Senior Design Manager - Infrastructure (Electrical)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager - Infrastructure (Electrical)

Company: AECOM

Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Infrastructure Design Management / Operations

Date Posted: 2026-03-18

Experience Level: 7+ Years (Senior Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary design teams in the delivery of complex infrastructure projects across the UK and internationally, encompassing sectors such as water, power, nuclear, and renewables.

• Drive business development initiatives by forging strong relationships with internal AECOM engineers and external designers, identifying and cultivating new business opportunities.

• Mentor and develop junior design managers, contributing to the growth and expertise of the Design Management team and fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.

• Oversee the entirety of the design management process, from initial planning and team structuring to detailed execution of procedures for communication, change management, quality assurance, and risk management.

• Ensure contractual compliance and high-quality outputs by reviewing work from the Design Management team and implementing robust project governance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Design Manager, indicating significant responsibility for project leadership, client-facing activities, and team development. The emphasis on "infrastructure projects (water, power, nuclear, renewables etc.)" points to a need for broad sector understanding and the ability to manage diverse technical teams. The client-facing aspect and business development requirement suggest this role is integral to AECOM's growth strategy, requiring strong interpersonal and commercial acumen alongside technical expertise. The "Hybrid" work arrangement suggests a balance between office-based collaboration and remote work flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage AECOM and external design teams to successfully deliver infrastructure projects (water, power, nuclear, renewables) across the UK.

• Contribute to the growth of the Design Management team by demonstrating value, managing client relationships, and actively seeking new business opportunities.

• Mentor and assist in the development of junior design managers through guidance, training, and performance reviews.

• Support Team Leadership in their roles, including business development activities and team performance evaluations, and act as a supplement in their absence.

• Oversee AECOM's financial processes related to design management, including invoicing and budget tracking.

• Contribute to the business planning process for the Design Management function, continuously monitoring progress against targets.

• Lead Design Management projects, potentially extending to international assignments, ensuring adherence to AECOM's standards and client contractual obligations.

• Review and approve work outputs from the Design Management team to ensure quality, compliance, and adherence to contractual requirements.

• Establish and implement comprehensive Design Management Procedures, including communication protocols, information exchange, design coordination, change management, and quality management frameworks.

• Implement robust Design Risk & Value Management strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate project risks while maximizing value.

• Manage client interactions, stakeholder engagements, and the process for obtaining statutory approvals.

• Establish and monitor Design Schedules, track progress using methodologies like Earned Value Management (EVM), and ensure timely delivery of project milestones.

• Organize project meetings, define decision-making processes, and ensure effective communication flow among all project participants and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design oversight, team leadership, financial acumen, and business development. The specific mention of "EVM" (Earned Value Management) indicates a need for proficiency in project financial tracking and performance measurement, a critical skill in operations and project management roles. The emphasis on "Design Management Procedures" underscores the importance of establishing and enforcing structured processes to ensure project success and quality.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, or a related built environment discipline.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7+ years of progressive experience in the management of multi-disciplinary design teams within the built environment sector.

• Proven track record in delivering complex infrastructure projects, with specific experience in water, power, nuclear, or renewables sectors being advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in leading and managing multi-disciplinary design teams, coordinating design efforts, and ensuring timely and quality deliverables.

• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams