Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager
Company: Omexom UK
Location: Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Engineering & Operations Management
Date Posted: October 20, 2025
Experience Level: 10+ Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the overall design program, ensuring timely and compliant delivery of design scope for complex projects within the energy transmission and distribution sector.
• Champion stakeholder management, fostering strong collaborative relationships with internal teams, clients, consultants, and subcontractors to ensure seamless project execution.
• Drive engineering innovation and value engineering initiatives, with a specific focus on sustainability and reducing site-based construction impact, aligning with Omexom's commitment to smarter working.
• Uphold and promote the highest standards of safety, health, environmental, and quality (SHEQ) practices throughout the design lifecycle, adhering to CDM Regulations and company policies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior management function within Omexom UK's design operations, requiring a blend of technical design oversight, project leadership, and commercial awareness. The emphasis on energy transmission and distribution, coupled with specific UK regulatory frameworks (CDM, ISO19650), indicates a need for specialized industry experience. The "10+ Years" experience level suggests a strategic role with significant autonomy and responsibility for project success.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the overall design programme, ensuring accurate reporting of progress, delays, and scope deliverables for each scheme.
• Produce detailed design programmes in collaboration with design teams and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to meet client design deliverables.
• Oversee and coordinate tender estimates and technical responses, ensuring commercial viability and technical accuracy.
• Ensure the timely and budget-compliant delivery of each discipline's scope of work, adhering to customer requirements, quality standards, and "safety by design" principles.
• Drive "smarter working" practices within the design team and promote a culture of innovation and collaboration.
• Manage scope and technical change across projects through a robust change register, including early warning notifications (EWNs), notification of compensation events (NCEs), and Project Management Instructions (PMIs).
• Conduct monthly project reporting, identifying opportunities for safer, better, faster, and more profitable project delivery.
• Ensure the production and maintenance of key project documents, demonstrating rigorous record-keeping and compliance.
• Ensure compliance with Omexom governance processes and customer requirements, maintaining high operational standards.
• Review method statements and risk assessments to ensure compliance with design documents and safety regulations.
• For Energy Transmission projects, ensure the design team adheres to relevant client specifications, supplier requirements, and approval acceptance procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on project lifecycle management, from tender to delivery, with an emphasis on contractual compliance (NEC, EWN, NCE) and financial oversight. The role also involves significant team leadership and process improvement, aligning with typical Senior Operations or Engineering Management functions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in a related role, demonstrating a proven ability to deliver design projects successfully.
• Extensive experience in design delivery and management of design processes.
• Proven track record of supporting teams to deliver programs safely, on time, on budget, and to a high quality.
• Substantial experience in interfacing with both internal and external stakeholders at various levels.
• Solid technical grounding, combined with practical engineering delivery experience.
• Demonstrated project leadership at a management level, successfully delivering a range of projects from standard to complex.
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.

Required Skills:

• Strong knowledge and experience of SSEN (Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks) and National Grid's design management and approval processes.
• Excellent management and organizational skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
• In-depth knowledge and experience of information management requirements, including ISO19650 (BIM) standards.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience of CDM (Construction Design and Management) Regulations 2015, including Principal Designer (PD) requirements and the Principal Designer Representative role for National Grid.
• Experience in ensuring key roles for National Grid projects are appointed, such as Lead Contractor Design Assurance Engineer (LCDAE) and Contractor Design Assurance Engineer (CDAE).
• Proven experience with assuring National Grid designs and type approval processes.
• Ability to meet targets within a commercial environment, demonstrating experience of working under pressure and meeting deadlines.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project).
• Ability to place the customer at the center of decision-making, ensuring client satisfaction.
• Unwavering commitment to the highest safety, health, environmental, and quality (SHEQ) related standards.
• High level of attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in all aspects of work.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities to address design and project challenges effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working to energy transmission and distribution specifications, processes, and procedures.
• Experience working within the UK Energy sector or other highly regulated industries.
• Membership of a relevant professional institution (e.g., ICE, IET).

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of SSEN and National Grid design processes, along with ISO19650 and CDM 2015 regulations, are critical technical requirements. The "8+ years" requirement, combined with the "10+" AI-derived experience level, suggests this role is for a seasoned professional capable of independent leadership and strategic input.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Documented case studies showcasing successful management of complex design programs, demonstrating the candidate's ability to deliver on time and within budget.
• Evidence of implementing and managing ISO19650 (BIM) workflows and processes, highlighting collaboration and information management strategies.
• Examples of managing design change, including the effective use of change registers, EWNs, and NCEs, demonstrating contractual awareness and commercial acumen.
• Demonstrations of how "safety by design" principles were integrated into project lifecycles, with specific examples of risk mitigation and compliance with CDM Regulations.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of creating and maintaining detailed design programmes, including collaboration with OEMs and internal design teams.
• Documentation illustrating the process for managing Technical Queries (TQs) and Requests For Information (RFIs), including the maintenance of registers.
• Evidence of developing and implementing processes for reviewing method statements and risk assessments, ensuring alignment with design documents and safety standards.
• Demonstrations of how innovation and value engineering were embedded into design processes to achieve sustainability goals and reduce site construction activity.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of skills. The focus should be on process efficiency, risk management, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement. Quantifiable achievements in terms of cost savings, schedule adherence, and safety improvements are highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in the UK engineering and construction sector, particularly within specialized fields like energy transmission, a competitive salary range is estimated between £65,000 - £85,000 per annum. This estimate considers the seniority of the role, the required specialized knowledge (SSEN, National Grid, CDM, ISO19650), and the location in Hertfordshire.

Benefits:

• Competitive pension scheme with employer contributions.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with potential for additional days based on service.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training, certifications, and support for membership in professional institutions.
• Health and wellbeing programs, potentially including private medical insurance and access to employee assistance programs.
• Company car or car allowance, reflecting the travel and site visit requirements of the role.
• Life assurance cover.
• Opportunities for career progression within Omexom's expanding operations.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week.
• Some flexibility may be available, but the role is primarily on-site with requirements for site visits and client meetings, necessitating adherence to project schedules and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimate. It's crucial for candidates to research current market rates for similar roles in Hertfordshire and the wider UK engineering sector. Benefits often include elements that support professional growth and work-life balance, which are attractive to experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy Transmission and Distribution, Engineering Services. Omexom UK operates within a critical infrastructure sector that demands high levels of reliability, safety, and technical expertise. This industry is characterized by stringent regulatory oversight and a continuous drive for innovation and efficiency. Company Size: Omexom is part of the VINCI Energies group, a global leader in energy and information services. While specific UK entity size isn't provided, the parent company's scale suggests a robust organizational structure, significant project portfolio, and ample resources. This implies a professional, structured environment with opportunities for cross-collaboration and knowledge sharing. Founded: Omexom was founded with a mission to provide specialized services in energy infrastructure. As part of VINCI Energies, it benefits from a long-standing reputation and extensive experience in the energy sector.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will be part of the Design Management team, likely reporting to the Head of Design Management.
• This role involves managing multi-disciplinary design teams, including designers and technicians across various engineering disciplines.
• Close collaboration is expected with Project Directors, Project Managers, Site Managers, Estimating and Planning Engineers, Commercial Managers, and Quantity Surveyors.
• The role also requires interfacing with external stakeholders such as clients, consultants, subcontractors, and key suppliers.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on a data-driven approach to project management, with accurate progress reporting and delay analysis.
• Structured design delivery processes, adhering to industry standards like ISO19650 and regulatory requirements like CDM 2015.
• A proactive culture of innovation and value engineering to optimize designs for cost, safety, and sustainability.
• Strong focus on "safety by design" principles and a commitment to SHEQ policies.
• Collaboration is key, with an expectation of shared lessons learned and best practices across projects and teams.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Omexom's affiliation with VINCI Energies suggests a corporate culture that values professionalism, safety, and innovation. The emphasis on "Team Spirit & Generosity" and "Trust and Empowerment" indicates a collaborative and supportive working environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Senior Management or Leadership position within the design and engineering operations of Omexom UK. It requires significant experience and the ability to manage complex programs and diverse teams. The Design Manager is a crucial link between technical design, project execution, and commercial objectives. Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to the Head of Design Management and collaborates closely with various project delivery and commercial functions. This structure allows for strategic oversight and operational implementation. Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct impact on the successful delivery of Omexom's projects. Effective design management ensures projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This directly influences client satisfaction, profitability, and Omexom's reputation in the energy sector. The role's focus on innovation and sustainability also contributes to the company's long-term strategic goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Progression to Head of Design Management or other senior leadership roles within Omexom or VINCI Energies.
• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas of energy transmission design, project management contracts (e.g., NEC), or BIM/ISO19650 implementation.
• Cross-Functional Roles: Opportunities to move into broader project management, operations management, or business development roles within the company.
• Mentorship: The role provides opportunities to mentor junior designers and engineers, contributing to the development of future talent within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career trajectory for a Design Manager in this sector is typically towards broader operational leadership or specialized technical director roles. The experience gained in managing complex projects, regulatory environments, and diverse teams is highly transferable.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily based in an office environment, likely within Omexom's UK headquarters or a regional office in Hertfordshire. This setting is conducive to detailed planning, design reviews, team coordination, and stakeholder communication. Office Location(s): Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom. This location offers access to transport links and a skilled workforce. Workspace Context:

• The workspace will foster collaboration among the design team, project managers, and commercial staff.
• Access to necessary design software, project management tools, and IT infrastructure will be provided.
• Regular meetings, workshops, and site visits will be integral to the role, requiring effective communication and coordination.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work week is 40 hours, from Monday to Friday.
• Given the project-driven nature of the industry, occasional overtime or weekend work may be required to meet critical deadlines or client demands.
• The role's on-site nature means flexibility is expected to accommodate project needs, client availability, and site visits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is key. Operations professionals applying for this role should be prepared for a traditional office-based work environment with regular site engagement, which is common in infrastructure and engineering.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and cover letter to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with role requirements.
• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager or a senior member of the design/operations team. This stage focuses on behavioural questions, technical experience, and understanding of core responsibilities (e.g., design management, stakeholder engagement, SHEQ).
• Technical Assessment/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio of past projects or a specific case study demonstrating their approach to design management, problem-solving, or handling complex project challenges. This could involve a presentation on managing a challenging design program, implementing ISO19650, or navigating CDM regulations.
• Second Interview/Panel Interview: May involve senior leadership, including the Head of Design Management or a Business Unit General Manager. This stage assesses strategic thinking, leadership potential, cultural fit, and overall suitability for the role.
• Offer: Following successful interviews, a formal offer will be extended.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Impact: Showcase projects where your design management directly led to significant improvements in safety, cost efficiency, schedule adherence, or sustainability.
• Quantify Achievements: Use specific metrics (e.g., percentage reduction in design changes, cost savings achieved through value engineering, adherence to project timelines).
• Demonstrate Process: Clearly articulate your design management process, including how you manage programs, stakeholders, risks, and changes.
• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Include examples of your understanding and application of key standards like ISO19650 and CDM regulations.
• Tailor to Omexom: Emphasize experience relevant to energy transmission and distribution, and demonstrate an understanding of Omexom's values and operational focus.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle hypothetical situations related to design conflicts, stakeholder disagreements, budget overruns, or safety breaches.
• Contractual Knowledge: Refresh your understanding of NEC contracts, EWNs, and NCEs, and be ready to explain your role in managing these within a project.
• Leadership & Team Management: Prepare examples demonstrating your ability to lead, motivate, and develop multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.
• Innovation & Sustainability: Think about how you champion innovation and integrate sustainability into design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential technical assessments suggests that practical demonstration of skills and experience is highly valued. Candidates should prepare to articulate their methodologies and showcase tangible results from previous roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficient use of standard project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6) for planning, scheduling, and tracking design programmes.
• BIM Software: Familiarity with Building Information Modelling (BIM) software and adherence to ISO19650 standards. Specific software experience (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) may be beneficial.
• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and document sharing.
• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with document control and management systems for maintaining project documentation and registers.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Excel for data analysis, reporting, and financial tracking; PowerPoint for presentations; Word for documentation.
• Reporting Dashboards: Potential experience with business intelligence tools or dashboarding software for visualizing project progress and key performance indicators (KPIs).

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design interfaces with project delivery and commercial functions is key. Familiarity with project management information systems (PMIS) that may integrate CRM-like functionalities for stakeholder tracking.
• Automation in design processes, such as leveraging BIM for automated clash detection or workflow efficiencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is proficiency in project and design management tools, with a strong emphasis on BIM/ISO19650. The ability to use data for reporting and decision-making is also critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Team Spirit & Generosity: Actively contribute to the Omexom team by sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues, and fostering a positive, collaborative atmosphere. Demonstrate a willingness to go the extra mile.
• Trust and Empowerment: Embrace autonomy and responsibility in managing your workload and projects. Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and efficient execution of duties.
• Integrity and Responsibility: Uphold the highest ethical standards and take ownership of your responsibilities. Ensure that all actions and decisions are made with honesty and a commitment to quality results.
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Continuously seek out opportunities to improve design processes, introduce new technologies, and develop innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive and Inclusive: Foster a culture where design teams, project managers, and stakeholders actively communicate and collaborate, sharing lessons learned and best practices.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Work closely with commercial, planning, and site teams to ensure design integrates seamlessly with overall project delivery objectives.
• Open Communication: Encourage an environment where feedback is welcomed, challenges are addressed constructively, and open dialogue is the norm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values emphasize a strong ethical foundation, a commitment to continuous improvement, and a collaborative spirit, which are essential traits for leadership roles in operations and engineering.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the diverse requirements and expectations of clients, internal departments, subcontractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: Staying abreast of and ensuring compliance with evolving UK regulations, particularly CDM 2015 and energy sector-specific standards.
• Driving Innovation in a Traditional Sector: Encouraging the adoption of new technologies and methodologies (like advanced BIM) within a sector that can sometimes be resistant to rapid change.
• Resource Allocation and Conflict Resolution: Effectively managing design resources across multiple projects and resolving conflicts that may arise due to competing priorities or technical disagreements.
• Maintaining Project Momentum: Ensuring consistent progress and mitigating delays in large-scale infrastructure projects, which are often subject to external factors.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2, or NEC Project Manager.
• Specialized Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in areas like advanced BIM, specific energy sector technologies, or new construction methodologies.
• Leadership & Management Seminars: Access to training programs focused on leadership, strategic planning, and team development within a corporate structure like VINCI Energies.
• Industry Conferences & Networking: Participation in industry events to stay updated on best practices, new technologies, and regulatory changes, and to build professional networks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in infrastructure and engineering, requiring strong problem-solving and adaptability. The growth opportunities are well-aligned with career progression in operations and project management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex design project you managed from inception to completion. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them, particularly concerning stakeholder management and regulatory compliance?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and results).
• "How do you ensure 'safety by design' principles are integrated and maintained throughout the design lifecycle, especially concerning CDM 2015 regulations?" (Demonstrate understanding of safety protocols and regulatory application).
• "Explain your approach to managing design change and scope creep on a large infrastructure project. How do you utilize tools like change registers, EWNs, and NCEs effectively?" (Highlight commercial awareness and contractual knowledge).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Omexom and the energy sector, how would you foster a culture of innovation and collaboration within your design team?" (Showcase alignment with company values and industry trends).
• "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration between design teams, project managers, and external stakeholders, such as clients and subcontractors?" (Illustrate communication and team-building skills).
• "Describe a time you had to make a difficult decision that impacted project cost or schedule. What was your thought process, and what was the outcome?" (Assess decision-making, integrity, and responsibility).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your case studies: Begin with the project's scope and objectives, detail your role and responsibilities, outline the challenges faced, explain your strategies and solutions, and conclude with quantifiable outcomes and lessons learned.
• Focus on impact: Clearly articulate the positive impact of your design management on safety, budget, schedule, quality, and sustainability.
• Demonstrate technical expertise: Use specific examples to showcase your understanding of ISO19650, CDM regulations, and energy sector specifications.
• Be prepared for deep dives: Anticipate questions about specific processes, tools, and decisions made within your presented projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical application of skills, strategic thinking, and alignment with Omexom's values and industry requirements. Quantifiable achievements and clear articulation of processes are key.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Omexom UK careers portal link provided.
• Tailor your CV and Cover Letter: Highlight specific experience in design management, project leadership, energy transmission/distribution, and familiarity with UK regulations (CDM, ISO19650). Quantify achievements where possible.
• Prepare your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies showcasing your most relevant project experience, focusing on design program management, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving. Be ready to present these concisely.
• Research Omexom UK: Understand their projects, values, and position within the VINCI Energies group. Prepare to articulate how your skills and experience align with their operational needs and company culture.
• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common behavioural, technical, and situational interview questions, particularly those related to leadership, project challenges, and regulatory compliance.

⚠️ 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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