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 / Electrical Engineering Operations

Date Posted: March 18, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years (Senior Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary design teams, including AECOM and external partners, for complex infrastructure projects such as water, power, nuclear, and renewables across the UK and internationally.

• Drive business development initiatives by forging strong relationships with engineers, designers, and clients to identify and secure new opportunities within the infrastructure sector.

• Contribute to the growth and development of the Design Management team by mentoring junior professionals, overseeing performance reviews, and ensuring the highest standards of project delivery and client satisfaction.

• Manage project finances, including invoicing and AECOM's financial processes, while actively participating in business planning and monitoring team progress against targets.

• Implement and oversee robust Design Management procedures, encompassing communication, design coordination, change management, quality assurance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Design Manager, indicating a leadership capacity focused on the operational execution of design projects within the infrastructure sector. The emphasis on client-facing responsibilities, business development, and team growth suggests a strategic operational role that bridges technical design management with commercial objectives. The integration of financial management and the need to nurture junior talent are key operational components.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Team Leadership: Manage and direct AECOM and external design teams to ensure the successful delivery of infrastructure projects, adhering to scope, quality, and contractual obligations.

• Business Development & Client Relations: Proactively build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, identifying opportunities for new business and contributing to AECOM's growth strategy in the infrastructure consulting market.

• Team Mentorship & Development: Actively mentor and guide junior design managers and engineers, fostering their professional development, conducting performance reviews, and ensuring a high-performing, cohesive design team.

• Financial & Contractual Management: Oversee AECOM's financial processes for design projects, including invoicing, budget tracking, and contract compliance, ensuring profitability and adherence to AECOM's established financial procedures.

• Design Process Implementation: Establish, implement, and meticulously monitor design management procedures, including communication protocols, design coordination, change management workflows, quality assurance frameworks, and risk management strategies.

• Project Planning & Execution: Lead the development and execution of design schedules, monitor progress using techniques like Earned Value Management (EVM), and ensure timely delivery of all project deliverables to meet quality standards.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Approvals: Manage relationships with clients, internal stakeholders, and statutory bodies to facilitate project progression and secure necessary approvals.

• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Review all work outputs from the design management team and sub-consultants to guarantee compliance with contractual requirements, AECOM's quality standards, and industry best practices.

• Operational Process Improvement: Continuously assess and improve design management processes, identifying efficiencies, implementing best practices, and contributing to the overall strategic planning and operational effectiveness of the Design Management business line.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong operational focus on project execution, team management, and business growth within the infrastructure design domain. The emphasis on "establishing and implementing procedures" and "managing AECOM financial process and invoicing" points to a need for candidates with a solid understanding of operational frameworks and financial controls, beyond just technical design expertise.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., Electrical Engineering), Architecture, or a related built environment field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in the built environment, specifically within a design consultancy or engineering firm.

• Proven track record in managing multi-disciplinary design teams and delivering complex infrastructure projects.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in managing the entire design lifecycle for infrastructure projects, from inception to completion.

• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop diverse design teams, including junior members.

• Business Development: Demonstrated success in identifying, pursuing, and securing new business opportunities within the infrastructure sector.

• Client Relationship Management: Strong skills in building and nurturing lasting client relationships, understanding their needs, and ensuring high levels of satisfaction.

• Financial Acumen: Proficiency in managing project finances, including invoicing, budget tracking, and understanding AECOM's financial processes.

• Project Planning & Scheduling: Expertise in developing and managing project schedules, utilizing tools like EVM for progress monitoring.

• Risk & Quality Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate design risks, alongside implementing robust quality assurance processes.

• Communication & Stakeholder Management: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with clients, internal teams, and external stakeholders.

• Electrical Design Principles: Solid understanding of electrical engineering principles as they apply to infrastructure projects.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience managing international infrastructure projects.

• Familiarity with AECOM's specific design management procedures and financial systems.

• Knowledge of various infrastructure sectors beyond electrical, such as water, power, nuclear, and renewables.

• Proficiency in advanced project management software and tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of technical design management expertise, strong leadership and business development capabilities, and a client-centric approach. The "7+ years experience in the management of multi-disciplinary design teams" clearly denotes a senior operational role requiring leadership and strategic thinking, not just technical execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Comprehensive documentation of 2-3 significant infrastructure projects managed, showcasing the