Framework Design Manager
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Summary
Leads design delivery across OCU's ED2 electricity distribution framework for SSEN — from feasibility and planning through procurement and delivery of 11–132kV substation projects. Day to day: managing design packages, budgets, risks, HAZID/HAZOP studies and stakeholders, using tools like AutoCAD and Microsoft Project.
Shape the design. Lead the delivery. Make an impact.
OCU are looking for an experienced Framework Design Manager to lead the design journey across our Delivery Framework from initial feasibility and project planning through to procurement and delivery, based in Ruislip, Swindon or Oxford.
This is a key technical leadership role for an experienced substation design professional who can combine strong engineering expertise with commercial awareness, strategic thinking and the ability to bring people and projects together.
With an electrical engineering background and proven experience in 11–132kV substation design, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring projects are safe, technically robust, commercially viable and delivered to the standards our clients expect.
You will oversee the design development process, working closely with the Pre-Construction Project Manager, designers, engineers, consultants, clients and wider stakeholders.
You will lead teams through feasibility studies and site assessments, identifying risks, opportunities, constraints and regulatory requirements before projects move forward.
You’ll also manage the pipeline of design work between the ED2 Framework Management team and OCU Design Services, ensuring priorities, resources and design requirements are clearly understood and delivered.
A key part of the role will be maintaining strong control over design development, change and cost making sure design decisions are properly recorded, technically sound and financially appropriate.
What you’ll be responsible for
- Leading feasibility studies, site assessments and early-stage design activities.
- Managing the development of comprehensive design packages from concept through to delivery.
- Ensuring designs meet client requirements, regulatory standards and SSEN Design Standards.
- Establishing programmed design hold points and ensuring key decisions are reviewed and agreed.
- Managing design change, evolution and improvement with a strong focus on cost and value.
- Leading cost estimates, budgets and financial projections for design activities.
- Developing procurement strategies and managing professional services consultants and suppliers.
- Identifying and mitigating design and pre-construction risks.
- Leading HAZID, HAZOP and HAZCON studies and assessments.
- Building strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders.
- Providing engineering design leadership and guidance to the wider ED2 SSEN Delivery Framework team.
You will be an experienced Electrical Civil Design Engineer and Substation Design Project Manager with a strong track record within the UK electricity distribution sector.
You’ll ideally bring:
- Significant experience in 11–132kV substation design engineering, with an electrical bias.
- Direct experience working with SSEN on DNO substation, overhead line and underground cable circuit design works.
- Experience with other DNOs would be beneficial.
- Strong project management, leadership and strategic planning skills.
- Experience developing and managing project programmes and change control processes.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience managing professional services consultants and design teams.
- Strong knowledge of construction regulations, codes and industry standards.
- Detailed knowledge of SSEN Design Standards.
- Experience with engineering and project management software such as AutoCAD and Microsoft Project.
- Familiarity with commercial management platforms such as CEMAR, Sypro or Unifier.
Experience of working at National Grid TNO level would also be advantageous.
At OCU, we believe that meaningful work should come with meaningful support. That's the principle behind Careers with Purpose, our commitment to ensuring every person at OCU feels supported, developed, and valued, not just in their role today, but throughout their career with us.
Alongside the opportunity to work on some of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects, we offer a benefits package that we are continuing to develop as we grow, and the kind of career acceleration that only comes from being inside a business moving at this pace.
As a rapidly growing organisation, there are genuine opportunities to progress, broaden your experience, and build a long-term career within OCU Group.
For a confidential conversation about this opportunity, please contact Hayley Hufton at hayley.hufton@ocugroup.com
Our vacancies are typically advertised for two weeks; however, we reserve the right to close applications early should we receive a sufficient number of suitable candidates. We therefore encourage early applications.