Lead Electrical Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Electrical Design Manager

Company: Skanska

Location: Peterborough, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Construction Operations (Design Management)

Date Posted: October 2, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (Estimated 5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the electrical design process for a diverse portfolio of water recycling, infrastructure, and water supply projects within the Infrastructure function.

• Drive project delivery excellence, ensuring safety, timeliness, and sustainability while upholding rigorous governance standards.

• Foster team growth by actively coaching and mentoring junior electrical engineers, enhancing the overall capability of the department.

• Ensure strict adherence to all pertinent technical, safety, and regulatory standards, including CDM, Electricity at Work, BS7671, WIMES, and DSEAR.

• Champion innovative and sustainable design solutions, focusing on low-carbon, offsite, modular, and repeatable methodologies to improve efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a leadership opportunity within Skanska's Infrastructure function, specifically focused on the Anglian Water Project through the @one Alliance. The emphasis is on managing the design lifecycle of complex water infrastructure projects, with a strong component of team development and adherence to stringent industry regulations. The "Hybrid" work arrangement suggests a blend of office-based design work and potential site visits or remote collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end electrical design lifecycle for a variety of water sector projects, from conceptualization through to detailed design and implementation support.

• Develop and implement robust electrical design strategies that align with project objectives, budget constraints, and timelines, ensuring optimal resource allocation.

• Conduct thorough design reviews, manage change processes effectively, and resolve technical queries to maintain high standards of quality and pace.

• Implement and promote the use of sustainable, low-carbon, and modular design solutions to enhance project efficiency and environmental performance.

• Ensure comprehensive documentation and reporting on design progress, compliance, and risk management for all assigned projects.

• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary project teams, including civil, mechanical, and project management, to ensure seamless integration of electrical designs.

• Lead the technical development and capability building of the electrical engineering team through effective coaching, mentoring, and performance management.

• Stay abreast of evolving industry regulations, standards, and best practices in electrical design for water infrastructure and proactively integrate them into Skanska's methodologies.

• Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including clients, consultants, and regulatory bodies, to ensure design alignment and stakeholder satisfaction.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and standards within the Infrastructure function, identifying opportunities for innovation and efficiency gains.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, project management, and team development. The emphasis on water sector projects and specific regulations (CDM, BS7671, WIMES, DSEAR) is critical. Driving "smarter delivery" through sustainable and modular solutions indicates a forward-thinking approach to design and construction operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline is required.

• Alternatively, candidates can demonstrate equivalent knowledge through extensive relevant professional experience. Experience:

• Proven track record in electrical design management, with a significant portion of experience focused on capital projects within the water sector.

• Demonstrated experience in leading and mentoring junior engineers, fostering their technical and professional development.

• Experience in managing design processes, including reviews, change control, and quality assurance.

• Familiarity with project delivery methodologies in a construction or infrastructure environment. Required Skills:

• Electrical Design Management: Expertise in managing complex electrical design projects from inception to completion.

• Regulatory Compliance: In-depth knowledge of CDM, Electricity at Work Regulations, BS7671 (IET Wiring Regulations), WIMES (Water Industry Mechanical and Electrical Specifications), and DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations).

• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Ability to lead, coach, and develop a team of electrical engineers.

• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Skill in working effectively with diverse project teams and stakeholders.

• Sustainable Design Principles: Understanding and application of low-carbon, modular, and offsite construction solutions.

• Technical Standards Proficiency: Comprehensive knowledge of all relevant technical standards and codes of practice applicable to water infrastructure.

Preferred Skills:

• Chartered Engineer status (e.g., CEng through IET) or actively working towards it.

• Experience with Anglian Water projects or similar large-scale utility infrastructure programs.

• Familiarity with a wide range of electrical systems common in water treatment and distribution, such as motor control centers (MCCs), SCADA systems, power distribution, and standby generation.

• Proficiency in using design and project management software relevant to electrical engineering and infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical foundation in electrical engineering, coupled with practical experience in project leadership and regulatory adherence specific to the water industry in the UK. Chartered status is a significant advantage, indicating a high level of professional competence and commitment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Case Studies: Showcase a portfolio of successfully delivered electrical design projects, detailing the scope, challenges, solutions implemented, and outcomes.

• Process Optimization Examples: Provide evidence of how you have improved design processes, increased efficiency, or reduced costs through innovative methodologies.

• Regulatory Compliance Demonstrations: Include examples of how you have ensured compliance with key regulations and standards in past projects.

• Team Development Initiatives: Highlight instances where you have mentored junior engineers, leading to tangible improvements in their skills or project contributions.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing and implementing standardized design procedures and quality control measures.

• Documentation illustrating the management of design changes, risk assessments, and technical reviews.

• Examples of how you have integrated sustainable design practices and materials into project workflows.

• Records of performance tracking and reporting for design teams and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead Design Manager role, the portfolio should demonstrate not just technical proficiency but also leadership in process improvement and team development. Emphasis should be placed on quantifying achievements where possible, such as cost savings, schedule improvements, or enhanced compliance rates.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the location (Peterborough, UK), experience level (Mid-Senior, 5-10 years), and the nature of the role (Lead Manager in a large construction firm), a competitive salary range is estimated to be between £55,000 and £75,000 per annum. This estimate is derived from industry benchmarks for similar roles in the UK construction and infrastructure sector, considering the specific technical expertise required and the leadership responsibilities. Benefits:

• Health & Wellbeing: 24/7 digital GP service for employees and their families, financial wellbeing support, and an employee assistance program.

• Professional Growth: Opportunities for professional development, including training, certifications, and potentially support towards chartered status.

• Family Support: Enhanced family benefits, such as maternity, paternity, dependants, and parental bereavement leave.

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible working options available, to be discussed during the application stage.

• Pension Scheme: Standard company pension contributions.

• Holiday Allowance: Generous annual leave entitlement.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are estimated to be 40 hours per week, aligning with full-time employment in the UK. The role's hybrid nature implies flexibility in how these hours are structured, balancing office-based work with remote collaboration and potential site visits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on general UK market data for Lead Electrical Design roles in the construction industry. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting Skanska's commitment to employee wellbeing and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Development. Skanska operates as a global leader in construction and development, with a significant presence in infrastructure projects. The Anglian Water Project aligns with their focus on essential public infrastructure and environmental solutions.

Company Size: Skanska is a large, multinational corporation with approximately 27,000 employees worldwide. This scale offers stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for career advancement.

Founded: Skanska was founded in 1887. Their long history signifies stability, experience, and a deep understanding of the construction industry.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Infrastructure function, specifically working on the @one Alliance for Anglian Water.

• The Electrical Design team likely comprises a mix of engineers at various levels, including junior engineers who will be mentored by the Lead.

• Collaboration is expected to be cross-functional, involving civil engineers, project managers, site teams, and potentially external consultants and client representatives.

• The reporting structure will likely involve reporting to a senior engineering manager or director within the Infrastructure division. Methodology:

• Skanska emphasizes a "Shaping a Better Society" ethos, focusing on sustainable and responsible construction practices.

• The @one Alliance model suggests a collaborative, integrated approach to project delivery with Anglian Water.

• The company promotes "The Skanska Way," which includes embracing diversity and inclusion, driving innovation, and focusing on performance and governance.

• Emphasis on "smarter delivery" through sustainable, low-carbon, offsite, modular, and repeatable design solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Skanska's culture is characterized by a commitment to sustainability, safety, and collaborative innovation. The @one Alliance partnership highlights a strong focus on integrated project delivery and long-term client relationships. The emphasis on "The Skanska Way" and "shaping a better society" suggests a values-driven organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a "Lead" position, indicating a senior individual contributor or team lead role. It signifies a transition from purely technical execution to technical leadership, mentorship, and process oversight within the electrical design domain. The focus is on managing a portfolio and developing others, rather than just individual design tasks.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Electrical Design Manager will likely report to a senior engineering manager or a director within Skanska's Infrastructure division, specifically overseeing the electrical design aspects of the Anglian Water projects. They will, in turn, manage and mentor a team of electrical engineers.

Operations Impact: This role has a significant impact on project success by ensuring that electrical designs are safe, compliant, efficient, and sustainable. Effective design management directly influences project timelines, budgets, operational performance of the infrastructure, and the environmental footprint. By driving innovation in design solutions, the role contributes to Skanska's strategic goals for efficiency and sustainability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of water infrastructure electrical design, such as high-voltage systems, automation, or renewable energy integration.

• Leadership Progression: Advance into roles such as Principal Electrical Design Manager, Engineering Manager, or Head of Electrical Design, managing larger teams and more complex programs.

• Project Management: Transition into broader project management roles, leveraging strong technical and leadership skills.

• Professional Development: Pursue further professional qualifications, attend industry conferences, and engage in Skanska's leadership development programs.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Potential to move into other areas of Skanska's operations, such as business development, procurement, or strategic planning, leveraging a comprehensive understanding of project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" title implies a recognized level of expertise and responsibility. Growth opportunities are geared towards further leadership, broader project scope, or specialization within Skanska's extensive operations, particularly within the infrastructure and utilities sectors.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "Hybrid," indicating a blend of office-based work and remote working. This suggests a modern office environment that supports collaborative design sessions, team meetings, and individual focused work, while also allowing for flexibility.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Peterborough. Skanska may have multiple offices, but this role is based in Peterborough, suggesting a need for regular presence there. This location is central to the Anglian Water Project operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely includes meeting rooms, project spaces, and hot-desking areas to facilitate interaction with multidisciplinary teams.

• Technical Resources: Access to necessary design software, IT infrastructure, and potentially on-site technical support for engineering tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with fellow engineers, project managers, and other Skanska professionals, fostering knowledge sharing and a strong team dynamic.

• Site Visits: The hybrid nature and the project scope imply that site visits to project locations for surveys, inspections, and progress monitoring will be a necessary component of the role.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 per week) with flexibility offered through the hybrid model. This allows for effective management of design tasks, team coordination, and personal work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid arrangement is a key feature, suggesting that candidates should be comfortable with a mix of remote and in-office work, and potentially travel to project sites. The Peterborough location places the role in a strategic hub for the Anglian Water project.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, potentially followed by a brief phone screening to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion covering electrical design principles, regulatory knowledge (CDM, BS7671, WIMES, DSEAR), water sector experience, and problem-solving skills related to electrical infrastructure.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present key projects from their portfolio, demonstrating their design management approach, problem-solving abilities, and leadership experience.

• Team/Manager Interview: Meeting with the hiring manager and potential team members to assess cultural fit, leadership style, and collaborative capabilities.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic alignment and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership: Focus on projects where you led design teams, managed budgets, or significantly influenced project outcomes.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your designs and management – e.g., percentage of cost savings, reduction in project timelines, improved energy efficiency, safety incident reduction.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Detail challenging technical issues encountered and how you, as a leader, guided the team to effective solutions.

• Demonstrate Regulatory Expertise: Clearly articulate how you ensured compliance with all relevant standards, including specific examples.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating specific skills (e.g., sustainability, team development).

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge related to water infrastructure, requiring you to outline your approach, key considerations, and potential solutions.

• Regulatory Questioning: Expect detailed questions on specific clauses or implications of CDM, BS7671, WIMES, and DSEAR.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare for questions about how you would handle team conflicts, motivate junior engineers, or manage difficult stakeholders.

• Sustainability Integration: Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate low-carbon and modular design principles into a given project brief.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio showcasing leadership, technical depth in water infrastructure electrical design, and a clear understanding of UK regulations is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their management style and problem-solving methodologies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Electrical Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD and BIM software such as AutoCAD Electrical, Revit MEP, or similar.

• Simulation & Analysis Tools: Experience with electrical system modeling and simulation software (e.g., ETAP, PSS/E, or similar for power systems analysis) may be beneficial.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with project management platforms like MS Project, Primavera P6, or Skanska's internal systems for tracking progress, resources, and timelines.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or other cloud-based collaboration suites for document sharing and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis: Ability to interpret project data, performance metrics, and site reports to inform design decisions and identify areas for improvement.

• Reporting Tools: Skill in generating clear and concise reports on design progress, compliance, and team performance.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design interfaces with project management and client relationship systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation within design processes to enhance efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a Lead Electrical Design Manager in a large infrastructure firm would be expected to be proficient in standard electrical design software and possess strong project management and collaboration tool skills. Experience with power system analysis tools is a significant plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount commitment to health and safety in all design and operational activities, reflecting Skanska's core value.

• Sustainability: Driving environmentally responsible solutions, focusing on low-carbon designs and resource efficiency, aligning with "Shaping a Better Society."

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards, transparency, and robust governance in all dealings.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and cross-functional cooperation is encouraged.

• Customer Focus: Delivering value and exceeding expectations for clients like Anglian Water through reliable and efficient infrastructure.

• Innovation: Continuously seeking smarter, more efficient, and sustainable ways to deliver projects.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with civil, mechanical, project management, and site teams to ensure holistic project development and problem-solving.

• Open Communication: Encouraging an environment where ideas, concerns, and feedback can be shared freely among team members and with stakeholders.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes the development of junior staff and the sharing of best practices across the electrical design team and wider organization.

• Proactive Engagement: Working collaboratively to anticipate challenges and develop solutions before they impact project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Skanska's values are deeply embedded in their operations. Candidates should demonstrate an alignment with safety, sustainability, and collaborative work practices, as these are central to "The Skanska Way" and the success of the @one Alliance.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Regulatory Landscape: Navigating and ensuring compliance with a multitude of stringent UK electrical and safety regulations within the water sector.

• Technical Complexity: Managing intricate electrical systems for large-scale water infrastructure projects that require specialized knowledge and innovative solutions.

• Driving Sustainability: Implementing and scaling low-carbon and modular design solutions in a traditional industry, which may face resistance or require significant adaptation.

• Team Development: Effectively coaching and developing a team of engineers with varying skill levels, ensuring consistent quality and performance.

• Balancing Innovation with Governance: Introducing new design methodologies while maintaining strict adherence to established project governance and client requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses and certifications in electrical engineering, power systems, or water infrastructure technology.

• Leadership Development Programs: Skanska offers programs designed to enhance leadership, strategic thinking, and people management skills.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, engage with professional bodies (like the IET), and stay at the forefront of electrical design innovation.

• Cross-Project Learning: Gaining experience across a diverse range of water projects within the @one Alliance, broadening exposure to different challenges and solutions.

• Mentorship: Receiving guidance from senior leaders within Skanska's extensive engineering and operations network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges that are also opportunities for professional growth. Overcoming these challenges will require strong technical acumen, robust leadership, and a commitment to continuous learning, all of which are supported by Skanska's development initiatives.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully led a team through a complex electrical design challenge on a large infrastructure project. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on leadership, problem-solving, and results.)

• "How would you approach ensuring compliance with CDM regulations for a new water treatment facility design, specifically from an electrical perspective?" (Assess understanding of key regulations and practical application.)

• "Discuss your strategy for implementing sustainable, low-carbon design solutions within a project that may have existing traditional design frameworks." (Evaluate innovative thinking and change management skills.)

• "How do you balance the need for speed and efficiency in project delivery with the imperative of maintaining high technical quality and safety standards?" (Test understanding of operational trade-offs and risk management.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Skanska and specifically to this role within the Anglian Water @one Alliance?" (Gauge alignment with company mission and project scope.)

• "How do you embody Skanska's values of safety, sustainability, and integrity in your daily work?" (Assess cultural fit and values alignment.)

• "Describe your experience working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. How do you ensure effective communication and integration with other disciplines?" (Evaluate collaboration style.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Structure: For each portfolio example, tell a clear story: the problem, your leadership role, the solution developed, the challenges overcome, and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Visual Aids: Use diagrams, schematics, or photos where appropriate to illustrate complex designs or project progress, making technical details more accessible.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize the tangible benefits your design leadership brought – cost savings, schedule adherence, improved operational efficiency, enhanced safety, or environmental benefits.

• Technical Depth & Clarity: Be prepared to delve into technical details when asked, but also be able to explain complex concepts in a clear, concise manner to a potentially mixed audience.

• Demonstrate Mentorship: Highlight instances where you guided junior engineers, showcasing your impact on team capability and individual growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership, technical expertise in electrical design for water infrastructure, deep knowledge of UK regulations, and a commitment to Skanska's values of safety and sustainability. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase practical experience and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Skanska careers portal via the provided link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in electrical design management, water infrastructure projects, regulatory compliance (CDM, BS7671, WIMES, DSEAR), team leadership, and sustainable design initiatives. Use keywords from the job description and ensure achievements are quantified.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a selection of 2-3 key projects that best showcase your capabilities in leading electrical design, managing complex infrastructure, and mentoring engineers. Prepare a concise presentation for these projects, focusing on challenges, solutions, and impact.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, particularly those related to leadership scenarios, technical problem-solving, regulatory knowledge, and your approach to sustainability and collaboration. Practice explaining your portfolio projects clearly and concisely.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Skanska's mission, values, and recent projects, especially those related to infrastructure and environmental solutions. Understand the @one Alliance and Anglian Water's objectives to better articulate your alignment and contribution.

⚠️ 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.