Design Manager - Transmission & Distribution

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Transmission & Distribution Company: AECOM Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom Job Type: Full-time Category: Engineering & Operations Management Date Posted: 2025-12-10T17:25:41.802 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and oversee complex, multi-disciplinary engineering design projects within the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) sector, focusing on infrastructure development and critical power systems.
• Manage the entire project lifecycle from initial concept and FEED through to detailed engineering, ensuring adherence to stringent safety, health, environmental, sustainability, and quality (SHEQ) standards.
• Serve as a Technical Project Manager, coordinating various engineering disciplines including substation primary, cables, protection & control, civils, overhead lines, and environmental scopes.
• Drive business development and client relationship management, playing a key role in proposal preparation, client meetings, and contract negotiations to secure new project opportunities.
• Foster a strong "Safety by Design" culture and mentor junior engineers, providing technical guidance and professional development to enhance team capabilities and project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical leadership position within AECOM's Transmission & Distribution business, directly impacting the successful delivery of large-scale energy infrastructure projects, including significant national programs like the UK National Grid's Great Grid Partnership. The emphasis is on end-to-end project management, technical oversight, and strategic client engagement within a highly regulated and technically demanding industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Project Leadership & Oversight:
  • Oversee engineering design projects across the UK & Ireland, ensuring seamless integration of global Enterprise Capability offices as needed for specialized expertise.
  • Act as Technical Project Manager for multi-disciplinary design initiatives, managing the contributions of various engineering disciplines.
  • Manage the complete design project lifecycle, from conceptualization and FEED to environmental assessments, permitting, consenting, planning, cost estimation, and final detailed engineering.
  • Ensure all projects comply rigorously with safety, health, environmental, sustainability, and quality (SHEQ) standards.
• Technical & Quality Assurance:
  • Guarantee that design submissions strictly adhere to all relevant codes, standards, and client-specific quality requirements.
  • Lead internal reviews and conduct quality checks on engineering deliverables, including complex designs, calculations, reports, proposals, and drawing packages.
  • Identify and implement opportunities for design optimization and cost efficiencies throughout project lifecycles.
• Client & Stakeholder Management:
  • Lead project and client meetings, ensuring clear communication and alignment on project objectives, progress, and challenges.
  • Provide regular, comprehensive updates on project progress, costs, schedules, procurement status, safety concerns, environmental impacts, and design challenges to all stakeholders.
  • Represent AECOM professionally and ethically in all interactions, upholding the company's Code of Conduct.
• Business Development & Strategy:
  • Support the preparation of proposals, lead client presentations, and actively participate in contract negotiations to secure new business.
  • Identify and pursue new project opportunities, defining scope, schedule, budget, and exclusions with precision.
• Team Development & Culture:
  • Foster a proactive "Safety by Design" culture, embedding high technical standards and continuous improvement.
  • Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and professional development support to team members, nurturing talent within the T&D engineering group.
  • Champion the practical application of leading-edge technical skills to add value for AECOM and its clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a holistic project management approach, encompassing not only technical design oversight but also client engagement, business development, and team leadership. The mention of "large programmes of work like GGP projects" highlights the significant scale and impact of this role, requiring strong programmatic management skills alongside traditional project management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in managing complex, multi-discipline infrastructure design projects, particularly within the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) sector, renewables, or large-scale infrastructure development.
• Proven track record of meeting delivery requirements for clients in the UK & Ireland.
• Experience in managing the full project lifecycle, from concept through FEED to detailed design.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to manage and oversee multi-disciplinary design projects from inception to completion.
• Project Management: Strong capabilities in planning, scheduling, budgeting, resource allocation, and risk management for complex engineering projects.
• Technical Expertise (T&D): Solid understanding of T&D systems, including substation primary, cabling, protection & control, overhead lines, and HVDC systems.
• Client Relationship Management: Excellent skills in building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs, and ensuring satisfaction.
• Safety & Quality Assurance: Deep knowledge of SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, Quality) standards and their application in design processes.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, essential for client meetings, team coordination, and report writing.
• Mentorship & Leadership: Ability to guide, mentor, and develop engineering teams effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• National Grid/TSO Experience: Working experience with the UK National Grid or other Transmission System Operators (TSOs) is highly advantageous.
• Business Development: Proven skills in identifying new opportunities, contributing to proposals, and participating in contract negotiations.
• Chartered Engineer Status: Chartered Engineer status (e.g., IEng, CEng) or equivalent professional qualifications are beneficial.
• Environmental & Permitting: Experience with environmental assessments, permitting, and consenting processes for large infrastructure projects.
• SCADA Systems: Familiarity with SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems relevant to T&D operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualification requirements are geared towards experienced engineering professionals who can step into a leadership role. The emphasis on "equivalent" for degree qualifications suggests a pragmatic approach, valuing practical experience alongside formal education. The preferred skills highlight a strong preference for candidates with direct experience in the UK energy market and with major clients like National Grid, indicating a strategic focus for AECOM's growth in this area.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Leadership Case Studies: Demonstrable examples of successfully managed multi-disciplinary design projects, highlighting your role in overcoming technical challenges, meeting deadlines, and managing budgets.
• Design Optimization Examples: Evidence of initiatives taken to improve design efficiency, reduce costs, or enhance constructability and operability, with quantifiable results where possible.
• SHEQ Integration: Documentation or case studies showing how safety, health, environmental, sustainability, and quality considerations were integrated into the design process.
• Client Engagement & Deliverables: Examples of client-facing documentation, project reports, or presentations that showcase effective communication and stakeholder management.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase your experience in defining, documenting, and optimizing engineering design workflows for complex infrastructure projects. This includes demonstrating how you ensure consistency and adherence to standards across different disciplines.
• Implementation & Automation: Provide examples of how you have overseen the implementation of designs, and any experience you have in leveraging digital tools or automation to improve design processes and outcomes.
• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Illustrate your approach to tracking project performance, including design progress, cost control, schedule adherence, and quality metrics. Show how you use data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a portfolio demonstrating successful project management, technical oversight, and client interaction within the T&D sector is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their process-driven approach to design management, emphasizing efficiency, safety, and quality, and ideally, how they've leveraged technology or innovative methods to achieve project goals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: £60,000 - £85,000 per annum (based on experience, location, and specific responsibilities).
• Rationale: This estimate is derived from industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in the UK engineering and infrastructure consulting sector, particularly in major metropolitan areas like Birmingham and London. Factors considered include the complexity of T&D projects, AECOM's standing as a global firm, and the demand for specialized skills in the energy sector.

Benefits:

• Career Development Opportunities: Access to AECOM's extensive learning and development programs, including AECOM University, technical practice networks, and opportunities for professional certifications.
• Flexible Hybrid Working Model: A balanced approach to work, allowing for a mix of office-based collaboration and remote work to support work-life balance.
• Volunteering Days: Paid time off to engage in community service and contribute to social and environmental causes.
• Health & Well-being Programs: Comprehensive benefits designed to support employee well-being, likely including health insurance, mental health support, and other wellness initiatives.
• Pension Scheme: Competitive pension plan to support long-term financial security.
• Life Assurance: Provision for financial support in the event of an employee's passing.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for employees facing personal or work-related challenges.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are likely to be around 40 hours per week.
• The hybrid working model offers flexibility, with specific arrangements to be discussed and agreed upon with the line manager, balancing project needs with employee well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation; candidates should confirm the exact compensation during the interview process. AECOM's benefits package is designed to attract and retain talent by offering comprehensive support for professional growth, work-life balance, and overall well-being, aligning with industry best practices for senior engineering roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering (Global Fortune 500 firm). AECOM operates across various sectors including transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment. Company Size: Over 50,000 employees globally. This significant scale allows for diverse career paths, access to global expertise, and the ability to undertake very large, impactful projects. Founded: AECOM has a long history, with its origins tracing back to the early 20th century, evolving through various mergers and acquisitions into the global entity it is today. This history signifies stability, extensive experience, and a deep understanding of the infrastructure landscape.

Team Structure:

• T&D Engineering Team: This team is a specialized unit within AECOM focused on the design and engineering of power transmission and distribution systems. It comprises various discipline leads and engineers.
• Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to senior leadership within the T&D business, likely a Director or VP. They will, in turn, manage Discipline Leads and project engineers.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role necessitates extensive collaboration with Project Managers, other Discipline Leads (e.g., Civils, Environmental, Protection & Control), commercial teams, and potentially external stakeholders such as clients (e.g., National Grid), regulatory bodies, and construction partners.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: AECOM emphasizes a data-driven approach to engineering, utilizing advanced analytics for power systems analysis, project performance tracking, and identifying optimization opportunities.
• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The company focuses on structured project management methodologies, with an emphasis on efficient design processes, clear documentation, and continuous improvement to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Automation & Efficiency Practices: AECOM is committed to leveraging digital innovation, including BIM, digital twins, and automation tools, to enhance design quality, reduce risks, and improve project delivery efficiency.

Company Website: https://aecom.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's culture is characterized by a commitment to delivering impactful infrastructure solutions globally. The "Work with Us. Change the World." slogan reflects an ambitious and purpose-driven ethos. The company values diversity, innovation, and sustainability, aiming to create lasting legacies. The T&D team specifically is at the forefront of energy transition projects, requiring a blend of technical excellence and collaborative spirit.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior management level. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise in Transmission & Distribution engineering and robust project/design management capabilities. It's a key leadership position responsible for significant project outcomes and team development.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to senior leadership within the T&D division, likely a Director or VP of Engineering. They will manage a team of engineers and discipline leads, fostering a collaborative environment where technical excellence and project delivery are paramount.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is substantial, directly influencing the successful delivery of critical energy infrastructure projects. Their oversight ensures that projects meet safety, quality, and performance standards, contributing to the reliability and modernization of power grids. This role plays a vital part in AECOM's contribution to national energy security and the transition to renewable energy sources, such as through the Great Grid Partnership.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas of T&D engineering, advanced project management techniques, and digital engineering tools.
• Leadership Development: Progression into more senior leadership roles, such as Principal Design Manager, Technical Director, or Program Director, with increased responsibility for larger, more complex programs and strategic client relationships.
• Industry Specialization: Potential to become a recognized expert in specific T&D technologies (e.g., HVDC, grid modernization, renewable integration) or project types.
• Global Mobility: As a global firm, AECOM offers opportunities to work on international projects or relocate to different regions, broadening experience and exposure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear pathway for career progression within AECOM's extensive operations and engineering divisions. The emphasis on managing large, strategic projects like the Great Grid Partnership provides significant opportunities for professional growth and development, positioning the individual for senior leadership roles in the critical energy infrastructure sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM typically operates professional office environments that support collaboration, innovation, and client engagement. Given the hybrid work model, this will likely include modern office spaces with meeting rooms, collaborative zones, and individual workstations. Office Location(s): The primary advertised location is Birmingham, United Kingdom. However, AECOM also has a significant presence in London, and the role involves overseeing projects across the UK & Ireland, implying potential travel and collaboration with teams in various AECOM offices.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office is designed to foster teamwork, with spaces for group discussions, brainstorming sessions, and cross-disciplinary project meetings.
• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, project management platforms, and AECOM's proprietary digital tools will be available to support efficient project delivery.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with fellow engineers, project managers, discipline leads, and senior management, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with flexibility offered through AECOM's hybrid working model.
• The schedule will need to accommodate project demands, client meetings, and team coordination, balancing these requirements with personal flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid working model is a key aspect of the work environment, offering flexibility while ensuring that essential in-person collaboration for complex design management and team leadership can occur. The emphasis on collaborative spaces and access to advanced technology reflects AECOM's commitment to efficient and innovative project delivery.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application by the recruitment team and Hiring Manager (Francesca Siddle) to assess alignment with core requirements.
• Technical Interview: Likely involves detailed discussions about your experience in T&D design management, project leadership, technical problem-solving, and SHEQ compliance. Be prepared to discuss specific project examples.
• Management & Behavioral Interview: Assessment of your leadership style, team management skills, client relationship capabilities, and how you handle challenges, using behavioral-based questions (e.g., STAR method).
• Portfolio Presentation: You may be asked to present a selection of your work, showcasing key projects, design methodologies, and achievements. Focus on demonstrating your impact and process.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or Director to discuss strategic fit, career aspirations, and final confirmation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Select projects that clearly demonstrate your ability to manage complex T&D designs, achieve project objectives, and deliver value to clients. Quantify your achievements wherever possible (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, safety metrics).
• Showcase Process: Detail your approach to design management, including planning, coordination, quality assurance, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communication. Highlight how you ensure safety and compliance.
• Tailor to AECOM: Research AECOM's current projects and values, particularly in the T&D sector. Align your portfolio examples to showcase your experience with similar challenges or technologies, and how your approach aligns with AECOM's ethos of "delivering a better world."
• Clarity and Conciseness: Present your portfolio in a clear, organized manner. Use visuals (diagrams, charts) where appropriate, but ensure the core message about your skills and impact is easily understood.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Optimization Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you might need to optimize a design for cost, constructability, or environmental impact. Think about the steps you would take to analyze the situation and propose solutions.
• Project Management Dilemma: Anticipate questions about how you would handle common project management issues such as scope creep, resource conflicts, or stakeholder disagreements.
• Safety Leadership: Prepare to discuss your approach to fostering a safety-first culture within design teams and how you ensure safety is integrated from the earliest stages of design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both technical competence and leadership potential. A well-prepared portfolio that highlights practical experience, process adherence, and quantifiable results will be critical for success. Candidates should be ready to articulate their understanding of the T&D sector's challenges and opportunities, particularly in the context of the UK's energy transition.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with common project management platforms (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6) for planning, scheduling, and tracking project progress.
• Design Management Platforms: Experience with systems that facilitate collaboration and document control for multi-disciplinary design projects.
• BIM (Building Information Modeling) Software: Familiarity with BIM workflows and software (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) for integrated design and visualization, particularly in large infrastructure projects.
• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Power Systems Analysis Software: Experience with specialized software for electrical engineering analysis (e.g., ETAP, PSS/E, DIgSILENT PowerFactory) is highly beneficial for understanding design implications.
• Data Visualization Tools: Ability to interpret and potentially create reports using tools like Microsoft Power BI or Tableau to present project performance data.
• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, cost tracking, and reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct sales role, understanding client management principles and potentially using CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) to track client interactions and business development efforts can be advantageous.
• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with robust document control systems for managing vast amounts of project documentation, drawings, and reports.
• Integration Tools: Awareness of how different software systems integrate to streamline workflows and data flow within a large organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is primarily management-focused, a strong understanding of the technical tools used by design engineers in the T&D sector will be crucial for effective oversight and quality assurance. Familiarity with digital tools that enhance collaboration, data analysis, and project tracking is expected in a firm like AECOM.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount commitment to safety in all aspects of design and project execution, embodying the "Safety by Design" ethos.
• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding the highest ethical standards and AECOM's Code of Conduct in all professional dealings.
• Excellence & Innovation: Striving for technical excellence, driving innovation in design and project delivery, and continuously seeking to improve processes and outcomes.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and teams work together effectively across disciplines and geographies.
• Sustainability: Commitment to delivering sustainable infrastructure solutions that have a positive environmental and social impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Encouraging seamless integration between different engineering disciplines, project management, commercial teams, and clients to ensure holistic project success.
• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that promotes open feedback, constructive criticism, and continuous improvement of design processes and team performance.
• Knowledge Sharing: Actively promoting the sharing of best practices, technical knowledge, and lessons learned across teams and projects to elevate collective expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's values emphasize a professional, ethical, and forward-thinking approach. The T&D team likely operates with a strong sense of purpose, contributing to critical national infrastructure and the energy transition. Collaboration is key, given the multi-disciplinary nature of T&D projects and AECOM's global reach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex, Large-Scale Projects: Overseeing intricate T&D projects with multiple stakeholders, tight deadlines, and significant budgets requires exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Technical Complexity & Innovation: Staying abreast of rapidly evolving T&D technologies, regulatory changes, and sustainability requirements while ensuring designs are robust and future-proof.
• Global Team Coordination: Effectively managing and collaborating with diverse, globally distributed teams, overcoming time zone differences and cultural nuances.
• Client Demands & Expectations: Meeting stringent client requirements, particularly for major clients like National Grid, while balancing project constraints and AECOM's business objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training in areas like HVDC systems, grid modernization, renewable energy integration, and advanced power systems analysis.
• Leadership & Management Programs: Opportunities to develop strategic leadership, stakeholder management, and advanced project/program management skills.
• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending key industry events and pursuing professional certifications to enhance expertise and network.
• Mentorship: Guidance from senior leaders within AECOM, providing insights into career progression and strategic decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges inherent in managing large-scale, critical infrastructure projects. However, these challenges are balanced by robust growth opportunities, enabling professionals to develop specialized technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of the energy sector's evolving landscape.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "How would you approach developing a design management strategy for a multi-year, multi-billion-pound infrastructure program like the Great Grid Partnership, considering global team resources and stringent client KPIs?" (Focus on phased planning, risk management, resource allocation, and communication protocols.)
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities or technical disagreements between different engineering disciplines or with a key client. How did you resolve it, and what was the outcome?" (Use the STAR method, highlighting communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.)
• Problem-Solving & Efficiency: "Imagine a critical design element is found to be non-compliant late in the project lifecycle. What immediate steps would you take, and how would you work to minimize impact on schedule and cost?" (Emphasize rapid assessment, risk mitigation, communication, and exploring alternative solutions.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Values: "How do AECOM's values of 'Safety First,' 'Integrity,' and 'Excellence' align with your own professional philosophy and past experiences?" (Connect your work ethic and past actions to these core values.)
• Team Dynamics: "How do you foster a collaborative and high-performing culture within a diverse, multi-disciplinary engineering team, especially when working in a hybrid environment?" (Discuss your leadership style and methods for promoting teamwork and knowledge sharing.)
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of a design management function beyond just meeting project deadlines and budgets? What KPIs are critical for demonstrating value in T&D projects?" (Focus on safety metrics, quality assurance, innovation adoption, client satisfaction, and sustainability outcomes.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• "The Big Picture" Project: Select one major T&D project to present in detail. Start with the project's objectives, your specific role, the challenges faced, your strategic approach to design management, the key decisions made, and the final outcomes (both technical and commercial).
• Highlight Process & Tools: Clearly articulate the design management processes you implemented, including how you ensured quality, safety, and compliance. Mention the tools and technologies you utilized and how they contributed to success.
• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use data to illustrate your impact. This could include cost savings achieved through design optimization, schedule improvements, reduction in design queries, or successful client sign-offs.
• Address AECOM's Context: Briefly explain how your experience and approach would be directly applicable to AECOM's current projects and strategic goals, particularly in the T&D sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, strong leadership, technical acumen, and a deep understanding of project management within the critical infrastructure sector. Candidates should be ready to articulate their experience using concrete examples and connect their skills to AECOM's mission and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal via the provided link.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate a selection of your most impactful T&D design management projects. Focus on case studies that demonstrate your ability to manage complex, multi-disciplinary projects, ensure SHEQ compliance, and deliver client value. Quantify your achievements with data where possible.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as "Transmission & Distribution," "Design Management," "Project Management," "Multi-disciplinary," "SHEQ," "Client Relationship Management," and "National Grid" (if applicable). Emphasize leadership roles and quantifiable achievements.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method. Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've managed design processes, resolved technical challenges, led teams, and engaged with clients. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss your strategic approach to design management.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's recent projects, particularly in the Transmission & Distribution sector (e.g., the Great Grid Partnership), and understand their commitment to sustainability, innovation, and their core values. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.