Senior Design Manager - U&R

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager - U&R

Company: BakerHicks

Location: Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Management / Project Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-26

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead multi-disciplinary design delivery for critical infrastructure projects within the Utilities & Renewables (U&R) sector, focusing on power, water, and industrial utilities.

• Ensure technical assurance and compliance of design outputs against stringent industry standards, regulatory frameworks (e.g., DNO/TSO, Ofgem), and client specifications.

• Manage design delivery to align with contracted scope, project objectives, programme timelines, and budget constraints, integrating complex asset interfaces and operational needs.

• Develop and maintain integrated design programmes that account for project sequencing, critical outages, and commissioning phases in safety-critical environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within the highly regulated and safety-critical Utilities & Renewables sector, demanding a strong understanding of industry-specific compliance and operational constraints. The "Senior Design Manager" title, coupled with the explicit mention of leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing design delivery against scope, budget, and programme, indicates a strategic operational role focused on project execution and technical oversight. The emphasis on U&R projects, energy transition, and sustainable infrastructure suggests a need for candidates with a forward-thinking approach to design and engineering operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the coordination and technical assurance of multi-disciplinary design outputs, ensuring adherence to all relevant industry standards, regulatory mandates (including DNO/TSO, Ofgem, environmental, and planning constraints), and client-specific requirements.

• Oversee and manage the entire design delivery lifecycle to ensure alignment with contracted scope, overarching project objectives, critical milestones, and financial budgets.

• Develop, implement, and maintain integrated design programmes that meticulously reflect complex asset interfaces, strategic project sequencing, planned outages, and essential commissioning activities.

• Proactively manage design-related risks, particularly concerning interfaces with live operational assets, evolving regulatory landscapes, and emerging energy and sustainability priorities.

• Collaborate closely with Project Managers, Commercial Managers, and Construction Managers to ensure seamless integration of design with broader project execution strategies and operational realities.

• Foster strong stakeholder relationships internal to BakerHicks and with external clients, ensuring clear communication and alignment on design vision and project outcomes.

• Champion the adoption of best practices in design management, promoting efficiency, innovation, and sustainability within the design process.

• Contribute to business development initiatives by leveraging design expertise and client relationships within the rapidly expanding U&R sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a senior-level operational role focused on the strategic planning, execution, and control of design processes within complex infrastructure projects. The emphasis on "technical assurance," "integrated design programmes," and "risk management" highlights the critical operational oversight required. The explicit mention of client specifications, regulatory frameworks, and project constraints underscores the need for a systematic approach to design operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Degree-qualified in Engineering (e.g., Electrical, Civil, Mechanical) or a closely related discipline.

• Chartered Engineer status (or actively working towards it) is highly desirable.

• RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) and/or ARB (Architects Registration Board) registration is considered a strong advantage. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in design management, project delivery, or a related engineering leadership role, with a significant portion focused on utilities and/or renewable energy infrastructure projects.

• Proven track record of successfully leading and coordinating multi-disciplinary design teams through the full project lifecycle, from concept to completion.

• Demonstrated experience in highly regulated, safety-critical environments, with a thorough understanding of associated compliance and risk management protocols.

• Experience in managing design delivery against contracted scope, programme, and budget, with a strong emphasis on integrated planning and resource allocation. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Comprehensive understanding of design processes, methodologies, and best practices within the engineering and construction sectors.

• Technical Assurance: Ability to rigorously review and validate design outputs for technical accuracy, compliance, and constructability.

• Multi-disciplinary Coordination: Expertise in managing and integrating design inputs from various engineering disciplines (e.g., electrical, civil, mechanical, structural).

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with internal teams, clients, regulatory bodies, and other project stakeholders.

• Risk Management: Proactive identification, assessment, and mitigation of design-related risks, especially those concerning live assets and regulatory frameworks.

• Programme & Schedule Management: Proficiency in developing and managing integrated design programmes, considering interdependencies, critical paths, and project constraints.

• Regulatory Compliance: In-depth knowledge of relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and environmental legislation applicable to utilities and renewable energy projects in the UK.

• Budget Management: Experience in managing design budgets, forecasting costs, and ensuring financial accountability for design deliverables.

Preferred Skills:

• Formal leadership or project management qualification (e.g., APM, PRINCE2).

• Familiarity with specific UK regulatory bodies such as Ofgem, DNOs (Distribution Network Operators), and TSOs (Transmission System Operators).

• Experience with sustainability planning and the integration of renewable energy technologies.

• Proficiency in relevant design and project management software (e.g., BIM tools, project scheduling software).

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of formal engineering education and practical, senior-level experience in managing complex design operations. The "10+ Years" experience level suggests a need for seasoned professionals capable of strategic oversight and leadership. The inclusion of desirable professional accreditations like Chartered Engineer status and project management qualifications points towards a role that values recognized expertise and structured project execution methodologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable examples of leading complex, multi-disciplinary design projects from inception to completion, showcasing a systematic approach to design management.

• Case studies detailing how you have ensured technical assurance and compliance with industry standards and regulatory frameworks in previous roles.

• Evidence of developing and managing integrated design programmes, illustrating your ability to account for complex asset interfaces, sequencing, and commissioning constraints.

• Examples of proactive risk management strategies implemented for design projects, particularly those involving live assets or evolving regulatory environments.

• Documentation or examples of successful stakeholder collaboration and communication strategies used to align diverse project teams and clients on design objectives. Process Documentation:

• Showcase your understanding of design process optimization, including methodologies for improving efficiency, reducing lead times, and enhancing design quality.

• Provide examples of how you have integrated sustainability principles and renewable energy considerations into design processes.

• Illustrate your approach to managing design delivery against contracted scope, ensuring alignment with project objectives, programme, and budget through structured process execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of design management principles. The emphasis on "technical assurance," "integrated programmes," and "risk management" suggests that the portfolio should highlight how candidates have operationalized these concepts. Providing concrete examples of process documentation and optimization strategies will showcase a candidate's ability to manage design operations effectively.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the Senior Design Manager title, 10+ years of experience, and the specialized U&R sector in the UK, a competitive salary range is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in Manchester and the UK, we estimate the annual salary to be between £65,000 and £85,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific qualifications, depth of experience, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Company Car or Cash Allowance: A flexible benefit catering to the professional needs of a senior role.

• Pension Plan: Up to 6% matched contributory pension plan, providing long-term financial security.

• Life Assurance Scheme: Comprehensive coverage for peace of mind.

• Annual Leave: 25 days of annual leave, with the option to buy additional leave for greater flexibility.

• Discount Scheme: Access to a range of discounts, including gym memberships and mobile phones, promoting employee well-being and savings.

• Flexible/Hybrid Working: Offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work, supporting work-life integration.

• Family Friendly Policies: Supportive policies designed to accommodate family needs.

• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential support services for employees facing personal or professional challenges.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement, crucial for staying current in the evolving U&R sector.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week. The role offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements, allowing for a degree of autonomy in managing work schedules, crucial for balancing project demands with personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range is based on research of similar Senior Design Manager roles in the United Kingdom, specifically in major cities like Manchester, considering the specialized Utilities & Renewables sector and the required experience level (10+ years). This estimate accounts for the high degree of responsibility, technical expertise, and leadership expected. The benefits package is comprehensive and aligns with typical offerings for senior-level positions in the engineering and construction consultancy sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Design, and Project Delivery Consultancy. BakerHicks operates within the Utilities & Renewables (U&R) sector, a critical area for the UK's energy transition and essential services, including power generation, transmission and distribution, water, and wider industrial utilities. This industry is characterized by high regulation, safety criticality, and a strong focus on sustainability and resilience.

Company Size: BakerHicks is part of the Morgan Sindall Group, a larger entity, indicating substantial resources and a broad operational reach. BakerHicks itself operates from 14 locations across Europe, suggesting a significant employee base and a structured organizational framework. This size implies opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and access to diverse expertise, while also requiring efficient internal processes to maintain agility.

Founded: BakerHicks has a long history, innovating in design, engineering, and project delivery since 1957. This longevity suggests a stable company with established expertise and a deep understanding of its core markets. The company's heritage can translate into a culture that values experience, long-term client relationships, and a commitment to quality and reliability.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: The role is within the Utilities & Renewables (U&R) team, which focuses on delivering critical infrastructure projects. This team likely comprises specialized engineers, project managers, commercial managers, construction managers, and design professionals. The Senior Design Manager will be a key leader within this operational structure, bridging the gap between design conception and practical project execution.

• Reporting Structure: The Design Manager works closely with the Project Manager, Commercial Manager, and Construction Manager, indicating a collaborative, project-centric reporting structure where key functional leads work in tandem. The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a higher-level director or head of the U&R division, overseeing multiple projects or a specific portfolio.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role inherently demands extensive cross-functional collaboration. The Senior Design Manager will interface with various engineering disciplines, project controls, procurement, construction teams, and client representatives. This necessitates strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills to ensure seamless integration and alignment across all project facets.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not explicitly detailed for this role, a consultancy like BakerHicks would typically leverage data analysis for project performance tracking, risk assessment, and identifying areas for process improvement. Understanding project metrics, compliance data, and resource utilization would be key.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The core of this role involves planning and optimizing design workflows. This includes developing integrated design programmes, managing sequencing, and ensuring efficient resource allocation to meet project timelines and budgets.

• Automation & Efficiency: In modern engineering consultancies, there's a growing emphasis on leveraging technology for efficiency. This could involve BIM (Building Information Modeling), collaborative design platforms, and project management software to streamline processes and improve accuracy.

Company Website: https://bakerhicks.com/en/about

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights BakerHicks' significant presence in the critical U&R infrastructure sector, emphasizing their role in the UK's energy transition. The company's long history and affiliation with Morgan Sindall Group suggest a stable, well-resourced organization with a culture that likely values expertise, reliability, and long-term strategic thinking. The team structure and collaborative approach are central to how design operations are executed.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Senior" role, indicating a position of significant responsibility within the operations and project delivery framework. As a Senior Design Manager, the individual is expected to lead complex, multi-disciplinary design efforts, manage risks, and contribute to strategic project planning. This level typically involves mentoring junior staff and influencing project execution strategies. The "U&R" specialization positions the role within a high-demand, critical infrastructure segment.

Reporting Structure: The role works closely with Project Managers, Commercial Managers, and Construction Managers, suggesting a matrixed project team environment. The Senior Design Manager is likely accountable for the design workstream's successful delivery, reporting to a Program Director or Head of U&R. This structure emphasizes collaboration and shared accountability for project outcomes.

Operations Impact: The Senior Design Manager has a direct and substantial impact on project success by ensuring designs are compliant, cost-effective, and delivered on time. Their work is foundational to the entire project lifecycle, influencing construction feasibility, operational efficiency, safety, and the overall sustainability of critical infrastructure. In the U&R sector, this impact is amplified due to the essential nature of the services and the significant investment involved.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Leadership: Progression to roles such as Head of Design, Director of Operations, or Programme Director within BakerHicks, overseeing larger portfolios or multiple project streams.

• Specialization Advancement: Deepening expertise within specific U&R sub-sectors (e.g., offshore wind, advanced nuclear, water infrastructure) or focusing on emerging areas like digital engineering and sustainability solutions.

• Client Relationship Management & Business Development: Developing stronger client relationships and taking on roles with a greater focus on business development, securing new projects, and expanding BakerHicks' footprint in the U&R market.

• Mentorship & Team Development: Taking on a more formal mentorship role, developing the next generation of design managers and engineers within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis highlights that this Senior Design Manager role is a crucial operational leadership position within a vital sector. The growth opportunities are clearly defined, moving towards broader strategic, managerial, and business development responsibilities, reflecting a typical career trajectory for experienced professionals in engineering consultancies.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is advertised as "Hybrid" and located in Manchester, UK. This suggests a blend of office-based work and remote working. BakerHicks offices are described as "appealing, friendly and comfortable spaces," implying a supportive and collaborative physical environment. The hybrid model allows for focused work at home and collaborative sessions, team meetings, and client interactions at the office.

Office Location(s): The primary advertised location is Manchester, England, United Kingdom. BakerHicks has multiple offices across Europe, and while this role is based in Manchester, there might be opportunities for interaction or occasional travel to other sites or project locations as required by specific projects. Manchester offers excellent transport links and a vibrant professional environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and office design are intended to foster collaboration. The Senior Design Manager will be part of a team that values open communication and shared problem-solving, essential for coordinating complex design projects.

• Operations Tools & Technology: While specific tools aren't listed, it's expected that BakerHicks provides access to industry-standard design software (CAD, BIM), project management platforms, and communication tools necessary for effective design operations in a hybrid setup.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid arrangement allows for structured team interaction during office days, facilitating design reviews, workshops, and strategic planning sessions. This balance ensures both independent work productivity and strong team cohesion.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with standard working hours being 40 per week. The hybrid nature provides flexibility, allowing individuals to manage their workdays effectively, balancing project deadlines with personal well-being. This flexibility is often crucial for roles that require deep concentration and can accommodate different working styles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key aspect of this role, offering flexibility while maintaining a strong emphasis on collaborative team engagement within the Manchester office. This setup is designed to support the operational needs of complex design management in a modern professional setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly experience in design management, U&R sector, and leadership.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion focusing on your experience, leadership style, technical expertise in design management, and understanding of the U&R sector. Expect questions about your approach to technical assurance, risk management, and stakeholder collaboration.

• Technical/Team Interview: This stage may involve a presentation of your portfolio or a hypothetical case study. You'll likely meet with other senior members of the U&R team, including project managers and potentially other design leads. This assesses your technical depth, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit within the team.

• Final Interview/Offer: A concluding discussion, potentially with a senior leader, to finalize terms and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to clearly showcase your progression and achievements in design management. Use a logical flow, perhaps chronologically or by project type.

• Highlight Operations & Process: For each project, emphasize your role in the design operations, including how you managed the process, coordinated disciplines, ensured technical assurance, and mitigated risks. Quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., reduced design time by X%, ensured Y% compliance rate).

• Case Study Focus: Select 2-3 key projects that best represent your capabilities. For each, detail the challenge, your approach (process, tools, collaboration), the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes and impact on project success (programme, cost, quality, sustainability).

• U&R Relevance: Prioritize projects within the utilities, renewables, or similar critical infrastructure sectors. Demonstrate your understanding of the specific compliance, regulatory, and operational nuances of these environments.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Be prepared to present your portfolio concisely, focusing on the most relevant aspects for this Senior Design Manager role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Coordination Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would handle conflicts between different engineering disciplines or resolve design issues that arise during project execution.

• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Prepare examples of how you have identified and managed design risks in complex projects, particularly those involving live assets or tight regulatory constraints.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you would engage with and manage expectations of various stakeholders, including clients, regulatory bodies, and internal project teams.

• Programme & Budget Alignment: Be prepared to explain your approach to ensuring design deliverables remain aligned with project timelines and budgets, even when faced with unforeseen challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is designed to thoroughly assess both technical expertise and operational leadership capabilities. The emphasis on portfolio review and case study preparation indicates that candidates are expected to demonstrate a practical, results-oriented approach to design management operations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD and BIM (Building Information Modeling) software is essential. This may include AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, and other discipline-specific design tools.

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

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, SharePoint, or dedicated project collaboration portals for team communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly stated, the ability to interpret and utilize data from design progress reports, compliance checks, and project performance metrics is crucial. Basic proficiency with Excel for data manipulation and reporting is likely expected.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience using or contributing to project dashboards that visualize design progress, risks, and compliance status.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While more client-facing, understanding how design inputs feed into CRM systems for project tracking and client reporting might be beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Awareness of how design workflows can be streamlined through automation, though direct implementation might not be required. Understanding the principles of efficient process design is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software is not listed, the role's nature in design management within a consultancy implies a need for proficiency in standard engineering design software, project management tools, and collaborative platforms. The emphasis is on effective utilization of these tools to manage design operations efficiently and ensure compliance.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Delivery: A commitment to high-quality, technically sound design that meets or exceeds client expectations and regulatory requirements. This translates to meticulous attention to detail in all operational aspects of design management.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering an environment where multidisciplinary teams work cohesively, sharing knowledge and supporting each other to achieve common project goals. This is key for integrating diverse design inputs.

• Safety and Compliance: An unwavering focus on safety in design and strict adherence to all relevant industry standards and regulations, particularly within the hazardous U&R sector.

• Innovation and Sustainability: Encouraging forward-thinking approaches to design, incorporating sustainable practices and innovative solutions to meet the evolving demands of the energy transition and critical infrastructure development.

• Integrity and Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability in design operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The culture likely promotes a highly integrated approach, where design is not siloed but is seen as a core component of the broader project delivery ecosystem, working hand-in-hand with project management, commercial, and construction teams.

• Proactive Communication: An emphasis on open, honest, and regular communication to ensure all stakeholders are informed of design progress, challenges, and decisions. This includes active listening and seeking input from all team members.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on design processes and outputs, allowing for continuous improvement and learning across the team. This supports the iterative nature of design and project execution.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights to elevate the overall capability and efficiency of the design operations team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values emphasize a results-driven, collaborative, and safety-conscious approach to design management operations, aligned with the demands of the critical infrastructure sector. These values are crucial for success in a role that bridges technical design with project execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Interdependencies: Coordinating designs across multiple disciplines and ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure or live assets can be highly complex. This requires meticulous planning and continuous oversight.

• Navigating Evolving Regulations and Technologies: The U&R sector is subject to rapid changes in regulations, sustainability targets, and technological advancements. Staying abreast of these changes and incorporating them into design operations is a constant challenge.

• Balancing Project Constraints: Effectively managing the inherent tensions between project scope, tight timelines, budget limitations, and the need for high-quality, compliant design requires strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.

• Ensuring Technical Assurance in a Hybrid Environment: Maintaining rigorous technical oversight and quality control for design outputs when teams may be working remotely or in a hybrid fashion requires robust processes and effective communication tools.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Management Techniques: Access to training and development in cutting-edge design management methodologies, digital engineering tools (e.g., advanced BIM, digital twins), and project controls.

• Sector Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of Utilities & Renewables, such as offshore wind, battery storage, grid modernization, or advanced water treatment technologies.

• Leadership Development Programs: BakerHicks, as part of Morgan Sindall Group, likely offers structured leadership development programs to help individuals grow into more senior strategic and managerial roles.

• Industry Conferences and Certifications: Support for attending relevant industry events and pursuing professional certifications (e.g., advanced project management, specialized engineering accreditations) to enhance skills and professional standing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges identified are inherent to senior operational roles in complex engineering sectors, requiring strategic thinking and adaptability. The growth opportunities are geared towards continuous skill enhancement, specialization, and leadership development within the firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the coordination of a complex multi-disciplinary design for a critical infrastructure project. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure technical assurance and compliance?" (Focus on your process, risk mitigation, and stakeholder management.)

• "How do you approach developing and managing integrated design programmes that account for complex asset interfaces, project sequencing, and commissioning constraints? Provide an example." (Demonstrate your understanding of project planning and operational execution.)

• "Discuss a situation where you had to manage significant design risks, particularly those related to interfaces with live assets or evolving regulatory frameworks. What steps did you take?" (Highlight your proactive risk management strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about BakerHicks and specifically our Utilities & Renewables team? How does your experience align with our focus on the energy transition and sustainable infrastructure?" (Research BakerHicks' projects, values, and recent news.)

• "How do you foster collaboration within a design team, especially in