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

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 such as water, power, nuclear, and renewables across the UK and internationally.

• Drive business development by forging strong relationships with engineers, designers, and clients, identifying new opportunities, and contributing to AECOM's growth in the infrastructure sector.

• Mentor and develop junior design managers, fostering a collaborative team environment and ensuring the highest standards of design delivery and professional conduct.

• Oversee critical project management functions including financial processes, invoicing, schedule monitoring, and EVM (Earned Value Management) to ensure project success and client satisfaction.

• Implement and manage robust Design Management Procedures covering communication, information exchange, design coordination, change management, quality management, risk, and value management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the title "Senior Design Manager - Infrastructure (Electrical)" and the emphasis on managing multi-disciplinary teams and client relationships, this role clearly sits within the GTM and Operations support functions, specifically focusing on the operational execution and delivery of complex engineering projects. The "Electrical" specialization indicates a need for deep technical understanding within that domain, while the "Senior Design Manager" title points to significant leadership and strategic responsibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage AECOM and external design teams to ensure the successful design and delivery of infrastructure projects (water, power, nuclear, renewables, etc.) across the UK and potentially internationally.

• Contribute to the growth and development of the Design Management team by demonstrating exceptional value, mentoring junior design managers, and identifying opportunities for process improvement.

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with engineers, designers, and clients across AECOM and externally to build trust and secure new business opportunities.

• Support team leadership in business development initiatives, team performance reviews, and undertaking leadership duties in their absence.

• Oversee AECOM's financial processes, including invoicing and budget management, ensuring adherence to company policies and project financial targets.

• Lead and contribute to Design Management business planning, continuously reviewing targets and monitoring team progress to ensure strategic alignment and achievement of objectives.

• Implement and manage comprehensive Design Management Procedures, including communication protocols, information exchange, design coordination, change management, quality assurance, and risk and value management.

• Manage client interactions, stakeholder engagement, and the statutory approvals process to ensure smooth project progression and compliance.

• Establish and diligently monitor the design schedule and progress, utilizing tools like EVM to track performance and identify potential deviations.

• Agree on project deliverables and continuously monitor outputs to ensure they meet stringent quality standards and contractual obligations.

• Organize project meetings, define clear decision-making processes, and facilitate effective communication among all project stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are a mix of direct project execution and team/business development. The emphasis on "managing AECOM and External Design Teams," "business development," and "mentoring junior design managers" clearly positions this role as a strategic operational leadership position within AECOM's infrastructure division, directly impacting project delivery efficiency and client acquisition.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

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

• Proven track record in managing complex infrastructure projects, ideally with exposure to water, power, nuclear, or renewables sectors.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in managing the entire design lifecycle for large-scale infrastructure projects, ensuring quality, timeliness, and budget adherence.

• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and mentor multi-disciplinary teams, including junior design managers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

• Business Development: Strong skills in identifying and nurturing new business opportunities, building client relationships, and contributing to strategic growth initiatives.

• Financial Management: Proficiency in managing project finances, including invoicing, budgeting, and EVM, to ensure commercial success.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent ability to engage with clients, internal teams, external consultants, and statutory bodies to ensure alignment and facilitate approvals.

• Contractual & Quality Compliance: Thorough understanding of contractual obligations and quality management systems to ensure project deliverables meet AECOM's and client standards.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Electrical Design Expertise: Specific technical knowledge in electrical engineering principles and their application in infrastructure projects.

• International Project Experience: Experience managing design projects in international contexts.

• Risk & Value Management: Advanced skills in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks, and maximizing project value.

• EVM (Earned Value Management): Practical experience with EVM for project progress tracking and performance analysis.

• Digital Tool Proficiency: Familiarity with advanced design and project management software relevant to infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI-generated skills align perfectly with the responsibilities. The inclusion of "Electrical Design" as a specialized skill is crucial given the job title. The emphasis on client-facing skills and business development is characteristic of senior roles that contribute to revenue generation and client retention, a key aspect of GTM operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Management Case Studies: Detailed examples of infrastructure projects managed, showcasing your role in leading design teams, managing scope, schedule, and budget. Highlight complexities and how they were overcome.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Evidence of implementing or improving design management processes (e.g., communication protocols, change management, quality assurance) and the quantifiable benefits achieved.

• Client Relationship Management Examples: Demonstrations of successful client engagement, including how you managed expectations, resolved issues, and fostered long-term relationships, leading to repeat business or expanded scope.

• Financial Oversight Documentation: Samples of financial reporting, invoicing oversight, or EVM reports used to track project financial health and performance.

Process Documentation:

• Design Management Framework: Examples of design management plans or frameworks you have developed or implemented, outlining procedures for communication, coordination, change control, and quality assurance.

• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Documentation of how you identified, assessed, and mitigated design risks, including specific examples of challenges faced and solutions implemented.

• Stakeholder Engagement Plans: Evidence of creating and executing plans for stakeholder communication and management, including obtaining necessary approvals and managing expectations.

• Schedule & Progress Tracking: Examples of how you established and monitored design schedules, utilizing tools like EVM or other project management methodologies to report on progress and performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but demonstrate how the candidate managed them, focusing on process adherence, problem-solving, and quantifiable outcomes. This aligns with the operational excellence expected in GTM and project delivery roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

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

• Professional Development: Access to industry-leading training, certifications, and opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement.

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Robust health insurance, wellness programs, and employee assistance programs.

• Pension Scheme: Competitive pension plan to support long-term financial security.

• Life Assurance: Coverage to provide financial security for dependents.

• Generous Paid Time Off: Ample annual leave, public holidays, and potential for other leave types.

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Opportunity to invest in AECOM's growth.

• Cycle to Work Scheme: Encouraging sustainable commuting options.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, the hybrid work model offers flexibility, with the expectation that work is completed efficiently and project deadlines are met. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to meet critical project milestones or client demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on UK market data for senior engineering and management roles in major cities. The benefits listed are standard for large, established engineering consultancies like AECOM and are tailored to appeal to professionals seeking stability, growth, and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering Services. AECOM is a global leader, involved in transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and environmental projects. This industry context means a focus on complex, long-term projects with significant societal impact.

Company Size: Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 employees globally. This large size implies structured processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for diverse project involvement and career progression.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910, indicating a long history of expertise, stability, and a deep understanding of the infrastructure sector.

Team Structure:

• Design Management Department: This role is part of the Design Management team, likely within a specific business line such as Buildings & Places (B&P) or a dedicated infrastructure division.

• Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Director or Head of Design Management, with direct management of junior Design Managers and oversight of external design consultants.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Intensive collaboration with project managers, engineering disciplines (electrical, civil, mechanical, structural), environmental specialists, procurement, legal, and client representatives.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: AECOM emphasizes leveraging data and analytics for project planning, risk assessment, and performance monitoring, including EVM.

• Process Optimization: A continuous focus on refining design management procedures to enhance efficiency, quality, and client satisfaction.

• Digital Innovation: Integration of advanced digital tools and technologies for design, collaboration, and project management.

• Sustainability & ESG: Strong commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance principles, influencing project design and delivery.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's description as a "trusted infrastructure consulting firm" and a "Fortune 500 company" highlights its scale and reputation. The emphasis on "delivering a better world" and "transforming skylines" points to a culture that values impact and innovation. For an operations professional, this means working within a structured yet dynamic environment that prioritizes technical excellence and client-focused delivery.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Level role, indicating significant autonomy, responsibility for critical project outcomes, and leadership over teams. It requires a blend of technical expertise, project management acumen, and strong people management skills.

Reporting Structure: The role will likely report to a senior leadership position within the Design Management or Project Delivery function, such as a Director or Vice President. This structure provides visibility to senior management and opportunities to influence strategic decisions.

Operations Impact: The Senior Design Manager plays a pivotal role in the successful delivery of infrastructure projects, directly impacting AECOM's revenue, client satisfaction, and reputation. Effective management of design processes ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards, which is critical for AECOM's commercial success and its mission to "deliver a better world."

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into roles such as Director of Design Management, Head of Operations, or Program Director, overseeing larger portfolios and P&L responsibilities.

• Specialization and Expertise: Deepen expertise in electrical infrastructure design or expand into broader program management or business development roles within AECOM.

• International Assignments: Opportunities to lead projects in AECOM's global operations, broadening experience and cultural understanding.

• Mentorship and Training: Formal and informal opportunities to mentor junior staff and contribute to AECOM's talent development programs.

• Strategic Contribution: Involvement in shaping AECOM's design management strategies, processes, and business development efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation in this role signifies a move beyond execution to strategic oversight and people development, aligning with typical career progression in operations and GTM functions. The growth opportunities are geared towards increasing scope of influence, responsibility, and leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, combining remote work with office-based collaboration. AECOM's offices, such as the one at Colmore Plaza in Birmingham, are typically modern, professional, and equipped to support collaborative work.

Office Location(s): Primary location is Birmingham, UK, with potential for travel to other AECOM offices or project sites across the UK and internationally. Birmingham's central location provides good accessibility.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hubs: Office spaces are designed to facilitate team meetings, workshops, brainstorming sessions, and client presentations, fostering interaction among design teams and project stakeholders.

• Technology & Tools: Access to AECOM's robust IT infrastructure, including advanced design software, collaboration platforms, and project management tools necessary for efficient operations.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular face-to-face interaction with colleagues, fostering a strong team spirit, knowledge sharing, and a cohesive working culture, particularly during office-based days.

Work Schedule: The hybrid model offers flexibility. While core hours might exist for team coordination, the emphasis is on delivering results. This allows operations professionals to manage their time effectively, balancing project demands with personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid" work arrangement is a key feature, indicating a modern work approach that balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration, essential for complex design management. This is a common expectation for senior roles in consulting firms.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will review applications for basic qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your experience, technical skills, leadership approach, and understanding of design management principles. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your career.

• Technical/Panel Interview: May involve a panel of senior engineers, design managers, or project directors. This stage often includes case studies or scenario-based questions to assess problem-solving skills and technical depth.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio, demonstrating your management style, process application, and project outcomes.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive or business leader to assess cultural fit, strategic alignment, and overall suitability for the role and AECOM's future.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 strong case studies that best represent your experience in managing complex infrastructure projects, highlighting electrical design aspects where applicable.

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the challenge, your role and approach, the processes you implemented (design management, risk, change, quality), and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, quality enhancements, client satisfaction).

• Showcase Process: Detail your methodology for managing design teams, coordinating disciplines, handling client communications, and ensuring contractual and quality compliance.

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your leadership style, mentoring activities, and ability to foster collaboration and drive performance within your teams.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handle conflict, and your strategies for managing difficult stakeholders or unforeseen project issues.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Management Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach common challenges, such as scope creep, design clashes between disciplines, managing underperforming consultants, or tight project deadlines.

• Client Communication Strategy: Prepare answers on how you would manage client expectations, present project updates, and handle client feedback or complaints.

• Process Implementation: Understand how you would implement AECOM's design management procedures within a new project context and ensure buy-in from your team and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review are critical for senior roles. The emphasis on demonstrating process, impact, and leadership through case studies is paramount. Applicants should prepare thoroughly to showcase their operational and strategic capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or AECOM's internal project management systems for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, SharePoint, or similar for team communication, document sharing, and workflow management.

• Design Review Software: Familiarity with tools used for mark-up and review of design documents, such as Bluebeam Revu, Autodesk Navisworks, or BIM 360.

• Financial Management Systems: Experience with AECOM's financial systems for invoicing, budget tracking, and reporting.

Analytics & Reporting:

• EVM Tools: Experience with Earned Value Management software or methodologies for performance measurement and forecasting.

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project data from various sources to assess performance, identify trends, and inform decision-making.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience creating or utilizing dashboards for project status, financial health, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

CRM & Automation:

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

• Workflow Automation: Familiarity with concepts or tools for automating repetitive tasks within the design management process, if applicable.

• Document Management Systems: Expertise in using robust document control systems to manage project information and ensure traceability.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is not purely technical, a strong understanding of the technology stack used in infrastructure design and project management is essential. This includes project management software, collaboration tools, and specialized design review platforms, all of which are critical for operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity and Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings, maintaining professionalism in client interactions and team management.

• Excellence and Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality design solutions that meet or exceed client expectations and industry standards.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and collective success is prioritized.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, embracing technological advancements, and actively seeking ways to optimize processes and outcomes.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building trust, and delivering exceptional value.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and transparent communication channels with all stakeholders, ensuring timely updates and addressing concerns promptly.

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with various engineering disciplines, project managers, and support functions to ensure seamless project execution.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: Encouraging open dialogue and providing constructive feedback to team members to facilitate growth and improve performance.

• Shared Ownership: Promoting a sense of shared responsibility for project success, encouraging team members to take initiative and contribute to problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values of integrity, excellence, collaboration, innovation, and client focus are central to its operational ethos. For a Senior Design Manager, embodying these values is crucial for effective leadership and successful project delivery within the company's culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Teams: Effectively leading and integrating teams with varied expertise, working styles, and from different organizations (AECOM and external consultants).

• Complex Project Demands: Navigating the technical complexities, regulatory requirements, and stakeholder expectations inherent in large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Balancing Client Demands with Project Constraints: Meeting client expectations for scope, quality, and timelines while adhering to budget and resource limitations.

• Implementing New Technologies/Processes: Adapting to and championing the adoption of new design tools, methodologies, and AECOM's evolving operational standards.

• Geographical Dispersal: Managing teams and projects that may be geographically dispersed, requiring strong remote communication and coordination skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Training: Access to AECOM's extensive learning resources for project management, leadership, and specialized infrastructure topics.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Opportunities to attend leading industry events to stay abreast of technological advancements, best practices, and regulatory changes.

• Mentorship Programs: Participation in formal or informal mentorship schemes, both as a mentee to learn from senior leaders and as a mentor to develop junior talent.

• Leadership Development Programs: AECOM offers programs designed to cultivate leadership skills for senior roles, preparing individuals for greater strategic influence and management responsibilities.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: The breadth of AECOM's portfolio provides continuous learning opportunities through exposure to a wide range of infrastructure sectors and project types.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are typical of senior operations management in the engineering and infrastructure sector. Addressing these challenges effectively will be key to success and provides ample opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage a significant design conflict between multiple engineering disciplines. How did you resolve it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process for conflict resolution, stakeholder negotiation, and ensuring technical integrity.)

• "How do you ensure that design processes are efficient and meet contractual obligations while also managing client expectations for scope and timeline?" (Highlight your understanding of design management procedures, risk management, and client communication strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AECOM's commitment to sustainability and ESG principles, and how would you integrate these into your design management approach?" (Demonstrate your research and alignment with AECOM's core values.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative team environment, especially in a hybrid work setting with both internal and external team members?" (Discuss your strategies for communication, team building, and conflict resolution in a distributed team.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the project context, the specific challenges faced, your strategic approach, the processes you implemented (e.g., design coordination, risk management), the tools you utilized, and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics wherever possible (e.g., percentage reduction in design changes, schedule savings, cost efficiencies, safety improvements).

• Highlight Leadership & Collaboration: Emphasize your role in leading teams, fostering collaboration, and managing stakeholders effectively.

• Be Ready to Dig Deeper: Anticipate follow-up questions on specific decisions, challenges, or alternative approaches you might have considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just what you did, but how you did it, and the impact of your actions. Highlighting your process, leadership, and ability to drive operational excellence is key for a senior role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager - Infrastructure (Electrical) position:

• Submit your application: Complete the online application form through the provided link.

• Tailor your CV: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 7+ years of experience managing multi-disciplinary design teams, your expertise in infrastructure projects (especially electrical), and your proven client-facing and business development skills. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio: Select 3-4 key projects that best showcase your design management capabilities, leadership, and impact. Be ready to present these in detail, focusing on process, problem-solving, and quantifiable results.

• Research AECOM: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's projects, values (especially sustainability and ESG), and recent news. Understand their approach to design management and infrastructure development.

• Practice your interview answers: Prepare for behavioral, technical, and situational questions, focusing on your experience leading teams, managing complex projects, and driving operational excellence.

⚠️ 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.

---