About the job

The Framework Design Manager will oversee all aspects of the project design phases, from initial project planning to contract procurement & delivery. This role requires a technical substation engineering background with strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, clients, and stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

Project Feasibility: Manage a team to conduct feasibility studies and site assessments to evaluate project viability, risks, and opportunities. Identify potential challenges, constraints, and regulatory requirements that may impact project planning and execution. Coordinate technical information from project designers and ensure decisions are appropriately recorded.

Design Management: Own the design development process in conjunction with the Pre-Construction Project Manager, including collaborating with architects, engineers, and consultants to develop comprehensive design packages. Ensure that designs meet project requirements, regulatory standards, and client expectations with programmed hold points to review and agree as required. Careful scrutiny is to be given to tracking design change, evolution and improvements to ensure design decisions are financially suitable. Act as the interface with the OCU Design Services business to manage a pipeline of design work on behalf of the ED2 Framework Management team and the OCU Design Services business.

Cost Estimation and Budgeting: Lead on preparation of accurate cost estimates, budgets, and financial projections for design works. Monitor and control project costs throughout the design phase in conjunction with the Pre-Construction PM to ensure alignment with budgetary constraints.

Procurement Strategy: Develop procurement strategies for subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors to provide Design professional services where required. Solicit bids, negotiate contracts, and manage procurement processes to secure the necessary resources for project execution and maintain compliance with procurement policy.

Design Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and uncertainties during the pre-construction phase and design phases. Develop risk management plans and strategies to minimise potential impacts on project timelines, budgets, and quality. Lead on HAZID/HAZOP/HAZCON studies and assessments.

Client Engagement: Collaborate with clients and stakeholders to understand project objectives, requirements, and expectations. Provide regular updates and progress reports on pre-construction activities and milestones. Foster positive relationships to enhance client satisfaction and trust.

Framework Management: Provide leadership, guidance, and support to the ED2 SSEN Delivery framework management team on all engineering design matters. Whilst the role itself does not have immediate direct reports, the wider team includes project managers, engineers, estimators, and designers. Foster a culture of safety by design, collaboration, and continuous improvement & innovation.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Proven experience in Electrical Design Engineering and Substation Design Project Management, with a focus on 11-132kV Substation Design Engineering with an Electrical Bias by trade.
• Experience directly with SSEN for DNO substation, overhead line and underground cable circuit design works. Other relevant DNO experience will be beneficial.
• Strong leadership and strategic planning abilities. Ability to create, manage and develop projects utilising project programmes and change control process.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with experience of managing professional services consultants.
• Proficiency in Engineering & Project management software and tools (e.g. AutoCAD, Microsoft Project, Design Software relevant to trade, Commercial Management Software such as CEMAR / Sypro / Unifier).
• Knowledge of construction regulations, codes, and standards with specific focus on SSEN Design Standards. Knowledge of National Grid TNO level system would also be beneficial.
• Membership in relevant professional organisations (e.g., Chartered Institute of Building, Institute of Engineering and Technology and the Institute of Civil Engineers) is advantageous.

Company Information

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’.

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.