Senior Design Manager - Infrastructure (Electrical)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager - Infrastructure (Electrical)

Company: AECOM

Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom (with potential for Bristol, 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 consultants, for complex infrastructure projects across the UK and potentially internationally.

• Drive business development initiatives by forging strong relationships with clients and internal engineering/design stakeholders to identify and secure new project opportunities.

• Contribute to the strategic growth and operational efficiency of the Design Management team through active mentoring, performance reviews, and process improvements.

• Oversee critical project financial processes, including invoicing and budget monitoring, ensuring compliance and profitability.

• Implement and manage robust Design Management procedures, covering communication, coordination, change control, quality assurance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Design Manager, implying a significant level of responsibility in both project execution and team development. The emphasis on client-facing activities, business development, and financial management suggests a strategic operational component beyond pure technical design oversight. The inclusion of "infrastructure projects (water, power, nuclear, renewables etc.)" indicates a broad scope within the infrastructure sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage AECOM and external design teams in the successful design and delivery of infrastructure projects (e.g., water, power, nuclear, renewables) throughout the UK.

• Actively contribute to the growth of the Design Management team by demonstrating value, mentoring junior design managers, and assisting in team performance reviews.

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with engineers and designers both within AECOM and externally to foster trust and identify new business opportunities.

• Support team leadership by undertaking duties such as business development, team performance reviews, and stepping in during the absence of Team Leaders.

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

• Contribute to the annual business planning for the Design Management function and continuously monitor progress against targets.

• Lead Design Management projects, potentially extending to international locations as required.

• Assist in the professional development of Design Management team members through effective mentoring, training, and performance reviews.

• Review and approve work outputs from the Design Management team to ensure quality, compliance with contractual obligations, and adherence to AECOM standards.

• Establish and manage project governance, including defining roles, responsibilities, scope, and managing sub-consultants effectively.

• Implement and enforce comprehensive Design Management Procedures, encompassing communication protocols, information exchange, design coordination, change management, and quality management systems.

• Lead Design Risk and Value Management processes to mitigate potential issues and maximize project value.

• Manage client expectations, stakeholder engagement, and the statutory approvals process to ensure project timelines are met.

• Establish, monitor, and report on the Design Schedule and overall project progress, potentially utilizing Earned Value Management (EVM) techniques.

• Define project deliverables and monitor outputs to ensure they meet specified quality standards and contractual requirements.

• Organize and lead project meetings, clearly defining the decision-making process to ensure efficient project progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are detailed and cover a wide range of operational, managerial, and technical aspects. The emphasis on "implement and enforce" procedures, "risk and value management," "stakeholder engagement," and "schedule and progress monitoring" highlights the operations-centric nature of this role, requiring strong process execution and project controls.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A degree in a relevant built environment discipline (e.g., Engineering, Architecture) is expected.

Experience:

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

• Proven track record in a client-facing role, demonstrating strong abilities in maintaining and developing client relationships.

• Substantial experience in managing complex infrastructure projects, ideally within sectors such as water, power, nuclear, or renewables.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in overseeing the entire design lifecycle for infrastructure projects.

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

• Client Relationship Management: Strong skills in building and maintaining positive, long-term client relationships.

• Business Development: Capability to identify opportunities, contribute to proposals, and support new business acquisition.

• Financial Acumen: Proficiency in managing project finances, including budgeting, invoicing, and financial reporting.

• Project Controls: Experience in schedule management, progress monitoring, and potentially EVM.

• Risk & Value Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and maximize value.

• Stakeholder Management: Skill in engaging with clients, statutory bodies, and internal teams.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.

• Professionalism & Integrity: Ability to maintain high standards, act with integrity, and comply with firm procedures.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience managing design teams on international projects.

• Familiarity with specific AECOM design management procedures and systems.

• Advanced knowledge of contractual obligations and their implications for design management.

• Experience with specific infrastructure sectors such as power (including renewables) or nuclear.

• Proficiency in using project management software and design coordination tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical engineering/architectural background with significant managerial and client-facing experience. The "7+ years" benchmark, combined with "managing multi-disciplinary design teams," positions this as a senior operational leadership role within the design function.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Leadership Case Studies: Demonstrate successful management of significant infrastructure design projects from inception through to delivery, highlighting your role in team coordination, risk mitigation, and schedule adherence.

• Client Relationship Management Examples: Provide instances where you successfully built or strengthened client relationships, leading to repeat business or expanded project scope.

• Process Implementation Evidence: Showcase examples of where you have designed, implemented, or significantly improved design management procedures (e.g., change control, information exchange, quality assurance), detailing the impact.

• Financial Oversight Documentation: Present examples of your experience managing project budgets, invoicing processes, and financial reporting for design projects, demonstrating fiscal responsibility.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Document your approach to establishing clear design workflows, including information exchange protocols, decision-making processes, and stakeholder engagement loops.

• Implementation & Automation: Showcase experience in implementing design management procedures and leveraging technology (e.g., project management software, collaboration platforms) to enhance efficiency and compliance.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Provide examples of how you have tracked and reported on design progress, schedule adherence, quality metrics, and risk mitigation effectiveness, using data to drive improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, a portfolio should not only showcase completed projects but also demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage processes, implement improvements, and drive operational efficiency within design management. Emphasis on case studies detailing the "how" and "why" of process implementation will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Design Manager with 7+ years of experience in the UK infrastructure sector, particularly in major cities like Birmingham or Bristol, the estimated salary range is between £65,000 and £90,000 per annum. This estimate accounts for the seniority of the role, the complexity of infrastructure projects managed, and the hybrid work arrangement.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Work Flexibility: Opportunities to work from home and in the office, promoting work-life balance.

• Comprehensive Health and Well-being Programs: Access to health insurance, mental health support, and wellness initiatives.

• Pension Scheme: Competitive employer-matched pension contributions.

• Professional Development: Support for continuous learning, including training, certifications, and potential for further career advancement within AECOM.

• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave allowance, plus public holidays.

• Life Assurance: Coverage in line with industry standards.

• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential support services for personal and professional challenges.

• Access to Industry-Leading Technology and Thinking: Opportunities to work with advanced tools and methodologies.

Working Hours:

Standard full-time working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid work model offers some flexibility in scheduling, allowing for a balance between office presence and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on UK market data for senior engineering/management roles in the infrastructure sector, considering location and experience. Benefits are typical for large, established engineering consultancies like AECOM.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting and Engineering Services. AECOM operates globally, providing a wide range of services from advisory and planning to design, engineering, program, and construction management across sectors like transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment.

Company Size: Global presence with over 50,000 employees worldwide. This large scale offers significant opportunities for career growth, exposure to diverse projects, and access to a broad talent pool.

Founded: AECOM has a long history, with roots tracing back to the early 20th century, evolving through mergers and acquisitions into the global entity it is today. This longevity suggests stability, extensive experience, and a deep understanding of the infrastructure landscape.

Team Structure:

• The Design Management team is part of a larger business group (likely DCS - Design, Construction and Strategy, or similar) and business line (e.g., Buildings & Places, Water, Power).

• The role reports into Team Leadership, indicating a hierarchical structure within the Design Management function.

• There is a clear emphasis on fostering relationships with engineers and designers across AECOM, highlighting a collaborative, cross-functional approach.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes a "better world" through its work, focusing on delivering sustainable legacies and solving complex infrastructure challenges.

• The company champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging employees to bring their "whole selves" to work.

• Data-driven decision-making and a commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) priorities are central to their operations.

• The work environment is described as dynamic, with integrity, entrepreneurial spirit, and a pioneering mindset being championed.

Company Website: https://www.aecom.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's scale and global reach provide a rich environment for operations professionals, offering exposure to diverse projects and a structured approach to business management. The company's stated values around sustainability, diversity, and problem-solving are key cultural indicators.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management. This role is positioned as a Senior Design Manager, indicating a leadership position responsible for managing teams, client relationships, and project financials within the design operations function. It involves strategic input and operational execution.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to "Team Leadership" within the Design Management team and is expected to support Team Leaders in their duties. This suggests a clear reporting line and opportunities to learn from senior management.

Operations Impact: The Senior Design Manager plays a critical role in ensuring the successful and efficient delivery of infrastructure projects. Their impact is measured through project profitability, client satisfaction, adherence to schedules and quality standards, and the growth and development of the design management team. They directly influence the operational success and reputation of AECOM's design services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to higher leadership roles within Design Management, such as Principal Design Manager, Director of Design Management, or regional operational leadership positions.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific infrastructure sectors (e.g., nuclear, renewables) or in particular areas of design management (e.g., advanced digital delivery, risk management).

• Business Development Expansion: Develop advanced skills in client acquisition, strategic account management, and contributing to AECOM's overall business growth.

• Mentorship & Training: Take on a more significant role in mentoring and developing junior staff, contributing to the talent pipeline within AECOM.

• International Exposure: Opportunities to lead or contribute to design management on projects outside the UK, broadening global experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step in an operations career path within the engineering and infrastructure sector, offering a clear trajectory for leadership and specialization. The emphasis on client management and business development also opens doors to broader commercial roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model. This implies a blend of working from AECOM offices and remotely. The specific office mentioned is Colmore Plaza in Birmingham, suggesting a modern, professional office environment.

Office Location(s): Primary location is Birmingham, UK (Colmore Plaza). Bristol, UK is also mentioned as a potential location, indicating a broader operational footprint in the UK.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on client-facing roles suggest a need for strong collaboration, both in-person and virtually. Office days are likely utilized for team meetings, client engagements, and collaborative problem-solving.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to AECOM's standard suite of project management, design collaboration, financial management, and communication tools is expected.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with senior management, peers within the Design Management team, and engineers/designers across various disciplines.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 per week) with flexibility inherent in the hybrid model. This allows operations professionals to manage their time effectively while ensuring project deliverables and client needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is a key feature, requiring candidates to be comfortable with self-management and effective communication across different work settings. The office locations indicate a presence in major UK business hubs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and application to assess experience against core requirements, particularly client-facing skills and multi-disciplinary team management.

• Technical/Managerial Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on experience in infrastructure design management, project leadership, financial oversight, and team mentoring. Candidates may be asked to elaborate on specific projects and challenges.

• Case Study/Presentation: Potential for a presentation or case study exercise simulating a design management challenge, requiring the candidate to outline their approach to coordination, risk, schedule, and stakeholder engagement.

• Client/Stakeholder Simulation: Possibly a scenario-based interview assessing client-facing skills and ability to manage expectations and build relationships.

• Final Interview: Meeting with senior leadership to discuss cultural fit, long-term career aspirations, and alignment with AECOM's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Operational Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your specific role in managing design processes, timelines, budgets, and risks, not just the technical outcomes.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics whenever possible (e.g., "Reduced design coordination issues by 15% through implementation of new protocols," "Managed project budgets of up to £X million," "Successfully secured Y% repeat business from key clients").

• Showcase Process Improvement: Detail instances where you have implemented or improved design management procedures, explaining the problem, your solution, and the resulting benefits.

• Client Engagement Stories: Prepare concise narratives demonstrating your ability to build rapport, manage expectations, and deliver client satisfaction.

• Team Management Examples: Provide examples of how you have mentored, developed, or managed underperforming team members, showcasing your leadership style.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Coordination Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would manage conflicting design requirements from different disciplines.

• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Outline your approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating design-related risks on complex infrastructure projects.

• Stakeholder Management Plans: Discuss how you would engage with various stakeholders, including clients, statutory bodies, and internal teams, to ensure alignment and obtain necessary approvals.

• Financial Management Questions: Be ready to explain your experience with project budgeting, cost control, and invoicing procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating hands-on experience in managing operational aspects of design delivery, rather than just technical design, will be key. Preparing specific examples for interview questions related to leadership, problem-solving, and client management is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard tools for scheduling, task management, and progress tracking (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com).

• Design Collaboration Platforms: Experience with platforms that facilitate information exchange, document control, and design reviews (e.g., Bentley ProjectWise, Autodesk BIM 360/ACC, Aconex).

• Financial Management Systems: Familiarity with corporate financial systems for invoicing, budgeting, and reporting (AECOM's specific system would be an advantage).

• Communication & Collaboration Tools: Expertise in using platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom for virtual meetings and team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project data for performance monitoring and reporting. This could include Excel for detailed analysis or BI tools if deployed by AECOM.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating or utilizing dashboards to track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design progress, budget, and quality.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a primary sales role, understanding CRM principles for client relationship management is beneficial.

• Automation Tools: Experience with any tools or processes that automate repetitive design management tasks or workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, the role implies a need for strong proficiency in project management, design collaboration, and financial tracking software. Candidates should be adaptable to AECOM's specific technology stack.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings, from client interactions to team management.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where diverse teams work together seamlessly to achieve project goals.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: Encouraging creative thinking and proactive solutions to complex infrastructure challenges.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations through reliable and high-quality service delivery.

• Sustainability & Legacy: Commitment to delivering projects that have a positive, long-term impact on communities and the environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively working with various engineering disciplines, project managers, and client representatives to ensure cohesive project execution.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparency and proactive communication within the team and with stakeholders.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Valuing constructive feedback to continuously enhance processes and project outcomes.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture where experienced professionals actively guide and support the development of others.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values of integrity, client focus, and sustainability are likely to be deeply embedded in the team's operational approach. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their work ethic aligns with these principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the needs and demands of clients, internal leadership, statutory bodies, and various design teams.

• Complex Project Coordination: Effectively coordinating multiple disciplines on large-scale infrastructure projects with potential for interdependencies and conflicts.

• Navigating Evolving Regulations & Technologies: Staying abreast of changes in building codes, environmental regulations, and emerging design technologies.

• Driving Efficiency in a Hybrid Environment: Maintaining high levels of productivity and collaboration within a hybrid work setting.

• Business Development Pressure: Contributing to winning new work while simultaneously managing existing projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Techniques: Formal training and practical application of advanced project controls, EVM, and risk management.

• Leadership Development Programs: AECOM offers various programs to hone leadership, strategic thinking, and people management skills.

• Sector-Specific Expertise: Deepening knowledge in specialized infrastructure areas like nuclear, renewables, or advanced water management.

• Digital Transformation in Design: Learning about and implementing new digital tools and workflows (e.g., advanced BIM, digital twins, AI in design).

• Client Management & Business Acumen: Developing skills in strategic account management, negotiation, and business growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in large infrastructure firms, requiring adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The growth opportunities are extensive, reflecting AECOM's commitment to employee development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully managed a multi-disciplinary design team on a complex infrastructure project. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your management approach, problem-solving, and operational strategies.)

• "How do you ensure effective communication and coordination across different engineering disciplines and with external stakeholders?" (Highlight your processes for information exchange, meetings, and conflict resolution.)

• "Walk us through a situation where you had to manage a significant budget or financial challenge on a project. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate your financial acumen and proactive management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AECOM and this specific Senior Design Manager role?" (Research AECOM's recent projects, values, and strategic goals.)

• "How do you foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within a design team?" (Relate your experiences to AECOM's stated values.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly define the context, your specific role and responsibilities, the challenges faced, the operational processes you implemented, the results achieved (quantified where possible), and key lessons learned.

• Focus on Operational Processes: Emphasize how you managed schedules, budgets, risks, quality, and stakeholder communications, rather than just the technical design specifics.

• Highlight Client Impact: Clearly link your actions to client satisfaction, successful project delivery, and business outcomes.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific decisions, the rationale behind your methods, and how you would handle similar situations in the future.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership, operational excellence, client management skills, and a strategic understanding of the infrastructure design process. Quantifiable achievements and clear examples of process implementation will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal linked from the job posting.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and any supporting documents to highlight your experience in infrastructure design management, client-facing roles, team leadership, and financial oversight. Prepare specific examples of process implementation and improvement.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 7+ years of relevant experience, emphasizing achievements in managing multi-disciplinary teams and delivering complex infrastructure projects. Use keywords found in the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare specific examples for the strategy and culture questions outlined above.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AECOM's recent projects, company values, and strategic initiatives. Understand their approach to sustainability, client service, and innovation.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with AECOM before making application decisions.

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