_{06th February, 2026}

Design Manager – Substations (11kV–132kV)
Hertfordshire - Hybrid working
£90,000 + car/car allowance + bonus

Fourblue have partnered with a Tier 1 Contractor who play a key role in delivering essential electrical works across the UK. With continued investment into network reinforcement and substation upgrades, they are now looking to appoint a Design Manager to support a major long-term alliance programme delivering substation projects ranging from 11kV through to 132kV.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced design leader to join a high-performing team working on a mixture of refurbishment and new-build substations across a critical region of the UK power network.

The Role As Design Manager, you will take responsibility for leading the design function across substation projects, ensuring delivery is safe, commercially robust and aligned with both internal and client expectations.
You will manage design performance across internal and external resource, while acting as a key point of contact for the client and ensuring design outputs meet required technical and compliance standards.

Responsibilities of the Design Manager:

• Lead the delivery of design across multiple substation projects using both internal and external design teams
• Set and manage safety, commercial and operational objectives across the design portfolio
• Take ownership of design project performance including cost control, forecasting and reporting
• Monitor progress against internal KPIs and client programme milestones
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with key client stakeholders
• Develop, mentor and grow the design team to meet future workload requirements
• Plan resource allocation and workloads in line with customer demand and delivery priorities
• Produce design programmes, deliverables schedules and cost forecasts
• Ensure designs meet relevant regulations, client standards and CDM requirements

Criteria for the Design Manager:

• Proven experience leading design teams within utilities, engineering or DNO environments
• Strong people management skills with the ability to motivate and drive performance
• Chartered Engineer status (or equivalent demonstrable experience)
• Working knowledge of ISO standards such as ISO9001, ISO14001 and OHSAS 18001
• Strong understanding of CDM Regulations and the responsibilities of the Designer
• Knowledge of protection and control systems across 11kV–132kV networks
• Commercial awareness and confidence managing design performance and decision-making
• Experience working within alliance / joint venture environments (highly desirable)

Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a business delivering critical infrastructure works and playing a key role in shaping the future of the UK electricity network. The role offers long-term project security, strong development opportunities and exposure to high-profile substation delivery programmes.

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