Renewables Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Renewables Design Manager

Company: Galliford Try

Location: Leicestershire, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Design & Engineering Management (Construction/Infrastructure)

Date Posted: 2026-10-06

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead design activities for renewable energy projects valued between £0.5m-£5m, ensuring quality and profitability from award to completion.

• Manage client, subcontractor, and design team relationships to facilitate efficient design development and delivery.

• Oversee compliance with CDM 2015 regulations, including the Principal Designer role, and champion safety in design principles.

• Proactively identify and mitigate design risks while capitalizing on opportunities throughout project lifecycles.

• Develop and manage design programs, information release schedules, and monitor the progress and quality of design deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Renewables Design Manager" and the business unit is "Digital Infrastructure," the core responsibilities and requirements strongly align with construction project management and design coordination within the infrastructure and renewable energy sectors. The role emphasizes adherence to construction management systems and regulatory compliance (CDM 2015), indicating a need for practical, on-site understanding alongside design oversight.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Leadership & Project Oversight: Take full responsibility for all design activities on allocated projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

• Stakeholder Management: Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with clients, subcontractors, and internal project teams, fostering effective communication and collaboration.

• Design Process Management: Lead and manage the design process in strict accordance with the Galliford Try Building Management System, ensuring all internal procedures are followed.

• Health & Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with CDM 2015 regulations, specifically acting as Principal Designer where applicable, and championing the principle of prevention and safety in design.

• Risk & Opportunity Management: Proactively identify potential design risks and opportunities at all project stages (bid and execution) and implement strategies for mitigation and realization.

• Consultant & Fee Management: Assist in the selection of design consultants, conduct competency checks, and manage the fee schedule for design services.

• Programme & Schedule Management: Develop comprehensive design programs in collaboration with Planners and manage Information Release Schedules, monitoring progress and quality of design deliverables.

• Statutory & Third-Party Approvals: Manage and coordinate statutory processes such as Planning Applications, Building Control submissions, and BREEAM assessments.

• Site Verification: Conduct regular site inspections to ensure the as-built product accurately reflects the design criteria and meets project specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities are heavily focused on the execution phase of construction projects, requiring a strong understanding of both design principles and practical site implementation. The emphasis on CDM 2015 and Principal Designer roles indicates a need for robust health and safety knowledge within the design context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A degree in a relevant field such as Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related discipline is typically expected for this level of responsibility.

• Professional qualifications or certifications in project management or a specific engineering discipline are highly advantageous. Experience:

• A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in design management, project management, or a related role within the construction or infrastructure sector.

• Proven experience managing design processes for projects with values typically between £0.5m and £5m.

• Demonstrable experience working with and understanding construction programmes and design deliverables. Required Skills:

• CDM 2015 Expertise: In-depth knowledge and practical experience with CDM 2015 regulations, including experience in the Principal Designer role.

• Design Management: Proven ability to manage the entire design lifecycle for construction projects, from inception to completion.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Strong understanding of project management principles, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage and manage relationships with clients, subcontractors, consultants, and internal teams.

• Risk Management: Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, and mitigate design and project-related risks.

• Commercial Acumen: Understanding of commercial aspects of projects, including fee management and the design change process.

• Problem-Solving: Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex design and construction challenges.

• Communication & Presentation: Ability to develop ideas clearly and present them concisely to various stakeholders, including senior management.

• Health & Safety Awareness: Strong understanding of Health & Safety responsibilities and adherence to company policies.

Preferred Skills:

• BREEAM Accreditation/Knowledge: Familiarity with sustainability assessment methods like BREEAM.

• Building Control & Planning Processes: Experience navigating statutory and third-party approval processes.

• Construction Methodology Understanding: Ability to challenge designs based on buildability and construction sequencing.

• Experience in Renewables/Digital Infrastructure: Specific experience or knowledge within the renewables or digital infrastructure sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "About You" section strongly implies a need for practical, hands-on experience in construction design coordination rather than purely theoretical design. The emphasis on buildability, construction methodology, and site inspections points towards candidates with a strong grounding in construction execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Management Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 detailed case studies of construction projects you have managed from a design perspective, highlighting your role in managing design activities, stakeholder coordination, and project delivery.

• CDM 2015 Implementation: Provide examples of how you have applied CDM 2015 regulations in previous roles, particularly demonstrating your experience as a Principal Designer and your approach to safety in design.

• Risk Mitigation Examples: Include specific instances where you successfully identified and mitigated design risks, quantifying the positive impact on project outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements).

• Design Programme & Schedule Management: Demonstrate your ability to create, manage, and report on design programmes and Information Release Schedules, ideally with visual aids or examples.

Process Documentation:

• Galliford Try Building Management System Familiarity: Be prepared to discuss how your previous experience aligns with structured management systems and your approach to adhering to established company processes.

• Design Change Management: Provide examples of your process for managing design changes, including assessment, approval, and implementation, highlighting commercial considerations.

• Statutory Approval Workflow: Outline your typical workflow for managing planning applications, building control submissions, and other necessary statutory approvals.

• Quality Assurance in Design: Describe your methods for ensuring the quality of design deliverables and conducting site inspections to verify design compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the operational nature of this role within construction, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of design management, safety regulations, and project execution is crucial. The emphasis should be on tangible results and process adherence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Renewables Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in the UK construction sector, the estimated salary range is £50,000 - £70,000 per annum. This estimate considers the specified project values (£0.5m-£5m), the hybrid work arrangement, and the location in Leicestershire.

• Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's experience, qualifications, and specific skills. Benefits:

• Generous holiday entitlement, increasing with years of service, plus the opportunity to purchase further holidays.

• A wide range of corporate discounts.

• Cycle to Work schemes.

• Comprehensive pension plan.

• Regular Save as You Earn share purchase scheme.

• Private medical scheme options are available for all salaried employees.

• Employee assistance programme providing free 24/7 support.

• Paid yearly membership to one recognised professional association relevant to your role. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are assumed to be around 40 hours per week, aligning with the typical industry standard.

• The role is advertised as Hybrid, suggesting a blend of office-based work (likely in or around Leicester) and remote work. Specific arrangements will be discussed during the recruitment process, offering flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on typical market rates for similar roles in the UK construction industry, considering the experience level and location. The provided benefits are directly extracted from the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Infrastructure (specifically Digital Infrastructure and Renewables). Galliford Try is a leading principal contractor with a significant order book, indicating a stable and established presence in the market.

Company Size: Large (Galliford Try is a major UK construction group). This size suggests structured processes, opportunities for career development, and a wide range of projects.

Founded: The company has a long history, though the exact founding date is not specified, it is implied to be a well-established entity.

Team Structure:

• Digital Infrastructure Business Unit: The role is part of the Digital Infrastructure business unit, indicating a focus on modern infrastructure projects, possibly including data centres, telecommunications, and renewable energy installations.

• Regional Team: You will be working within a regional team, reporting to the EV Framework Manager, and managing multiple site designs on a regional basis. This implies a collaborative team environment with clear reporting lines.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with clients, subcontractors, project managers, planners, and design teams, highlighting a need for strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.

Methodology:

• Galliford Try Building Management System: Adherence to this system is mandatory, implying a standardized approach to project delivery, quality, and safety.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly stated, the emphasis on design risk management, programme monitoring, and commercial acumen suggests a data-informed approach to project execution.

• Safety First Culture: A strong emphasis on CDM 2015 and safety in design indicates a culture that prioritizes the health and well-being of its employees and stakeholders.

Company Website: https://www.gallifordtry.co.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as "people-orientated" and driven by values such as delivering excellence, passion, integrity, and collaboration. The emphasis on continuous improvement and employee development is evident.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-to-senior level management role. It requires significant autonomy in managing design processes for projects within a specific value range and involves leadership responsibilities for design teams and consultants.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the EV Framework Manager, indicating a clear hierarchical structure within the regional team.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct impact on project profitability, quality, safety, and client satisfaction by ensuring efficient and compliant design delivery. Their role is critical in translating project awards into successful on-site execution.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to senior design management roles, framework management, or broader project director positions within Galliford Try.

• Specialist Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in renewables design, digital infrastructure, and advanced construction methodologies.

• Professional Development: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional accreditations and participating in industry training and conferences.

• Cross-Business Unit Exposure: Potential to gain experience across different types of projects and business units within Galliford Try.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within a large construction group, with opportunities to specialize or move into broader management roles. The emphasis on continuous learning and development suggests a supportive environment for professional growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This means a blend of working from home and working from a Galliford Try office location, likely in or around Leicestershire. The company also mentions "Agile Working" which empowers flexibility in when, where, and how work is done.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Leicestershire, with the understanding that the role involves travel across multiple sites/projects throughout the UK. Specific office locations are not detailed but would be part of the Galliford Try network.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires significant interaction with various teams (design, project, planning, commercial), suggesting a collaborative workspace, whether in the office or virtually.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, project management software, and design collaboration tools will be essential. Specifics are detailed in the "Tools & Technology Stack" section.

• Site Visits: Regular site inspections are a mandatory part of the role, requiring the ability to work effectively in construction site environments.

Work Schedule: While full-time is standard, the "Agile Working" programme indicates a commitment to flexibility in work arrangements, which will be discussed during the recruitment process. This flexibility is crucial for managing site visits and project deadlines effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, coupled with the need for site travel, suggests a dynamic work environment that requires strong self-management and organizational skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess suitability against the core requirements, with a focus on CDM 2015 experience and design management track record.

• First Interview: Likely with the Hiring Manager (Chloe Wharton) or a senior member of the Digital Infrastructure team. This will focus on your experience, understanding of the role's responsibilities, and alignment with company values. Be prepared to discuss your approach to design management and stakeholder engagement.

• Technical/Case Study Interview: This stage may involve a technical assessment or a case study presentation. You might be asked to present a past project where you managed design, highlighting challenges, solutions, and outcomes. Focus on demonstrating your CDM 2015 knowledge, risk mitigation strategies, and commercial acumen.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior leader within the business unit. This will assess your strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your most relevant projects that best showcase your design management, CDM 2015, and project delivery capabilities.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly state the project value, your specific responsibilities, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, safety record).

• Highlight CDM 2015: Dedicate a section or specific examples to demonstrate your expertise in CDM 2015 and your role as a Principal Designer.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps chronologically or by project type. Use visual aids (diagrams, schedules, photos) where appropriate.

• Practice Your Narrative: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio confidently, explaining your contributions and the impact you made.

Challenge Preparation:

• CDM 2015 Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific CDM 2015 compliance issues on a project.

• Design Risk Mitigation: Prepare examples of how you would identify and address potential design clashes or buildability issues.

• Stakeholder Conflict Resolution: Think about how you would manage disagreements between clients, subcontractors, or design teams.

• Commercial Awareness: Prepare to discuss how you manage design changes and their commercial implications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be thorough, assessing both technical competence and behavioral fit. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates practical experience and regulatory knowledge will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for programme management and scheduling.

• Design Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools for document control, markups, and communication such as Aconex, Procore, or similar construction management software.

• CAD/BIM Software (Awareness): While not necessarily a user, understanding of CAD (e.g., AutoCAD) and BIM (e.g., Revit) principles and their application in design coordination is beneficial.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Word, Excel (for data analysis, scheduling, reporting), PowerPoint (for presentations), and Outlook.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate and interpret project reports, including design progress reports, risk registers, and financial summaries.

• Data Analysis: Proficiency in using Excel or other tools for basic data analysis related to project performance and design efficiency.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Systems: Familiarity with company-specific internal systems for project tracking, document management, and reporting (e.g., Galliford Try's Building Management System).

• Workflow Automation (Awareness): Understanding of how workflows can be streamlined within design and construction processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on practical application within a construction context. Proficiency in project scheduling, document management, and reporting tools commonly used in large construction firms is expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Doing the right thing is paramount, reflecting in honest communication, ethical decision-making, and transparent project management.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with clients, supply chain partners, and internal teams to achieve shared goals. This involves open communication and mutual respect.

• Passion: A genuine enthusiasm for building and improving communities, contributing to the success of vital infrastructure and facilities.

• Excellence: Striving for high standards in all aspects of work, from design quality and safety to project delivery and client satisfaction.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to learning, growing, and adapting, both individually and as a team, to enhance processes and outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role necessitates seamless integration with project management, commercial, planning, and site teams, requiring proactive communication and a team-oriented approach.

• Proactive Communication: Regular updates, clear articulation of design issues, and collaborative problem-solving are key to fostering a positive working relationship with all stakeholders.

• Constructive Feedback: An environment where feedback on design, processes, and performance is shared constructively to drive improvements across the team and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Galliford Try emphasizes a strong value system that underpins its operations. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their approach aligns with these core values, particularly integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Projects: Effectively balancing the demands of several projects simultaneously, each with its own design requirements, timelines, and stakeholders.

• Navigating Complex Regulations: Ensuring continuous compliance with CDM 2015 and other relevant health, safety, and building regulations across diverse project sites.

• Design Coordination Issues: Resolving clashes, buildability concerns, and design changes that arise during the project lifecycle, often under time pressure.

• Client & Stakeholder Expectations: Meeting the diverse and sometimes conflicting expectations of clients, subcontractors, and internal teams regarding design quality, cost, and schedule.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of new design tools, construction methodologies, and renewable energy technologies impacting the industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to training programs focused on advanced design management techniques, specific renewable energy technologies, and regulatory updates.

• Professional Body Membership: Support for maintaining membership in relevant professional institutions (e.g., ICE, CIOB, RIBA), providing access to industry resources and networking.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within Galliford Try or to mentor junior members of the design team.

• Cross-Project Learning: Gaining exposure to a wide variety of projects and challenges, fostering a broad understanding of the construction and infrastructure landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges typical of large-scale construction projects, offering substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement for ambitious individuals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience managing the design process for construction projects, focusing on projects of similar value to those at Galliford Try (£0.5m-£5m)." (Preparation: Have 2-3 concise project examples ready, highlighting your direct role, challenges, and outcomes).

• "Walk me through your approach to ensuring compliance with CDM 2015 as a Principal Designer. What are the key stages and documentation involved?" (Preparation: Be ready to detail your understanding of the regulations, risk assessment process, and your responsibilities).

• "How do you manage and mitigate design risks on a project? Provide a specific example where your risk mitigation efforts had a significant positive impact." (Preparation: Use the STAR method to structure your example, focusing on identification, assessment, action, and result). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Galliford Try's values, and how do you see yourself embodying them in this role?" (Preparation: Research the company's values on their website and connect them to your past experiences and working style).

• "How do you approach collaboration with different stakeholders, such as clients, subcontractors, and internal design teams?" (Preparation: Prepare examples of successful cross-functional collaboration and how you handle potential conflicts).

• "How do you ensure the commercial aspects of design changes are managed effectively?" (Preparation: Discuss your understanding of change control processes, cost implications, and client communication). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Narrative: For each project in your portfolio, aim for a 2-3 minute overview that covers the scope, your role, key challenges, your solutions, and the measurable results.

• Visual Aids: Use slides or digital documents effectively to illustrate your points. Highlight key metrics, timelines, and design elements.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize the value you added – cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements, risk reduction, safety enhancements.

• Demonstrate Process: Show how you applied specific methodologies, like CDM 2015 or your internal company's management system.

• Engage with Questions: Be prepared for in-depth questions about your project examples and technical expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess your technical expertise in design management and CDM 2015, your ability to manage projects commercially and operationally, and your fit within Galliford Try's collaborative and value-driven culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Renewables Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Oracle Cloud recruitment portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and any supporting documents to highlight your experience in design management, CDM 2015 compliance, project leadership, and successful project delivery within the construction sector. Emphasize projects valued similarly to those managed by Galliford Try.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your achievements using quantifiable metrics where possible. Integrate keywords from the job description such as "CDM 2015," "Principal Designer," "design management," "project management," and "stakeholder engagement."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method for behavioral questions and prepare a concise presentation of your portfolio, focusing on key projects and your contributions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Galliford Try's projects, values, and recent news. Understand their approach to digital infrastructure and renewables, and consider how your skills and experience align with their mission and culture.

⚠️ 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.

---