Design Manager (Various, GB)

## Opportunity Review: Design Manager, Capital Programme This review provides an in-depth look at the Design Manager position within the Capital Programme at Southern Power Networks, offering insights for potential candidates considering this impactful career move.

The Role at a Glance

Reporting to the Head of Engineering, this permanent Design Manager role is central to the Capital Programme's success in the Southern Power Networks area. It's an opportunity to lead and shape critical design development for asset investment plans, major connections, and load-related reinforcements. The position offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, a managerial car allowance, and a 10% bonus. Furthermore, after a successful probationary period, the role supports blended working, allowing for a dynamic work-life balance with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.

Key Advantages for Aspiring Candidates:

• Strategic Leadership: This role places you at the forefront of strategic decision-making, requiring you to communicate with Senior Management and autonomously manage financial budgets and project timescales. You'll be instrumental in guiding diverse teams, fostering innovation, and ensuring the delivery of cost-efficient, industry-leading design solutions.
• Career Development and Mentorship: As a manager, you will be responsible for the performance, engagement, and career development of your team, which includes Design Leads, Senior Design Engineers, Design Engineers, Technicians, and Contractors. This is an excellent platform to hone your leadership skills and mentor junior staff, particularly in health and safety.
• Significant Impact and Responsibility: You will manage substantial financial resources, including £5m in payroll costs and £100m in annual works costs, directly impacting the infrastructure of the Southern Power Networks. Your accountability for ensuring the quality, constructability, and operability of design solutions is paramount.
• Focus on Innovation and Optimization: The role encourages identifying areas for technological advancement and design optimization. You'll have the opportunity to explore repeatable design solutions, adopt digital tools, and implement new technologies, pushing the boundaries of engineering excellence.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Beyond the core compensation, UK Power Networks offers a robust benefits package. This includes 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, generous reservist leave, a competitive personal pension plan with significant employer contributions, and various loan schemes (Tenancy Loan Deposit, Season Ticket).
• Work-Life Balance and Wellness: The blended working model offers flexibility. Additionally, the company supports employee well-being through occupational health, a discount scheme ("Switched On"), discounted gym membership, and an Employee Assistance Programme.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Extensive Experience Required: This is a senior position that demands a strong foundation in design development and proven experience in a design management capacity. Familiarity with power system studies, protection systems, cable, civil, and overhead line design is essential.
• Leadership and Motivational Skills: The job description emphasizes the need for an "inspired motivator with a record of managing a team." Candidates should be able to demonstrate their ability to lead, engage, and develop diverse engineering teams.
• Adherence to Regulations and Safety: A thorough understanding and application of Construction Design and Management (CDM) Regulations, relevant statutory instruments (ESQC, Health and Safety at Work Act), and UK Power Networks’ Health and Safety policies are non-negotiable. A strong commitment to safety management and mentoring is critical.
• Technical and Commercial Acumen: While technical leadership is key, the role also requires assessing cost/benefit trade-offs of design solutions and understanding commercial and regulatory considerations for distribution networks.
• Driving License: A full driving license is a mandatory requirement for this role.
• Professional Development: While not always essential, holding Chartered Membership of a professional body like the IET, or having project management qualifications, would be a significant advantage and indicates a commitment to professional growth.

In Conclusion:

This Design Manager position presents a significant opportunity for an experienced and driven engineering leader to make a tangible impact within the vital energy sector. If you possess a strong technical background, proven management capabilities, and a passion for leading teams to deliver innovative and compliant design solutions, this role offers substantial rewards in terms of career progression, responsibility, and a comprehensive benefits package. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate a deep understanding of engineering principles, regulatory compliance, and effective people management.