Design Manager

Established in 1994, OCU Group is one of the fastest growing utility engineering contractors in the UK, with a long successful track record in delivering engineering solutions.

Working directly with many of the country’s leading blue-chip power, water, telecoms, and rail clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team.

We pride ourselves on empowering our employees and offering opportunities for them to take control of their own personal development and career progression in a supportive environment.

We believe that being successful is a choice. We choose to be successful.

We are OCU, ‘One Company United’.

Throughout 2023, OCU Group has been experiencing a sustained period of growth and expansion.

About the job

With previous working technical experience as either an Electrical or Civil Engineer, you will be responsible for the management of multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring compliance with industry standards, codes, and client requirements.

Collaborating with cross-functional teams, you will manage the successful planning, design, and implementation of various Substation based engineering projects predominantly within the regulated DNO market at voltages between 11-132kV.

Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership – Direct line management of a team of approximately 10 Electrical designers and technicians.
• Project Design Leadership – Management of design works for projects in development, detailed design and technical support during construction stages.
• Commercial & Programme – Management and prioritisation of works for the team
• Environmental – Ensure designs are considerate of environmental factors and that key business advisors are involved in the design reviews on individual projects.
• Safety – Ensure safety by design, operational compliance and design governance is carried out in line with the OCU Group policies and procedures.

Key Role Content:

Project Planning and Conceptualization:

• Organise project feasibility studies and site investigations. Provide Technical advice where required and ensure correct project stakeholders are consulted.
• Contribute to the development of project scopes, objectives, and design criteria.
• Develop quotations for design and project feasibility work
• Collaborate with architects, planners, and other stakeholders to develop conceptual designs.
• Collaborate with the client to ensure design milestones and hold points are achieved
• Ensure Change Control is logged & documented.

Detailed Design and Documentation:

• Coordinate the preparation of detailed design packages.
• Ensure design reviews are completed in line with OCU Group Engineering Procedures with relevant stakeholders
• Ensure designs comply with relevant standards, codes, and regulations.
• Management of Sub-Consultants where work packages require
• Work closely with multi-disciplinary teams, including structural engineers, environmental engineers, and project managers.

Collaboration and Coordination:

• Collaborate with clients, contractors, and regulatory authorities to ensure project requirements are met.
• Participate in design review meetings and incorporate feedback into design revisions.
• Lead on Principal Design matters where projects require and ensure projects within the portfolio have Principal Designer checklists completed in line with CDM 2015.

Quality Assurance:

• Implement quality assurance processes to ensure the accuracy and reliability of design deliverables.
• Conduct regular checks to ensure compliance with project specifications and industry standards.
• Routine with the managing counterpart with regard to project quality assurance and compliance to quality management process.

Estimating / Financial Control:

• Contribute to the preparation of project cost estimates and budgets.
• Identify cost-effective design solutions while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Proposing innovation, new methods and organisation of CPD sessions with the supply chain as required.
• Team Management – Timesheet Coordination with Office Manager
• Management of variations for projects in progress where required (liaison with the team QS / Office Coordinator)
• Monthly Financial Review meetings to ensure cost allocations are correct

Construction Support:

• Provide technical support during the construction phase of projects with the support of the design team.
• Respond to site queries and review construction progress to ensure alignment with design specifications. Ensure queries are dealt with swiftly as required.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Stay informed about changes in regulations and codes related to electrical / civil engineering design and specifically the client’s codes and specifications.
• Ensure that all designs and projects comply with relevant health and safety regulations.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.
• Chartered Engineer status or working towards chartership.
• Proven experience in civil engineering design, with a focus on infrastructure projects.
• Proficiency in relevant design software and tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

As an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and do not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us.