works design audits to maintain quality and identify areas for improvement.

• Act as Principal Designer under CDM Regulations where required, ensuring compliance and managing design risk throughout project lifecycles.

• Maintain and continuously improve the company's design management system in line with ISO 9001 and ISO 19650 standards.

• Ensure risk assessments and design risk registers are thoroughly embedded within the design process, proactively identifying and mitigating potential hazards.

• Support bid and tender processes by accurately scoping design solutions and estimating required design effort and resources.

• Engage proactively with clients' engineering teams to build strong relationships and reinforce the company's position as a reliable design and build provider.

• Manage subcontract design partners effectively when specialized expertise is required, ensuring seamless integration and quality control.

• Support the pre-construction phase of major projects through effective design coordination and planning.

• Assist in establishing and deploying efficient pre-construction processes and controls to ensure smooth project transitions from pre-construction to construction phases.

• Build and lead a functional multi-discipline pre-construction design coordination team as the business expands.

• Recruit, mentor, and develop design engineering talent to build a skilled and motivated team.

• Manage the design department budget, including forecasting, cost control, and P&L responsibility for design services.

• Champion and promote the adoption of digital engineering practices and Building Information Modeling (BIM) across the design function.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been expanded to detail the specific actions and outcomes expected from a Head of Design in a growing utility infrastructure company, emphasizing leadership, technical oversight, compliance, and commercial acumen. The temporary works responsibilities have been detailed due to their critical safety implications.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or actively working towards it, with professional registration in a relevant discipline (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Process Engineering).

• Possession of a relevant professional certificate or a degree in an engineering discipline. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in engineering design, with a significant portion focused on utilities and infrastructure projects.

• Proven track record of successfully delivering design solutions within Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) or Design & Build (D&B) project environments.

• Demonstrable experience in managing and developing design teams, including line management responsibilities.

• Experience in implementing and managing design assurance processes, particularly for safety-critical assets.

• Substantial experience in navigating and applying industry standards, regulations, and specific requirements from utility companies and Distribution Network Operators (DNOs).

• Experience in managing departmental budgets, including forecasting and P&L responsibility for design services. Required Skills:

• Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to establish, lead, and develop high-performing multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

• Utilities Infrastructure Design: Deep understanding and practical experience in designing gas, water, power, and telecommunications infrastructure.

• CDM Regulations & Temporary Works: Comprehensive knowledge and application of CDM Regulations, including acting as Principal Designer and managing Temporary Works design and delivery.

• Design Governance & Assurance: Expertise in establishing and implementing design management systems (ISO 9001/19650), conducting design reviews, HAZOPs, and technical assurance.

• Digital Engineering & BIM: Proficiency and experience with digital engineering tools, including AutoCAD, Revit, 3D modelling software, and BIM principles.

• Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of commercial aspects, including scoping design efforts for bids, managing design budgets, and understanding P&L responsibilities.

• Client Engagement & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external clients.

• Technical Authority: Ability to act as the lead technical authority, approving designs and ensuring compliance with all relevant standards and specifications.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in specific utility sectors beyond gas, such as water, power, and telecoms.

• Familiarity with specific client specifications from major utility providers (e.g., National Grid, ENA).

• Experience in managing subcontract design partners.

• Demonstrated ability in promoting and implementing digital engineering and BIM adoption within an organization.

• Strong understanding of pre-construction processes and their integration with design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+" years of experience is inferred from the "Head of Design" title and the comprehensive responsibilities outlined, which typically require significant seniority. The "Chartered Engineer" requirement is explicitly stated and has been emphasized. The skills have been categorized into Required and Preferred for clarity and strategic keyword integration.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Deliverables: Showcase examples of completed design packages for utility infrastructure projects (gas, water, power, telecoms), including concept, FEED, and detailed design drawings.

• Process Optimization: Evidence of implementing process improvements within design workflows, demonstrating enhanced efficiency, accuracy, or compliance.

• System Implementation: Examples of contributions to or management of design management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 19650), including documentation and process flow examples.

• Risk Management: Documentation illustrating the application of design risk registers, HAZOP participation, and safety assurance processes.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Provide examples of documented design workflows, highlighting how they were structured, optimized, and implemented to meet project demands and regulatory requirements.

• Implementation & Automation: Showcase instances where new design processes or digital tools were introduced, detailing the implementation strategy and any automation achieved.

• Measurement & Analysis: Demonstrate how design output quality, efficiency, and compliance were measured, analyzed, and reported, including the use of KPIs and audit findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements are inferred based on the senior technical leadership role and the emphasis on design governance, compliance, and process management. Candidates are expected to demonstrate tangible results and systematic approaches to design delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Head of Design role with 10+ years of experience in the UK utilities sector, particularly in a major city like Manchester, a competitive salary range would typically be between £75,000 and £100,000 per annum. This estimate accounts for the significant leadership responsibilities, technical expertise, and potential P&L accountability.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary package.

• Supportive and collaborative team environment.

• Opportunities for significant career progression and professional development within a growing company.

• Company pension scheme.

• Generous holiday allowance: 25 days per year, plus bank holidays.

• Other benefits, which may include private medical insurance, life assurance, and professional development support. Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• While the role is primarily on-site in Manchester, flexibility may be offered based on project needs and team management requirements, subject to company policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an educated estimate based on the role's seniority, location (Manchester, UK), industry (Utilities Infrastructure), and the provided experience level (10+ years). Research was conducted using aggregated salary data for senior engineering and design management roles in the UK. The benefits are directly extracted from the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Utilities & Infrastructure Services (Power, Gas, Water, Telecoms, District Heating, Renewables). IES Utilities Group operates within a critical sector that underpins national infrastructure, demanding high standards of safety, reliability, and innovation. The company's focus on end-to-end solutions positions it as a comprehensive service provider in a competitive market.

Company Size: The company is actively growing, indicated by the need to establish and build the Design Department. This suggests a dynamic environment where individuals can have a significant impact and shape processes. The size is likely in the range of 250-500 employees, typical for a growing utility provider with national reach.

Founded: Founded to provide utility and infrastructure services, IES Utilities Group has a mission to enable essential utility networks to achieve exceptional resilience and long-term value. Its vision is to be the leading provider, known for innovative and sustainable solutions.

Team Structure:

• Design Department: This role is responsible for establishing and leading the in-house Design Department, which will include multi-disciplinary design engineers and a CAD team. The department will likely operate as a central support function for project delivery across various utility sectors.

• Reporting Structure: The Head of Design will report to a senior leadership position, likely a Director of Operations, Engineering Director, or similar, and will have direct reports from the design engineering and CAD teams.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires extensive collaboration with project management, construction teams, commercial/bid teams, QHSE departments, and client engineering departments to ensure seamless project delivery and client satisfaction.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: The department will rely on data from design outputs, project performance, and client feedback to inform process improvements and strategic planning.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: A core function will be the development and continuous refinement of design workflows, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and adherence to standards.

• Automation & Efficiency: Promoting and implementing digital engineering and BIM will be key to driving automation and improving overall efficiency within the design process.

Company Website: [IES Utilities Group LTD Website - Assuming this is the correct domain based on job description context] https://www.iesutilities.co.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context has been inferred from the provided description, focusing on its industry position, growth trajectory, and the strategic importance of the Design Department. The website domain is assumed based on common industry practices and the company name.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the engineering and design function. It's a strategic role focused on building and scaling a critical department, influencing company-wide design standards, and contributing directly to the company's growth and reputation as a design and build provider. The scope extends beyond technical design to include team leadership, process development, and commercial engagement.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Design will likely report to a Director-level executive (e.g., Director of Operations, Chief Technical Officer, or Commercial Director) and will manage a team of design engineers and CAD technicians. This structure places the role at a crucial interface between technical delivery and executive strategy.

Operations Impact: The Head of Design has a direct and significant impact on:

• Project Success: Ensuring designs are safe, compliant, cost-effective, and meet project requirements, directly influencing project timelines and budgets.

• Business Growth: Positioning the company as a capable design and build partner, supporting bid success, and enabling the delivery of larger, more complex projects.

• Risk Mitigation: Upholding high standards of design governance and compliance, thereby reducing project risks, safety incidents, and potential regulatory penalties.

• Efficiency & Profitability: Driving operational efficiency through optimized design processes and the adoption of digital tools, contributing to the P&L of the design services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to expand the scope of the Design Department, manage larger teams, or take on broader technical leadership responsibilities within the organization.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to influence the company's long-term technical strategy, investment in digital tools, and approach to innovation in utility infrastructure design.

• Professional Development: Access to training and development in areas such as advanced leadership, strategic management, emerging design technologies, and specific utility sector advancements.

• Industry Recognition: Potential to represent IES Utilities Group at industry forums, conferences, or through contributions to standards bodies, enhancing personal and company profile.

📝 Enhancement Note: Career and growth analysis is based on the senior leadership nature of the "Head of Design" role, the company's growth phase, and typical progression paths within the utilities and infrastructure sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Manchester, a major city with established infrastructure for professional services. The work environment is expected to be a modern office setting, designed to support collaborative work among engineering and design teams.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Manchester, United Kingdom. Specific details regarding accessibility, public transport links, and parking would typically be provided during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will facilitate interaction among design engineers, CAD technicians, project managers, and other cross-functional teams, essential for effective design coordination and problem-solving.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (AutoCAD, Revit, 3D modelling), BIM platforms, and potentially project management and collaboration tools will be provided.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, design reviews, project coordination sessions, and informal knowledge sharing will be integral to the daily work experience.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is likely 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

• While primarily on-site, some flexibility may be available for managing team needs or specific project demands, subject to discussion and company policy. The emphasis on leadership and team management suggests the need for consistent presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the work environment is generalized for a professional office setting in Manchester, focusing on aspects relevant to a design leadership role. Specific details would require direct confirmation from the employer.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and cover letter, focusing on demonstrated leadership, relevant utilities design experience, and qualifications.

• First Interview: Likely conducted by HR and a senior leader (e.g., Director of Operations), assessing overall fit, leadership style, commercial awareness, and understanding of the role's strategic importance.

• Technical Interview/Panel: A detailed discussion with engineering peers and potentially senior management, focusing on technical expertise, design governance, CDM, temporary works, and problem-solving capabilities. This stage may involve a review of portfolio examples.

• Presentation/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to prepare a presentation on a past design leadership achievement, a proposed strategy for building the design department, or a solution to a hypothetical design challenge. This is a key opportunity to showcase portfolio work.

• Final Interview: Potentially with C-suite executives, focusing on strategic alignment, cultural fit, and long-term vision for the design function.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to clearly demonstrate your leadership in establishing or transforming design functions, managing teams, and delivering complex utility infrastructure projects.

• Process Improvement Case Studies: Select 2-3 strong examples that highlight your ability to implement new design processes, improve efficiency, ensure compliance, or successfully manage temporary works. Detail the challenge, your approach, the tools/methodologies used, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., time savings, cost reductions, improved safety, compliance achieved).

• Metrics & ROI: Quantify your achievements wherever possible. For instance, "Reduced design iteration time by 15%," "Managed a design budget of £X million with Y% variance," or "Successfully delivered Z number of projects without safety incidents related to design."

• Company Alignment: Tailor your presentation to IES Utilities Group's vision and mission, emphasizing how your experience can contribute to their goals of resilience, innovation, and sustainable solutions in the utilities sector.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Department Strategy: Be prepared to discuss your approach to establishing and growing a multi-disciplinary design department from its inception, including recruitment, process development, and technology adoption.

• Technical Authority Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle design disputes, ensure compliance with complex regulations (CDM, IGEM), or manage high-risk temporary works.

• Commercial & Client Engagement: Prepare to discuss how you would balance design quality with commercial demands and build strong client relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is structured based on typical senior leadership hiring practices in engineering and construction, with a specific emphasis on the candidate's ability to demonstrate strategic thinking, process management, and impactful results relevant to the role's responsibilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Extensive use of AutoCAD for 2D design and drafting.

• 3D Modelling & BIM: Proficiency with Revit for Building Information Modelling, 3D design, and clash detection. Experience with other 3D modelling software relevant to infrastructure design may also be beneficial.

• Design Management Systems: Experience with implementing and managing systems compliant with ISO 9001 and ISO 19650 standards for document control, quality assurance, and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools for tracking project progress, resource allocation, and design timelines.

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to leverage data from design projects to identify trends, measure performance, and inform process improvements.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating or overseeing the creation of dashboards to communicate design department performance, KPIs, and project status to senior management.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not a direct sales role, understanding how design outputs feed into client proposals and engagement managed through CRM systems is beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Exploration and implementation of tools or scripting (e.g., Dynamo for Revit) to automate repetitive design tasks and improve efficiency.

• Collaboration Platforms: Use of platforms like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for team communication, document sharing, and collaborative project work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology stack are inferred based on the explicit mention of AutoCAD, Revit, 3D modelling, BIM, ISO 9001/19650, and the general requirements of a Head of Design in the utilities infrastructure sector.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A non-negotiable commitment to safety in all design decisions and processes, reflecting the critical nature of utility infrastructure.

• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding the highest ethical standards and ensuring all designs strictly adhere to industry regulations and company policies.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Embracing new technologies, methodologies, and design approaches to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where cross-functional teams work together effectively to achieve shared project and company goals.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for design outcomes, performance, and the development of the design team.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role demands active collaboration with project management, construction, QHSE, commercial, and client teams to ensure design solutions are practical, constructible, and meet all stakeholder requirements.

• Process Review Culture: Encouraging open feedback and constructive criticism within the design team and with collaborating departments to continuously refine processes and deliverables.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting a culture where best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise are shared freely among team members and across the wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Team culture and values are inferred based on the industry (utilities, safety-critical), the company's mission, and the senior leadership nature of the role, emphasizing collaboration, accountability, and a focus on safety and compliance.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing a New Department: Building a Design Department from the ground up requires defining structures, processes, and culture, which can be resource-intensive and time-consuming.

• Balancing Growth with Quality: As the company grows and takes on more projects, ensuring the design quality and compliance standards are maintained without compromising delivery speed.

• Integrating Digital Engineering: Driving the adoption of BIM and digital engineering practices across a potentially diverse team with varying levels of digital competency.

• Managing Diverse Utility Sectors: Overseeing design for multiple utility types (gas, water, power, telecoms) requires broad technical knowledge and the ability to manage specialized teams effectively.

• Resource Management: Effectively forecasting, budgeting, and managing design resources (personnel, software, equipment) to meet project demands and commercial targets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Leadership & Strategy: Opportunities to develop strategic leadership skills, including organizational design, change management, and executive communication.

• Digital Transformation: Deep dives into advanced BIM, digital twins, AI in design, and other emerging technologies shaping the future of infrastructure design.

• Utility Sector Specialization: Potential to gain deeper expertise in specific utility sectors or emerging areas like renewable energy integration.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior leadership mentorship or opportunities to mentor junior engineers, fostering leadership development.

• Industry Certifications & Conferences: Support for obtaining advanced certifications or attending key industry conferences to stay abreast of best practices and innovations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are derived from the role's strategic nature, the company's growth phase, and the inherent complexities of the utilities infrastructure sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to establishing a new design department within a growing utility infrastructure company. What would be your top priorities in the first 90 days?" (Focus on team building, process definition, and initial project support.)

• "How do you ensure design compliance and safety for critical infrastructure like gas networks, especially when managing temporary works? Discuss your experience with CDM regulations and design governance." (Highlight your technical authority, risk management, and audit processes.)

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within a design team? Provide examples of how you've implemented new technologies or processes to enhance efficiency." (Showcase your leadership in driving change and adopting digital engineering.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on our vision and mission, how would you align the design department's strategy with IES Utilities Group's goals of resilience and sustainability?" (Demonstrate research and strategic thinking.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with construction, project management, and commercial teams? What are the key elements of successful cross-functional partnerships in a design-build environment?" (Emphasize your stakeholder management and communication skills.)

• "How do you measure the impact and success of a design department? What KPIs would you establish, and how would you report on them to senior leadership?" (Focus on data-driven performance management and ROI.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation around a compelling narrative that showcases your journey from technical expert to strategic leader.

• Problem-Solution-Result Framework: For each case study, clearly articulate the challenge, your innovative solution (emphasizing process, technology, and team management), and the measurable positive results achieved.

• Visual Clarity: Use clear, concise slides with strong visuals (diagrams, charts, project photos) to illustrate your points. Avoid overly text-heavy slides.

• Engagement & Interaction: Be prepared to pause for questions, engage with the interviewers, and tailor your presentation based on their feedback or areas of interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation focuses on strategic, leadership, and technical aspects relevant to building and managing a design function in a critical infrastructure sector, with specific emphasis on demonstrating process ownership and measurable impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Head of Design position:

• Submit your CV and a brief covering note outlining your most relevant contract management or account management experience to recruitment@iesutilities.co.uk.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise portfolio that highlights your experience in leading design teams, managing utility infrastructure projects (especially gas), implementing design governance, and driving process improvements. Tailor examples to showcase your ability to build a department from scratch.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your leadership accomplishments, technical expertise in relevant engineering disciplines, experience with CDM and temporary works, and proficiency with design software (AutoCAD, Revit, BIM). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your strategic vision for the design department, your approach to stakeholder management, and your experience in technical authority roles. Be ready to discuss specific case studies from your portfolio.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research IES Utilities Group's projects, values, and strategic goals. Understand their position in the UK utilities market and how your leadership can contribute to their continued growth and success.

⚠️ 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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