Primary Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Primary Design Manager

Company: GE Vernova

Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom / Stafford, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering / Energy Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-22

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (Implied 3+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and delivery of High Voltage (HV) and Extra High Voltage (EHV) substation projects, encompassing both Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) and Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) technologies.

• Drive engineering excellence by ensuring designs comply with stringent customer and regulatory standards, including UK Health & Safety regulations like CDM 2015.

• Foster collaboration and provide technical leadership to distributed, multi-disciplinary, and global engineering teams.

• Oversee the development and review of integrated 3D models, general arrangement drawings, and detailed layout designs to ensure project milestones are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Primary Design Manager" title, coupled with the responsibilities, suggests a role that blends technical design leadership with project oversight and team management. While the title is "Manager," the experience requirement of "3+ years of strong technical experience" indicates this role may be more focused on hands-on technical leadership and mentorship rather than purely administrative management, especially in a global engineering center context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the primary plant design for HV/EHV substations, ensuring adherence to relevant industry standards and project-specific requirements.

• Develop and meticulously review integrated 3D models, general arrangement drawings, section drawings, and comprehensive layout designs.

• Critically assess and approve vendor drawings and specifications, verifying their alignment with project technical and commercial objectives.

• Guarantee the high-quality and punctual delivery of all engineering outputs throughout the project lifecycle.

• Provide robust technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to junior engineers within the global engineering center.

• Facilitate seamless collaboration with cross-functional teams, including civil, protection & control, system studies, valves, and building services, to achieve fully integrated substation designs.

• Act as a key technical liaison with clients, stakeholders, and suppliers to proactively resolve complex technical queries and ensure project alignment.

• Uphold stringent quality assurance protocols and design governance throughout all project phases, from tender to execution.

• Ensure strict compliance with applicable national regulations, particularly UK Health & Safety regulations such as CDM 2015.

• Champion best practices in "safe-by-design" principles and quality assurance throughout the entire project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of technical design leadership, project coordination, and team management. The mention of "remote global engineering teams" and "tender and execution phases" indicates a need for strong project management and cross-cultural communication skills, in addition to deep technical expertise in substation design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent technical qualification.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3+ years of strong technical experience in High Voltage (HV) substation design is required.

• Demonstrated experience in substation design, covering both the tender and execution phases of projects.

• Familiarity with UK Transmission standards (e.g., National Grid, SSE, SPEN, NGED, UKPN) and Distribution standards.

• Experience with project management methodologies and coordinating engineering activities. Required Skills:

• Expert knowledge in HV/EHV substation primary plant design (AIS, GIS, and potentially HVDC).

• Proficiency in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software for engineering drawings.

• Strong understanding of UK Health & Safety regulations, specifically CDM 2015.

• Proven ability to lead and coordinate engineering teams, including remote and global resources.

• Excellent technical communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients, stakeholders, and internal teams.

• Solid understanding of quality assurance and design governance principles.

• Experience in developing and reviewing complex engineering documentation, including 3D models and general arrangement drawings.

• Knowledge of "safe-by-design" principles and their application in engineering projects. Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency with Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3D modeling tools such as Revit and Navisworks.

• Experience in tender preparation and proposal development for substation projects.

• Familiarity with other substation engineering disciplines (civil, protection & control, system studies).

• Project management certification (e.g., PMP) or equivalent experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "3+ years" minimum experience, combined with the "Manager" title and "lead and coordinate remote global engineering teams" responsibility, suggests this role is positioned for individuals ready to step into a leadership capacity, likely requiring strong technical acumen alongside emerging project management and team coordination skills. The preference for BIM/3D tools indicates a forward-looking approach to design and collaboration.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing successful leadership in the design of HV/EHV substations, highlighting complexity and scale.

• Include examples of integrated 3D models or detailed CAD drawings that illustrate your proficiency in layout design and general arrangements.

• Present case studies of projects where you managed or significantly contributed to the tender and execution phases, detailing your role and impact.

• Showcase evidence of ensuring design compliance with national regulations (e.g., CDM 2015) and industry standards, with a focus on safety and quality.

• Provide examples of how you have collaborated with or led multi-disciplinary and global engineering teams to achieve project objectives. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating or contributing to design documentation for substation projects, including specifications, technical reports, and vendor drawing reviews.

• Examples of workflow optimization or process improvements implemented within a design engineering context.

• Documentation showcasing adherence to quality assurance and design governance procedures.

• Methodologies used for technical query resolution and stakeholder engagement in complex engineering projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Manager" role, even with a technical focus, a portfolio that demonstrates not just technical execution but also leadership in process, quality, and team coordination will be crucial. Evidence of managing the design lifecycle from tender to execution, with a strong emphasis on safety and compliance, will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Primary Design Manager with 3+ years of experience in the UK engineering sector, particularly in specialized areas like HV/EHV substations, the estimated salary range for this role in Glasgow or Stafford, United Kingdom, is likely between £55,000 and £75,000 per annum. This estimate considers the specialized technical skills, leadership responsibilities, and the specific market demand for such expertise within the UK energy sector.

Benefits:

• Relocation Assistance Provided: Comprehensive support for candidates relocating to the UK for this position.

• Health and Safety Focus: A strong emphasis on applying best practices in design for safety and quality assurance, contributing to a secure working environment.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement in advanced substation design technologies and management practices.

• Global Project Exposure: Chance to work on significant and impactful HV/EHV substation projects on a global scale.

• Collaborative Environment: Work within a multi-disciplinary and international team of engineering professionals.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project demands and location.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on aggregated data from various UK engineering job boards and salary survey sites for similar roles in the power/energy sector, adjusted for the specific responsibilities and experience level implied. The benefits highlight key attractions for candidates in this field, particularly relocation support and exposure to high-impact projects.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The company operates within the Energy sector, specifically focusing on power generation, transmission, and distribution equipment and services. GE Vernova is a leader in delivering advanced technology solutions for the energy transition, aiming to accelerate a low-carbon future.

Company Size: GE Vernova is a large, global enterprise, likely employing tens of thousands of individuals worldwide. This scale offers significant opportunities for career advancement and exposure to diverse projects.

Founded: GE Vernova was formed as a new, independent company in April 2024, emerging from the energy businesses of General Electric. This signifies a dynamic environment with established expertise combined with a forward-looking strategic vision.

Team Structure:

• The role is situated within the Global Engineering Centre, indicating a structure designed to leverage international talent and expertise.

• The Primary Design Manager will lead and coordinate remote global engineering teams, suggesting a matrixed or project-based reporting structure where collaboration across different geographical locations is paramount.

• Close liaison with other specialized engineering functions (civil, protection & control, system studies, etc.) highlights a highly integrated, multi-disciplinary team approach. Methodology:

• Emphasis on delivering engineering outputs in accordance with customer and regulatory standards, suggesting a rigorous, quality-driven design methodology.

• Integration of 3D modeling and BIM tools points towards modern, collaborative design processes that prioritize visualization and clash detection.

• Application of "safe-by-design" principles and quality assurance frameworks indicates a process-oriented approach to risk management and product integrity.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: As a newly formed entity, GE Vernova is likely fostering a culture that blends established engineering rigor with innovation and agility. The global engineering center model implies a strong emphasis on cross-cultural collaboration and standardized processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level, potentially bridging Senior Engineer and Team Lead/Management. It requires significant technical expertise in HV/EHV substation design coupled with the ability to lead and mentor others, manage technical aspects of projects, and ensure compliance.

Reporting Structure: The Primary Design Manager will likely report to a higher-level Engineering Director or Head of Engineering within the Global Engineering Centre. They will be responsible for leading and coordinating a team of primary design engineers, who may be geographically dispersed.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the successful delivery of critical power infrastructure projects. Effective primary design is fundamental to the safety, reliability, and performance of substations, which are vital components of the global energy grid. The manager's leadership ensures that projects meet technical specifications, quality standards, and client expectations, directly contributing to GE Vernova's revenue and reputation in the energy sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of HV/EHV substation design (e.g., advanced GIS technologies, HVDC systems, digital substations).

• Project Management: Transition into full project management roles, overseeing larger and more complex substation projects.

• Leadership Development: Advance into senior management positions, leading larger engineering teams or entire engineering functions within GE Vernova.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Move into roles focused on business development, technical sales support, or strategic engineering planning within the energy sector.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work in or lead teams across GE Vernova's global operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Manager" title, combined with the scope of leading global teams and the "3+ years" minimum experience, suggests a strong potential for career progression into more senior leadership or specialized technical expert roles within GE Vernova's extensive global network.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, requiring the individual to work from a GE Vernova office location in Glasgow or Stafford. The environment is likely a professional office setting designed for engineering and project teams.

Office Location(s):

• Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom: A major city with a strong industrial and engineering heritage.

• Stafford, England, United Kingdom: Known for its historical significance in the electrical engineering industry, particularly with companies like Alstom (now part of GE). Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will foster collaboration with other engineering disciplines (civil, protection & control, systems, etc.) and project stakeholders, likely through dedicated project rooms, meeting spaces, and digital collaboration tools.

• Tools and Technology: Access to advanced engineering software, including CAD, BIM (Revit, Navisworks), and project management platforms, will be standard.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with engineering teams, project managers, and potentially client representatives, facilitating efficient problem-solving and design iteration.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week, is expected. While on-site, there may be an expectation of flexibility to accommodate global project timelines, client needs, and critical project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The dual location option suggests flexibility for the candidate within the UK. The emphasis on collaboration and the use of advanced digital tools points to a modern, integrated engineering workspace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly your HV/EHV substation design experience and leadership potential.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on your technical expertise in primary plant design, CAD/BIM proficiency, understanding of UK standards (CDM 2015, transmission/distribution standards), and experience with tender/execution phases. Expect detailed questions about your design process and problem-solving approaches.

• Managerial/Team Fit Interview: An assessment of your leadership style, ability to manage and mentor global teams, collaboration skills, and cultural fit within GE Vernova's engineering environment.

• Portfolio Presentation (Potential): You may be asked to present a selection of your work, highlighting key substation design projects, your role, challenges overcome, and the outcomes achieved, particularly focusing on safety and quality.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss career aspirations and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 significant HV/EHV substation design projects that best showcase your technical depth, leadership, and adherence to standards.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, responsibilities, and decision-making authority within each project.

• Demonstrate Process: Explain your design methodology, including how you developed 3D models, generated GA drawings, and managed vendor approvals. Emphasize your approach to "safe-by-design" and quality assurance.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to illustrate the success of your designs (e.g., cost savings, efficiency improvements, reduction in design iterations, successful project delivery timelines, safety compliance).

• Address Challenges: Be prepared to discuss technical or logistical challenges encountered and how you successfully navigated them.

• Tailor to Role: Emphasize experience relevant to UK standards and CDM 2015, as well as your ability to lead global teams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Be ready for hypothetical design challenges related to HV/EHV substations, requiring you to outline your approach to problem-solving, design considerations, and risk mitigation.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare for questions about managing team conflicts, motivating remote engineers, and ensuring project alignment across diverse teams.

• Regulatory Compliance: Brush up on CDM 2015 principles and how they are practically applied in substation design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Manager" title, the interview process will likely assess both technical capability and leadership potential. A strong, well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the design lifecycle, safety regulations, and team coordination will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Essential for creating detailed engineering drawings. Proficiency in standard CAD packages is expected.

• BIM/3D Modeling Tools: Revit and Navisworks are specifically mentioned as advantageous, indicating their importance for integrated design, visualization, clash detection, and collaboration.

• Project Management Software: Tools like MS Project, Primavera, or internal GE Vernova platforms for planning, scheduling, and tracking project progress.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for communication and collaboration with global teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Design Review Software: Tools used for reviewing 3D models and drawings, such as Navisworks, to identify clashes and ensure design integrity.

• Data Analysis Tools: Potentially used for analyzing design performance, identifying trends, and supporting quality assurance efforts.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly customer-facing, understanding how design outputs feed into wider project management and potentially ERP systems would be beneficial.

• Automation within the design process itself (e.g., script-based drawing generation, automated checks) might be an area of interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Revit and Navisworks suggests that candidates with demonstrable experience in these BIM and 3D modeling tools will have a significant advantage. Proficiency in these tools is indicative of a modern approach to engineering design and collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Engineering Excellence: A commitment to high standards of design, technical accuracy, and robust engineering solutions.

• Safety First: A paramount focus on safety in all aspects of design and project execution, adhering to principles like "safe-by-design" and regulatory compliance (CDM 2015).

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing the contribution of all team members, fostering open communication, and promoting effective collaboration across diverse, global teams.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging the adoption of new technologies (like BIM/3D modeling) and methodologies to enhance design quality, efficiency, and project outcomes.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to meeting client requirements and delivering projects that align with their technical and commercial objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expectation of close collaboration with civil, protection & control, system studies, and other engineering disciplines to ensure holistic substation design.

• Global Teamwork: A culture that supports and enables effective communication and coordination with engineers located in different regions and time zones.

• Mentorship and Support: A willingness to share knowledge, mentor junior engineers, and provide technical guidance to foster team development.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing design data, simulation results, and compliance checks to inform decisions and ensure the integrity of the engineering design.

📝 Enhancement Note: GE Vernova's emphasis on engineering excellence and safety, combined with its global operational structure, suggests a culture that is both technically rigorous and highly collaborative. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to work effectively in a complex, international environment while upholding strong ethical and safety standards.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Global Teams: Effectively coordinating and motivating engineering teams spread across different time zones, cultures, and working practices.

• Technical Complexity: Tackling intricate design challenges within HV/EHV substations, ensuring all technical specifications and safety requirements are met.

• Regulatory Landscape: Navigating and ensuring strict compliance with evolving UK and international regulations, particularly CDM 2015.

• Integration of New Technologies: Adapting to and implementing new design tools and methodologies, such as advanced BIM and digital twin concepts, within established processes.

• Balancing Tender & Execution: Managing design activities for both new business proposals (tender phase) and active project delivery (execution phase) concurrently.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses and certifications in HV/EHV substation technologies, digital substation design, and advanced modeling techniques.

• Leadership and Management Programs: Opportunities to develop management skills, project leadership capabilities, and cross-cultural communication expertise.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Participation in key industry events to stay abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and regulatory changes in the power sector.

• Mentorship: Guidance from senior engineering leaders within GE Vernova, providing insights into career progression and strategic engineering practices.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of substation projects globally, offering broad experience and skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents a significant opportunity for growth by tackling complex engineering challenges and developing leadership skills in a global context. GE Vernova's commitment to learning and development suggests strong support for employees seeking to advance their careers in the energy sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Describe your end-to-end process for designing an HV/EHV substation primary plant, from initial concept to final handover. How do you integrate safety and quality assurance at each stage?"

• Team Leadership: "How would you manage a remote team of engineers across different continents to ensure timely and accurate delivery of substation designs? What strategies do you employ to foster collaboration and address potential communication barriers?"

• Problem Solving: "Describe a complex technical challenge you faced in a substation design project. What was your approach to diagnosing the issue, developing a solution, and implementing it, considering safety and project constraints?"

• Regulatory Compliance: "How do you ensure designs comply with UK CDM 2015 regulations and other relevant standards? Can you provide an example of a design decision influenced by these regulations?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Vision: "What interests you about GE Vernova's role in the energy transition, and how do you see your contributions aligning with our mission?"

• Team Dynamics: "How do you approach working with diverse engineering disciplines and stakeholders to achieve a unified project outcome?"

• Quality & Safety: "How do you instill a culture of quality and safety within your engineering team?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a brief overview of GE Vernova and the role. Then, present 2-3 key projects. For each project, detail the scope, your specific role, technical challenges, design solutions (mentioning CAD/BIM tools used), compliance measures (CDM 2015), team coordination efforts, and the final outcome.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise visuals (e.g., screenshots of models, simplified drawings) to illustrate your points. Avoid overwhelming detail.

• Metrics: Highlight quantifiable achievements (e.g., adherence to budget/schedule, efficiency gains, safety record).

• Storytelling: Frame your experience as a narrative, showcasing your problem-solving skills, leadership, and impact.

• Q&A Readiness: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your presented work, your design choices, and your management approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a balance of deep technical expertise in substation design, strong leadership capabilities for managing global teams, and a thorough understanding of safety and regulatory requirements specific to the UK market.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the GE Vernova careers portal using the provided link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience in HV/EHV substation primary design, your leadership experience with global teams, proficiency in CAD/BIM tools (Revit, Navisworks), and knowledge of UK standards (CDM 2015, transmission/distribution). Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a concise portfolio that showcases your most relevant projects, focusing on design complexity, leadership contributions, safety compliance, and successful project delivery. Be ready to present key case studies.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common technical, behavioral, and situational interview questions, particularly those related to managing remote teams, problem-solving in design, and regulatory compliance. Practice articulating your design process and project outcomes.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with GE Vernova's mission, current projects, and its role in the energy transition. Understand their commitment to safety, quality, and innovation. Research the specific locations (Glasgow and Stafford) to understand their local engineering context.

⚠️ 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.