Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: United Infrastructure

Location: Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering & Design Management (Infrastructure Operations)

Date Posted: March 12, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the design delivery for complex gas infrastructure projects, including pipelines, above-ground installations (AGIs), and compressor stations.

• Act as the Designated Individual for Temporary Works (BS 5975), ensuring compliance and safety in all temporary works design.

• Drive innovation in design methodologies and materials to support future energy networks, such as hydrogen-ready infrastructure.

• Oversee the creation and review of 2D and 3D design models and drawings using industry-standard software like AutoCAD and Inventor.

• Foster a culture of world-class health, safety, and environmental performance within the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within the energy infrastructure sector, specifically focusing on gas transmission and distribution. The "Design Manager" title, combined with responsibilities like Temporary Works and specific industry standards (BS 5975, National Grid specifications), indicates a highly specialized engineering management position rather than a general product design role. The emphasis on "gas infrastructure projects" and "lower carbon infrastructure" points towards a focus on GTM (Go-To-Market) enablement through robust engineering design that supports business objectives in a regulated industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing design engineering team focused on gas infrastructure projects, including high, intermediate, and medium pressure pipelines.

• Manage and approve temporary works and engineering solutions for pipeline installation, diversions, above-ground installations (AGIs), and compressor station works, adhering to BS 5975.

• Support the design and delivery of gas transmission and distribution infrastructure, ensuring practical, safe, and operationally aligned solutions.

• Conduct structural and engineering assessments using steel, timber, and polymer systems, utilizing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) where necessary.

• Produce and review high-quality 2D and 3D design models and drawings using AutoCAD and Inventor for complex pipeline and infrastructure projects.

• Serve as the process owner for design governance, ensuring strict adherence to statutory regulations, gas industry standards (e.g., National Grid, Cadent, SGN, NGN specifications), and client requirements.

• Collaborate closely with operations, project management, commercial teams, and external stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of major capital gas infrastructure programmes.

• Lead technical reviews, design workshops, package reviews, and design coordination meetings across multi-disciplinary teams to ensure integrated project delivery.

• Support tender reviews by identifying value engineering opportunities to enhance constructability, programme efficiency, and cost performance.

• Champion innovation by exploring and implementing improved construction methodologies, materials, and solutions that support the future hydrogen-ready gas network and lower carbon infrastructure initiatives.

• Promote and embed United Living Infrastructure Services' commitment to world-class health, safety, and environmental (HSE) performance across all design activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, project delivery oversight, and strategic contribution. Key areas include managing design governance, contributing to tender processes through value engineering, and driving innovation for future energy needs. This aligns with a senior operations-focused role where design directly impacts project execution, cost, safety, and future-proofing of infrastructure assets.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• MEng/MSc in Mechanical, Structural, Civil, or a related engineering discipline.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience delivering design solutions from first principles within the infrastructure sector.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in Temporary Works design and management, with a strong understanding of BS 5975 standards.

• Proficiency in leading and mentoring engineering design teams.

• In-depth knowledge of gas infrastructure project lifecycles, including pipelines, AGIs, and compressor stations.

• Familiarity with National Grid, Cadent, SGN, NGN specifications, and relevant Eurocodes.

• Competency in producing and reviewing 2D and 3D design models and drawings using AutoCAD and Inventor.

• Experience in structural and engineering assessments, including the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA).

• Strong understanding of design governance, statutory regulations, and industry compliance.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with operations, project management, and commercial teams.

• Experience in value engineering and identifying cost-saving opportunities in design.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with hydrogen-ready gas network designs or lower carbon infrastructure projects.

• Familiarity with project management methodologies relevant to large-scale infrastructure.

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

• Proven ability to drive innovation and implement new construction methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize both academic rigor (MEng/MSc, Chartered Engineer) and practical, hands-on experience in a specialized engineering field. The specific mention of industry standards and software (BS 5975, AutoCAD, Inventor, FEA) is crucial for operations candidates to highlight their direct experience. The "5 years' experience delivering design solutions from first principles" suggests a need for candidates who can not only manage but also contribute technically.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of leading design delivery for complex infrastructure projects, particularly in gas transmission or distribution.

• Include case studies demonstrating expertise in Temporary Works design and management, highlighting your role as Designated Individual for BS 5975.

• Present projects where you managed and approved engineering solutions for pipeline installations, diversions, AGIs, or compressor stations.

• Provide evidence of structural and engineering assessments, including any FEA applications, and the resulting design decisions.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of established design governance processes, including compliance with statutory regulations and industry standards.

• Documentation illustrating your approach to leading technical reviews, design workshops, and coordination meetings.

• Evidence of value engineering exercises, detailing how constructability, efficiency, or cost performance was improved through design modifications.

• Documentation of innovation initiatives, such as the exploration of new construction methodologies or materials for future energy networks.

• Examples of how HSE performance was embedded and promoted within design activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, especially in infrastructure, a portfolio is critical. It needs to demonstrate not just the ability to design, but the ability to manage the entire design process, ensure compliance, lead teams, and drive improvements that impact project execution and long-term asset value. The focus should be on process, methodology, and quantifiable outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Company pension scheme with employer contributions.

• Comprehensive health insurance package, potentially including dental and optical coverage.

• Generous annual leave allowance, typically starting at 25 days plus bank holidays.

• Professional development opportunities, including funding for further training, certifications, and conference attendance.

• Life assurance cover.

• Company vehicle or car allowance, given the requirement for travel and potential site visits.

• Access to employee assistance programs for well-being support.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

• Flexibility may be offered, but the role is primarily on-site, requiring presence during core business hours to manage teams and attend critical meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from UK-wide data for senior engineering management roles in infrastructure, considering location (Warrington area) and the specified experience level. Benefits are standard for professional roles within large infrastructure companies, with a focus on professional development and work-life balance, as well as practical considerations like a company vehicle for travel needs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Utility and Social Infrastructure (specifically Energy - Gas)

Company Size: United Infrastructure is described as a "dynamic and rapidly expanding business," indicating a medium to large enterprise size, likely with hundreds to a few thousand employees. This suggests a structured environment with established processes but also room for growth and individual impact.

Founded: While the exact founding year is not provided, the rebranding from "United Living" to "United Infrastructure" suggests a recent strategic evolution, implying a company that is adapting and growing within its market.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will lead a "high-performing design team," implying a team of engineers, designers, and possibly technicians.

• This team will likely report into a broader Engineering or Project Delivery function.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on delivering "innovative, safe, and effective solutions" for complex challenges.

• A focus on technical excellence, compliance with industry standards, and client requirements.

• Integration of health, safety, and environmental (HSE) performance into all design activities.

• A drive for continuous improvement through value engineering and exploring new methodologies.

Company Website: uig.net (derived from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value innovation, safety, technical expertise, and client focus. As a "rapidly expanding business," there's likely an entrepreneurial spirit alongside the need for robust operational processes. The focus on infrastructure projects means a strong emphasis on compliance, risk management, and long-term asset integrity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the engineering and design function, with significant responsibility for team leadership, technical direction, and project outcomes. It sits at the intersection of technical engineering and operational delivery.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to an Engineering Director, Head of Design, or a senior Project Director. They will manage a team of design engineers and technicians.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly impacts the successful execution of critical infrastructure projects, influencing safety, cost, timelines, and the long-term reliability and sustainability of the gas network. Their ability to drive value engineering and innovation directly contributes to the company's profitability and market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into roles such as Head of Design, Principal Design Manager, or Engineering Director, overseeing larger teams and more strategic design initiatives.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like temporary works, advanced FEA, or emerging energy technologies (e.g., hydrogen infrastructure).

• Project Management: Transition into broader project management roles, leveraging design insights for end-to-end project delivery.

• Strategic Development: Contribute to the company's long-term engineering strategy, focusing on technological advancements and market trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a growing infrastructure company. The combination of technical leadership and operational impact makes it a valuable stepping stone for individuals looking to advance in engineering management or project delivery.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, indicating a physical office location. This environment is expected to be professional, with facilities supporting engineering design work.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Warrington, England. The requirement to travel suggests potential site visits to project locations across the UK, or collaboration with other company offices.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely include dedicated areas for design work, equipped with necessary software and hardware (e.g., high-performance workstations for CAD/FEA).

• Opportunities for collaboration with design teams, project managers, and operations personnel will be abundant.

Work Schedule:

• The standard 40-hour work week is typical, but the nature of infrastructure projects may occasionally require flexibility to meet deadlines, attend critical site meetings, or respond to urgent design queries. The role is primarily on-site to facilitate team management and operational integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial for this role, emphasizing the need for direct team leadership, collaborative problem-solving, and seamless integration with site operations. The Warrington office serves as the central hub for design activities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CVs and cover letters by HR or a recruitment specialist to assess core qualifications and experience against the job requirements.

• Technical Interview: Conducted by senior engineering or operations managers. This stage will likely involve in-depth discussions about your design experience, technical skills (CAD, FEA, BS 5975), project management approach, and understanding of gas infrastructure. Expect scenario-based questions related to design challenges and problem-solving.

• Portfolio Presentation: A key part of the process will be presenting your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects, detailing your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved (focusing on safety, efficiency, and cost).

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with a higher-level manager (e.g., Head of Engineering/Operations) to discuss cultural fit, leadership style, strategic thinking, and long-term career aspirations within the company. A DBS check will also be required.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by key skill demonstrated (e.g., Temporary Works, Pipeline Design, Value Engineering).

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly state the problem, your solution, and the measurable results (e.g., cost savings achieved, safety incidents avoided, programme efficiency improvements, compliance achieved).

• Showcase Leadership: Highlight instances where you led teams, managed stakeholders, and drove design decisions.

• Technical Depth: Include examples of complex technical challenges and how you overcame them, showcasing your proficiency in CAD, FEA, and relevant standards.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most impactful work efficiently, focusing on relevance to the Design Manager role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for technical questions related to BS 5975, gas industry standards, and structural engineering principles.

• Prepare case studies demonstrating your problem-solving skills, leadership, and ability to manage design processes under pressure.

• Think about how you would approach common challenges in gas infrastructure design, such as site constraints, regulatory changes, or integration with existing networks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes practical experience and the ability to translate that into a demonstrable portfolio. Candidates should prepare to articulate their technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and understanding of operational impact. The DBS check is a standard procedural step for roles involving critical infrastructure.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD (for 2D drawings), Inventor (for 3D modeling). Proficiency and experience in creating and reviewing complex designs using these tools are essential.

• Structural Analysis Software: Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software (specifics not mentioned, but common examples include ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation, STAAD.Pro). Expected to be used for structural and engineering assessments.

• Temporary Works Design Software: Potentially specialized software for temporary works, though often managed through standard CAD and calculation tools.

• Document Management Systems: For organizing and versioning design documents, drawings, and reports.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for tracking design progress, resource allocation, and potentially cost performance related to design elements.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly customer-facing, CRM principles of data management and workflow automation are relevant for managing design data, revisions, and approvals.

• Project management software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project) may be used to integrate design timelines with overall project schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in AutoCAD and Inventor is a hard requirement. Experience with FEA software is also explicitly mentioned. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these tools and how they leverage them for design optimization and problem-solving in infrastructure projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value in infrastructure, emphasizing a commitment to world-class health, safety, and environmental performance in all design activities.

• Technical Excellence: A dedication to delivering innovative, safe, and effective engineering solutions grounded in solid technical principles and adherence to standards.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working closely with operations, project management, commercial teams, and external stakeholders to ensure integrated and successful project delivery.

• Innovation & Future Focus: A drive to explore and implement improved construction methodologies, materials, and solutions that support the transition to future energy networks (e.g., hydrogen-ready).

• Integrity & Compliance: A commitment to upholding statutory regulations, industry standards, and client requirements in all design governance processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with operations to ensure designs are practical and constructible, and with project management for schedule and budget alignment.

• Proactive Communication: Regular technical reviews, design workshops, and coordination meetings are expected to ensure all parties are aligned and potential issues are addressed early.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Building strong working relationships with clients and external stakeholders is crucial for project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be team-oriented, safety-conscious, and forward-looking, particularly regarding energy transition. Operations candidates should demonstrate how their approach to design management aligns with these values, emphasizing practical application and collaborative problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Regulation: Integrating new technologies and methodologies (e.g., hydrogen readiness) while strictly adhering to established gas industry regulations and safety standards.

• Managing Design Complexity: Overseeing the design of intricate gas infrastructure projects with multiple stakeholders and potential site constraints.

• Team Development: Mentoring and developing a high-performing design team to meet evolving industry demands and technological advancements.

• Value Engineering Implementation: Effectively identifying and championing value engineering opportunities that deliver tangible improvements without compromising safety or quality.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring effective communication and alignment between design, operations, and project management teams to achieve seamless project execution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to training on new design software, advanced FEA techniques, or emerging energy technologies.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional certifications (e.g., Chartered Engineer status renewals, specific project management qualifications).

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within the organization or to mentor junior engineers.

• Exposure to Major Projects: Gaining experience on significant capital infrastructure programmes that are vital to the UK's energy network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges that are typical of senior positions in the infrastructure sector, offering substantial opportunities for professional growth and development. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they would tackle these challenges and leverage the growth opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing temporary works design for a complex pipeline diversion, ensuring compliance with BS 5975 and minimizing operational risk." (Focus: BS 5975, risk management, operational integration)

• "How would you foster collaboration between your design team and the site operations team to ensure constructability and efficiency in a major compressor station upgrade project?" (Focus: Cross-functional collaboration, operational liaison, efficiency)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about United Infrastructure's mission to deliver critical infrastructure, especially in the context of the UK's energy transition?" (Focus: Company alignment, industry interest)

• "How do you ensure a strong health, safety, and environmental culture within your design team?" (Focus: HSE commitment, leadership in safety)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Relevant Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your experience in gas infrastructure, temporary works, team leadership, and innovation.

• STAR Method: Structure your project narratives using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). For each project, clearly articulate the context, your specific responsibilities, the actions you took, and the tangible outcomes.

• Quantify Results: Emphasize metrics such as cost savings, schedule improvements, safety enhancements, or compliance achievements.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Be ready to briefly explain the technical challenges and how your design solutions, using tools like AutoCAD or FEA, addressed them.

• Highlight Team Leadership: Discuss how you managed your team, delegated tasks, and ensured quality and adherence to standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical expertise, leadership acumen, and a deep understanding of the operational realities and safety imperatives within the gas infrastructure sector.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight experience with gas infrastructure, Temporary Works (BS 5975), AutoCAD, Inventor, FEA, and team leadership. If you have a formal portfolio, ensure it prominently features relevant projects.

• Resume Optimization: Use keywords from the job description such as "Design Manager," "Gas Infrastructure," "Temporary Works," "BS 5975," "AutoCAD," "Inventor," "FEA," and "Chartered Engineer." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method, especially for questions related to project delivery, team management, and problem-solving. Prepare specific examples for your portfolio presentation.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with United Infrastructure's projects, values, and the current landscape of UK energy infrastructure development, including the transition to lower-carbon solutions.

⚠️ 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.