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: March 18, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years (as Senior/Managerial)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary design teams, including AECOM and external consultants, for complex infrastructure projects (water, power, nuclear, renewables) across the UK and potentially internationally.

• Drive the growth and development of the Design Management team through effective mentoring, training, and performance management of junior design managers.

• Cultivate strong client relationships and foster collaborative partnerships with engineers and designers both internally and externally to identify and develop new business opportunities.

• Oversee critical project management functions, including financial process management, invoicing, design scheduling with Earned Value Management (EVM) integration, and ensuring quality and contractual compliance of all design outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw job description focuses heavily on the technical management of design and the development of the design management function. This enhancement emphasizes the "operations" aspect by highlighting project financial management, business development, team leadership, and process implementation, which are critical for a Senior Managerial role in a large consulting firm like AECOM. The "Electrical" aspect of the title suggests a specialization, but the core responsibilities are broader design and team management, encompassing various infrastructure sectors.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage AECOM and external design teams in the successful design and delivery of diverse infrastructure projects, including water, power, nuclear, and renewable energy sectors.

• Support team leadership in strategic initiatives, including business development efforts, team performance reviews, and deputizing for Team Leaders when required.

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

• Contribute to the overall business planning for the Design Management function, continuously reviewing and monitoring progress against targets to ensure team efficiency and growth.

• Lead the implementation of robust Design Management Procedures, encompassing communication protocols, information exchange strategies, design coordination processes, change management workflows, and quality assurance frameworks.

• Conduct comprehensive Design Risk and Value Management assessments to identify potential issues and optimize project outcomes for clients and AECOM.

• Manage client interactions, stakeholder engagements, and the statutory approvals process to ensure project timelines and regulatory requirements are met.

• Establish and rigorously monitor the design schedule and overall project progress, utilizing tools like EVM to track performance and forecast completion.

• Define and agree on project deliverables, meticulously monitoring outputs to ensure adherence to quality standards and contractual obligations.

• Organize and facilitate project meetings, clearly defining decision-making processes and ensuring effective communication among all project participants.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been expanded to detail the operational aspects of managing design projects within a large consultancy. This includes clarifying financial management, business development support, and the crucial implementation and monitoring of design management procedures, which are core to operations management in this context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A degree in a relevant built environment discipline, such as Engineering (Electrical, Civil, Mechanical) or Architecture, is typically required.

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in managing multi-disciplinary design teams within the built environment sector.

• Proven track record in the successful delivery of complex infrastructure projects.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in overseeing the entire design lifecycle from concept to detailed design, ensuring alignment with project objectives and client requirements.

• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Ability to lead, motivate, and develop diverse design teams, including junior design managers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

• Business Development Support: Skills in identifying and developing new business opportunities, contributing to proposals, and strengthening client relationships.

• Financial Acumen: Proficiency in managing project finances, including budgeting, invoicing, and financial reporting, with experience in AECOM's financial processes being a plus.

• Project Controls: Strong understanding and application of project scheduling, progress monitoring, and Earned Value Management (EVM) principles.

• Risk & Value Management: Competence in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks, and driving value engineering initiatives.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent ability to engage with and manage diverse stakeholders, including clients, statutory bodies, and internal teams.

• Quality Assurance: Commitment to upholding and implementing high-quality standards in design outputs and project delivery.

• Professionalism & Integrity: A consistent demonstration of the highest professional standards, integrity, and ethical conduct in all aspects of work.

Preferred Skills:

• Specific experience within AECOM's core infrastructure sectors (water, power, nuclear, renewables).

• Familiarity with various project delivery methodologies (e.g., traditional, design-build, PFI).

• Experience in international project delivery.

• Proficiency in relevant design and project management software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications section has been structured to reflect a senior management role. The experience requirement is explicitly stated based on the job description's "7+ years" and the senior manager title. Skills are categorized into required and preferred, with a strong emphasis on leadership, client relations, financial and project controls, and specific infrastructure sectors relevant to AECOM. Education requirements are inferred based on typical industry standards for such a role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Documented examples of successfully managed infrastructure projects, showcasing your role in design leadership, team coordination, and client engagement. Highlight the scale, complexity, and sector of these projects.

• Process Implementation Examples: Evidence of establishing and implementing key design management procedures, such as communication protocols, change control, and quality assurance frameworks.

• Financial Management Demonstrations: Examples of managing project budgets, tracking financial performance, and overseeing invoicing processes, demonstrating your financial acumen.

• Risk & Value Management Outputs: Samples of risk registers, value engineering reports, or similar documentation that illustrate your ability to proactively manage project risks and optimize value.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Candidates should be prepared to discuss and potentially present examples of designing or refining workflows for design coordination, information exchange, and change management within multi-disciplinary teams.

• Implementation & Automation: Be ready to explain how you have implemented new processes or systems to improve efficiency and quality in design delivery, and any experience with automation tools or strategies in design management.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Demonstrate an ability to define key performance indicators (KPIs) for design management, track progress (e.g., using EVM), and analyze performance to identify areas for improvement and report to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is crucial for operations-focused roles. The portfolio requirements are tailored to demonstrate practical application of design management principles, financial oversight, and process implementation – all key operational competencies. The emphasis is on tangible proof of competence in managing complex workflows and delivering results, aligning with what a hiring manager would look for in a senior operations or management role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Hybrid Work Model: Flexibility to balance office-based and remote work, supporting work-life integration.

• Pension Scheme: Comprehensive employer-matched pension contributions to support long-term financial security.

• Health & Well-being Programs: Access to private medical insurance, employee assistance programs, and well-being initiatives.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, professional accreditation support, and career advancement within AECOM.

• Annual Leave: Generous paid annual leave allowance, typically starting above statutory minimums.

• Life Assurance: Company-paid life assurance cover.

• Performance-Related Bonus: Potential for discretionary annual bonuses based on individual and company performance.

• Employee Share Purchase Plan: Opportunities to invest in AECOM stock.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

• A hybrid work model offers some flexibility in structuring the work week, allowing for adjustments to accommodate project demands and personal needs, within agreed parameters.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation for senior roles in the UK requires careful consideration of location, industry, and experience. The provided range is based on typical market rates for Senior Design Managers in major UK cities within the engineering and infrastructure consulting sector. Benefits are inferred from standard offerings by large, publicly traded companies like AECOM, focusing on aspects relevant to career professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering. AECOM operates globally, providing advisory, planning, design, engineering, program management, and construction management services across transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment sectors.

Company Size: AECOM is a Fortune 500 company with over 50,000 employees worldwide. This indicates a large, established organization with significant resources, global reach, and structured processes.

Founded: AECOM has a long history, with its origins tracing back to 1910. This longevity suggests stability, a deep understanding of the industry, and a legacy of impactful projects.

Team Structure:

• The Design Management team is likely a specialized unit within AECOM's broader infrastructure or buildings and places business lines. It will consist of experienced design managers, potentially with specialized engineering or architectural backgrounds, who oversee project design delivery.

• The team structure probably involves a clear hierarchy, with Senior Design Managers reporting to Team Leaders or Directors, and in turn, managing junior Design Managers and external consultants.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes a data-driven approach, leveraging advanced technical and digital expertise to solve complex challenges. This translates to rigorous project planning, performance monitoring (e.g., using EVM), and data analysis for decision-making.

• Workflow planning and optimization are central to efficient project delivery, ensuring smooth information flow and coordination among diverse project teams.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely encouraged, with AECOM investing in digital tools and innovative solutions to enhance project outcomes and client satisfaction.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: This section contextualizes the role within AECOM's global operations, emphasizing its scale, industry leadership, and operational ethos. The team structure and methodology are inferred based on typical practices in large engineering consultancies, highlighting the importance of structured processes, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Management position within the Design Management function. It signifies a significant level of responsibility, requiring not only technical design oversight but also team leadership, financial management, business development support, and strategic contribution to the growth of the Design Management practice. The role is pivotal in ensuring the successful execution of complex infrastructure projects from a design perspective.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Design Management Team Leader, Director, or a senior Project Director. They will, in turn, manage a team of Design Managers, Assistant Design Managers, and potentially coordinate with external design consultants. This structure facilitates clear lines of responsibility and accountability within project delivery and team management.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on AECOM's operational success and profitability. By effectively managing design teams and processes, the Senior Design Manager ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This directly influences client satisfaction, repeat business, and AECOM's reputation as a trusted infrastructure consultant. Their ability to identify and pursue new business opportunities also contributes directly to revenue growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to higher management roles such as Design Management Director, Head of Design Management for a specific sector or region, or even a Project Director overseeing larger, more complex programs.

• Specialization & Expertise: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific infrastructure sectors (e.g., nuclear, renewables) or in advanced areas like digital design integration, sustainability, or complex stakeholder management.

• Business Development & Client Relationship Management: Develop advanced skills in client engagement, strategic account management, and contributing to AECOM's overall business strategy and growth.

• Mentorship & Training: Take on a more significant role in shaping the future of the Design Management team by mentoring and developing talent across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on the career trajectory and operational significance of the Senior Design Manager role. It frames the position within AECOM's structure, highlighting its impact on business outcomes and outlining clear pathways for professional growth and specialization within the operations and management domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is designated as Hybrid. This means a combination of working from an AECOM office and remotely. The primary office location is Colmore Plaza in Birmingham.

Office Location(s): The primary office is in Birmingham, UK (Colmore Plaza). AECOM also has numerous offices globally, and this role may involve project work or collaboration with teams in other UK locations or internationally, as required.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The Birmingham office is likely designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, hot-desking facilities, and shared workspaces to facilitate interaction among team members. The hybrid model necessitates effective virtual collaboration tools.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to AECOM's standard suite of project management, design, communication, and financial software. This includes robust IT infrastructure to support both office and remote working.

• Team Interaction: Despite the hybrid model, opportunities for team interaction will exist through scheduled office days, team meetings (virtual and in-person), and project-specific collaborations. The role requires proactive engagement to maintain strong team cohesion and effective communication.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week can be structured with flexibility, allowing for a blend of office and remote work. This flexibility is crucial for managing diverse project demands, coordinating with teams across different time zones, and supporting employees' work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model and specific office location are key environmental factors. This section details how these elements translate into the daily work experience for an operations professional, emphasizing collaboration, technology access, and the balance between structured office time and remote flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application, focusing on demonstrable experience in managing multi-disciplinary design teams, infrastructure project delivery, and client-facing roles.

• First Interview: Likely with a hiring manager or senior team member. This will focus on your experience, leadership style, understanding of design management processes, and client relationship skills. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and your role in them.

• Technical/Case Study Assessment: You may be asked to present a case study from your portfolio, demonstrating your approach to a specific design management challenge (e.g., managing a complex stakeholder group, resolving a design conflict, implementing a new process). Preparation here is key.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership. This interview will assess your strategic thinking, business development aptitude, cultural fit with AECOM, and overall suitability for a senior management role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your most impactful projects that best showcase your senior design management capabilities, particularly within infrastructure.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline:

  • Project Scope & Objectives
  • Your Specific Role and Responsibilities
  • Challenges Faced (technical, logistical, stakeholder)
  • Your Strategic Approach and Key Actions Taken
  • Processes Implemented (design management, financial, risk)
  • Outcomes Achieved (on-time, on-budget, quality, client satisfaction, business development wins)
  • Quantifiable Results (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, risk reduction percentages)

• Highlight Operations Impact: Emphasize how your management of design processes, teams, and finances contributed to the project's operational success and AECOM's commercial objectives.

• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to dive deep into any aspect of your presented projects, explaining your decision-making rationale and any lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for questions that pose hypothetical design management challenges relevant to AECOM's work (e.g., "How would you manage conflicting design priorities between two key stakeholders on a water infrastructure project?").

• Focus on Process & Methodology: Articulate your systematic approach to problem-solving, drawing on established design management frameworks and your practical experience.

• Demonstrate Business Acumen: Show an understanding of how design management impacts project profitability, client retention, and business growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to prepare for AECOM's specific interview process and present a compelling portfolio that highlights operational and management expertise relevant to a Senior Design Manager role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• Design Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with platforms like Autodesk BIM 360, Bentley ProjectWise, or similar systems for managing design documentation, workflows, and interdisciplinary coordination.

• Financial Management Systems: Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems or financial software for budgeting, invoicing, and cost control. AECOM likely uses SAP or a similar integrated system.

• Communication & Collaboration Suites: Advanced use of Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or other platforms for virtual meetings, team communication, and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Power BI, Tableau, or Excel for creating dashboards and reports to track project performance, design progress, and financial metrics for stakeholders.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to develop and interpret various project reports, including progress reports, financial summaries, and risk assessments.

CRM & Automation:

• Client Relationship Management (CRM): Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) for managing client interactions, tracking opportunities, and supporting business development efforts.

• Workflow Automation: Understanding of how to identify opportunities for automating repetitive tasks within design management processes to improve efficiency and reduce errors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the typical technology stack for a senior role in a large infrastructure consultancy. It emphasizes tools used for project execution, financial oversight, collaboration, and reporting, which are critical operational components of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings, ensuring client trust and AECOM's reputation. This translates to transparent financial management and honest communication.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where different disciplines and external partners work together seamlessly to achieve common project goals. This is crucial for effective design coordination.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality design solutions that meet or exceed client expectations and industry standards. This drives rigorous QA/QC processes.

• Innovation & Digitalization: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to improve efficiency, sustainability, and project outcomes. Actively seeking ways to leverage digital tools in design management.

• Client Focus: Placing the client's needs and objectives at the forefront, building strong relationships and delivering exceptional service.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Integrated: Encouraging early and continuous engagement with all project stakeholders, including clients, design teams, and other AECOM business lines.

• Transparent Communication: Maintaining open and honest communication channels, ensuring all parties are informed of progress, risks, and decisions.

• Problem-Solving Oriented: Approaching challenges collaboratively, seeking solutions that benefit the project and all stakeholders involved.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting a culture where best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise are shared across teams and projects to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines the expected values and collaborative behaviors for a Senior Manager at AECOM. It connects these abstract values to concrete operational practices relevant to design management and project delivery, helping candidates understand the cultural expectations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the often-conflicting demands and priorities of clients, regulatory bodies, internal discipline leads, and external consultants on complex infrastructure projects.

• Navigating Complex Project Environments: Dealing with the inherent technical, logistical, and contractual complexities of large-scale infrastructure projects, which may involve unforeseen issues.

• Driving Design Process Efficiency: Continuously improving design workflows, ensuring timely information exchange, and mitigating delays in a fast-paced project environment.

• Adapting to Technological Advancements: Staying abreast of and integrating new design technologies, digital tools, and sustainable design practices into project delivery.

• Team Development in a Hybrid Model: Effectively leading, motivating, and mentoring design teams in a hybrid work environment, ensuring cohesion and consistent performance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project & Program Management: Access to AECOM's extensive training programs in advanced project controls, risk management, and program management methodologies.

• Leadership & Business Acumen: Opportunities to develop strategic leadership skills, enhance business development capabilities, and gain deeper commercial understanding through internal courses and mentorship.

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific infrastructure sectors or emerging areas like digital twins, AI in design, or advanced sustainability strategies.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending leading industry events and obtaining professional certifications to stay at the forefront of the field.

• Mentorship Programs: Participate in formal or informal mentorship opportunities with senior leaders within AECOM to guide career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section addresses potential challenges specific to a senior role in infrastructure design management and links them to clear growth and learning opportunities within AECOM, framing them as development pathways rather than just obstacles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully managed a multi-disciplinary design team through a significant project challenge. What was your approach, what processes did you implement, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, leadership, and measurable results).

• "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration between design teams, project managers, and clients, particularly in a hybrid work setting?" (Highlight your communication strategies and tools).

• "Walk us through your experience with financial management and invoicing on infrastructure projects. How do you ensure profitability and control costs?" (Prepare to discuss budgeting, EVM, and financial reporting).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AECOM's work in the infrastructure sector, and why are you interested in this specific role?" (Research AECOM's recent projects and values).

• "How do you align with AECOM's values of Integrity, Collaboration, Excellence, Innovation, and Client Focus?" (Prepare specific examples from your career).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start Strong: Begin with a brief overview of AECOM's business and the role's context.

• Structure Your Case Studies Logically: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or a similar framework for each project. Clearly articulate the problem, your role, your actions (emphasizing processes and management techniques), and the quantifiable results.

• Quantify Your Impact: Wherever possible, use numbers (percentages, cost savings, time reductions) to demonstrate the value you brought to projects.

• Focus on Operations & Management: Highlight your ability to manage teams, finances, schedules, risks, and stakeholders effectively, not just technical design aspects.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodologies, decision-making, and challenges faced. Practice explaining complex situations concisely.

• Connect to AECOM: Whenever possible, relate your experience and approaches to AECOM's known strengths, values, and project types.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific, actionable advice for preparing for interviews and presenting a portfolio tailored to a Senior Design Manager role at a firm like AECOM, emphasizing operational and strategic competencies.

📌 Application Steps

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

• Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal or the provided SmartRecruiters link.

• Tailor your CV/Resume: Ensure your CV prominently features your experience in managing multi-disciplinary design teams, infrastructure project delivery, client relations, financial oversight, and any relevant technical specializations (e.g., electrical infrastructure). Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 key projects that best demonstrate your capabilities as outlined in the "Portfolio Requirements" section. Ensure each case study is well-structured, highlights your operational and management contributions, and includes quantifiable results.

• Research AECOM: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's recent projects, company values, and strategic priorities, particularly in the infrastructure and electrical sectors. Understand their approach to design management and client engagement.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions related to leadership, project management, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement, using your experience and portfolio examples. Practice presenting your case studies concisely and effectively.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with AECOM through the application process or by contacting their recruitment team before making application decisions.