Overview
Pre-Construction Design Manager – Electrical Substations is responsible for leading the design development and coordination of high-voltage substation projects during the pre-construction phase. This role ensures designs are safe, compliant, cost-effective, and deliverable, while supporting successful project mobilisation and execution. The position also plays a key role in contractor onboarding and management, site supervision readiness, and the preparation and authorisation of Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS).
Responsibilities
- Design Management (Pre-Construction): Lead the development and coordination of substation designs (typically 11kV–400kV), ensuring compliance with UK standards, DNO/IDNO requirements, and client specifications.
- Manage multidisciplinary design teams including civil, electrical, and protection & control engineers.
- Review/Programme design deliverables such as single line diagrams, layout drawings, cable routing, earthing designs, and equipment specifications.
- Ensure constructability, safety by design, and value engineering principles are embedded throughout the design process.
- Interface with clients, consultants, and stakeholders to resolve technical queries and secure approvals.
- Contractor Onboarding & Management: Lead the prequalification, onboarding, and induction of subcontractors and design partners.
- Ensure all contractors meet competency, safety, and compliance requirements (including SSSTS/SMSTS, CSCS, and relevant electrical authorisations).
- Establish clear scopes of work, deliverables, and performance expectations.
- Monitor contractor performance against programme, quality, and safety metrics.
- Facilitate coordination meetings and ensure alignment across all delivery partners.
- Site Supervision & Pre-Construction Readiness: Support site mobilisation by ensuring designs are fully coordinated and construction ready.
- Provide oversight during early site activities, including surveys, enabling works, and setting-out.
- Conduct site visits to verify design implementation and resolve technical issues.
- Collaborate with site managers and supervisors to ensure safe systems of work are implemented.
- Ensure that all pre-construction information is communicated effectively to site teams.
- RAMS (Risk Assessments & Method Statements): Lead the preparation, review, and authorisation of RAMS for all pre-construction and early construction activities.
- Ensure RAMS are compliant with UK health and safety legislation, including CDM Regulations.
- Work closely with contractors and site teams to develop practical and safe methodologies.
- Verify that all high-risk activities are properly assessed and controlled.
- Maintain auditable records of RAMS approvals and revisions.
- Health, Safety, and Compliance: Promote a strong safety culture and ensure all designs adhere to “Safety by Design” principles.
- Ensure compliance with CDM Regulations, acting in support of the Principal Designer where required.
- Identify and mitigate design and construction risks early in the project lifecycle.
- Programme & Commercial Support: Support project planning, sequencing, and programme development.
- Provide technical input into cost estimates, procurement strategies, and tender evaluations.
- Identify design risks and opportunities impacting cost and schedule.
- Carry out forecasting and remain focused on budget control throughout the life of the project.
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in design and delivery of electrical substations within the UK (preferably up to 132kV).
- Strong understanding of UK grid standards (e.g., National Grid, DNO requirements).
- Experience managing multidisciplinary design teams and subcontractors.
- Demonstrable experience in preparing and authorising RAMS.
- Knowledge of CDM Regulations and construction health & safety requirements.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Ability to balance technical, commercial, and programme priorities.
Qualifications
- Project Management APM PMQ or Prince2.
- Chartered Project Manager status (or working towards) preferred.
- Relevant health & safety certifications (e.g., NEBOSH, IOSH).
- Site based Qualifications SSSTS/SMSTS, Temporary Works Coordinator, NRSWA.
Key Competencies
- Leadership and coordination
- Risk management and decision-making
- Attention to detail and safety focus
- Commercial awareness
- Problem-solving and adaptability
Additional Requirements
- Willingness to travel to project sites across the UK.
- Full UK driving licence.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Car or Car allowance
- 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
- Pension with a leading provider and employer contribution
- Sick Pay
- Personal Wellbeing and Volunteer Days
- Private Medical Insurance
- Free 24/7 365 Employee Assistance Program to support mental health and well-being
- Flexible benefits including Dental Insurance, Gym Memberships, Give As You Earn, Travel Insurance, Tax Free Bikes
- Personal development programme
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