Design Manager - Transmission & Distribution (Multiple Locations, UK)
Burns & Mcdonnell
Multinational design‑build firm delivering critical infrastructure through engineering, architecture and construction.
Lead design projects for power transmission & distribution, managing from concept to completion.
15 days ago ago
Intermediate (4-7 years)
Full Time
Birmingham, England, United Kingdom
Office Full-Time
Company Size
13,500 Employees
Service Specialisms
Engineering
Construction Services
Project Management
Consulting
Architecture
Design
Technical Services
Turnkey
Sector Specialisms
Aviation
Commercial, Retail & Institutional
Environmental
Government & Military
Manufacturing & Industrial
Mining & Minerals
Oil, Gas & Chemicals
Power
Role
Description
project management
design development
safety design
client relations
business development
project controls
Program and completion of projects within specified dates.
Support nurturing of world-class customer service culture, to drive client success.
Maintain project compliance to Burns & McDonnell’s UK Integrated Management System.
Assist in determining departmental objectives and requirements, organize projects and develop standards and guidelines.
Complies with all policies and standards.
Provide overall project management of design projects from concept to completion in accordance with recognized best practices (APM/PMP/PRINCE2 or similar), including FEED, environmental, permitting, planning, estimating, engineering, constructability reviews, construction stage design support, and closeout.
Support the preparation of project proposals, lead presentations, and lead project contract negotiations with support from senior management.
Support Fulfil the project role of Project Manager on assigned design-only projects or fulfilling the role of Design Manager on assigned Design & Build/Engineer, Procure, Construct (EPC) projects.
Identifying new skills and competencies required within the Burns & McDonnell team to meet business needs and actively supporting development and recruitment of talent, including candidate interviewing.
Support nurturing of a safety and technical excellence culture through emphasis on staff competence, diligence, and responsible attitude.
Actively support marketing and business development activities, building relationships with clients and generating new business
Seeking and development of future business opportunities through nurturing of client relationships, active pursuit of new project leads, and elevation of the Burns & McDonnell brand.
Drive ‘Safety by Design’ approach on all projects, at all times.
Plan and lead project and client meetings, as required.
Develop and implement project policies and procedures, project controls systems and implement the project execution plan.
Develop engineering design work across the UK business, working closely with the Engineering Director to assemble suitable project teams from across our global offices, as required.
Provide supportive general personnel management of line reports, with emphasis on supporting continued development, providing technical guidance, and establishing training needs.
Support professional and satisfactory relationships with the client, subcontractors, regulatory bodies, and all other project stakeholders
Be an ambassador for Burns & McDonnell at all times through acting in accordance with expected high ethical and moral standards, and in adherence to Burns & McDonnell Code of Conduct.
Fulfilling all associated statutory and contractual requirements
Interpret and establish policies, procedures, and strategic goals of the organization.
Support and assist in the development of the UK business plan.
Responsible for performance of assigned projects, including but not limited to:Safety, health, environmental management, sustainability, and quality
Report regularly on project progress, cost and schedule metrics, procurement issues, safety or environmental concerns, design questions, potential impacts, and any issues requiring office support.
Maintain project compliance to applicable Burns & McDonnell and client design management processes and procedures.Co-ordinate with engineering discipline department/section heads to resource appropriately competent engineering staff and maintain effective inter-disciplinary design co-ordination and collaboration.
Requirements
nec
beng
iosh
ms project
cdm
impressed voltage
Experience of working in a design management role on National Grid Electricity Transmission projects in the UK.
Understanding wider industry best practices and client technical standards/procedures for construction, operations & maintenance, and decommissioning, in order to drive safety, constructability, and operability throughout whole asset lifecycles.
Understanding of the requirements of relevant UK Health & Safety legislation relating to design and construction work in the electricity supply industry.
Knowledge of project management and engineering design management best practices, with strong ability to implement this knowledge.
Adequate and appropriate resourcing.
Good knowledge of National Grid’s procedures: TP106, TP131, TP135, TP137, TP141, TP153, TP163, TP182, TP184, TP188, TP189, TP191, TP211, TP215, TP241.
Demonstrate creativity, foresight, and judgment in anticipating and solving problems.
Able to manage multiple projects and conflicting deadlines.
Strong persuasion and negotiation skills with clients and employees.
Bachelor Degree in an engineering discipline relevant to the electricity transmission & distribution sector, from an accredited institution and 3 years of engineering design services experience Required
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong contract management skills and understanding of NEC family of contracts.
Capability to coach and develop the team.
Ability to develop innovative and practical solutions to a range of problems, and an understanding of how one issue may be part of a much larger solution.
Relevant Health & Safety qualification (e.g. IOSH Managing Safely, NEBOSH Cert./Dip., NVQ Level 3 in H&S related subject) Required
Ability to deal effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders across clients, industry, government and public.
Understanding of the causes and consequences of Impressed Voltage. Understanding of the general requirements of procedural control of Temporary Works, in accordance with British Standards.
Excellent written & verbal communication skills.
Thorough understanding of current Construction (Design & Management) Regulations, and experience of discharging all required duties of the CDM Principal Designer representative.
Understanding of the requirements of relevant UK Environmental and Waste Management legislation.
IT literate, with good knowledge of using Microsoft Office applications, including MS Project.
Pro-active in building knowledge and understanding of the electricity transmission and distribution industry.
Able to work autonomously and/or as part of a project team.
Benefits
Information not given or found
Training + Development
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Interview process
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Visa Sponsorship
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Security clearance
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Company
Overview
1898 Founded
Year of Establishment
The company was established in 1898 by two Stanford engineers to address early city water and sewer challenges in Kansas.
$7 Billion
Annual Revenue
By 2023, the company achieved $7 billion in revenue, managing nearly 19,000 projects across various industries.
#1 Ranked
ENR Ranking
The company is ranked #1 in data-center and power engineering by ENR, highlighting its leadership in mission-critical infrastructure.
The firm grew steadily from municipal roots, evolving into a global design‑build leader with integrated engineering, architecture, and construction services.
Headquartered in Kansas City, it has expanded its operations to more than 75 offices worldwide, including locations in the US, Canada, UK, UAE, India, and the Middle East.
It specializes in sectors such as water, power, transportation, aviation, manufacturing, and oil & gas, undertaking projects ranging from airports to chemical facilities.
Its full‑service model encompasses consulting, design, procurement, construction, and commissioning, ensuring seamless project delivery from concept to operation.
The company is 100% employee‑owned, following a significant employee buyout in the 1980s that redefined its trajectory.
Culture + Values
We are committed to delivering an exceptional client experience by upholding the highest standards of safety, quality, and integrity.
We foster a culture of collaboration, where teamwork and communication drive results.
We are passionate about providing innovative solutions to our clients' challenges.
We value continuous improvement and hold ourselves accountable for the success of our projects.
We believe in a work environment where employees can thrive personally and professionally.
We are dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities where we live and work.
Environment + Sustainability
Net Zero by 2050
Emissions Target
Committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
50% Reduction by 2030
Emissions Goal
Aims to reduce Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions.
17% Emissions Reduction
Achievement in 2022
Reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to baseline levels.
Actively involved in designing and implementing renewable energy projects to help clients achieve their sustainability goals.
Offers energy-efficient solutions that reduce emissions and operational costs for clients.
Inclusion & Diversity
25% by 2030
Target for women in technical roles
The company aims to increase the percentage of women in technical roles.
25% workforce
Women representation
The workforce currently comprises 25% women.
Committed to creating an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered.
Has a comprehensive mentorship program aimed at increasing leadership representation of underrepresented groups.