Design Manager - Civils & Geo - Substations
Are you ready to shape the future of the UK's energy infrastructure?
Laing O'Rourke is delivering major elements of the Great Grid Upgrade, one of the most significant infrastructure programmes in decades—strengthening and modernising the electricity network to enable a greener, more resilient future.
We're looking for an experienced Civils & Geotechnical Design Manager to join our project team in Birmingham. This is a pivotal role for a design leader who thrives in complex, multidisciplinary environments and is passionate about technical excellence, innovation, and quality.
What you'll be doing
As our Design Manager, you will:
- Lead and coordinate civils and geotechnical design activities across the project lifecycle—from early concept through to handover.
- Ensure all design information is delivered accurately, on time, and in line with Laing O'Rourke's design management procedures.
- Work closely with internal teams, designers, and supply chain partners to drive collaboration, technical clarity, and an optimised design.
- Oversee design reviews, change management, technical assurance, and statutory compliance.
- Support construction delivery through proactive engagement, risk management, and clear communication.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, sustainability, safety, and innovation.
What you'll bring
We'd love to hear from you if you have:
- A degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or similar.
- Chartered status (or working towards chartership).
- 5+ years' experience managing multidisciplinary design packages.
- Strong capability in design governance, programme management, and technical assurance.
- Experience working across complex infrastructure or energy projects.
- A collaborative, solutions-focused mindset with the ability to influence and enable others.
- A passion for innovation, sustainability, and digital ways of working.
Why Laing O'Rourke?
At Laing O'Rourke, you'll join a forward-thinking technical team committed to:
- Pushing the boundaries of modern engineering
- Delivering sustainable, future-ready solutions
- Using digital and innovative technologies to transform construction
- Supporting diverse talent and fostering an inclusive culture
You'll play a key role in a nationally critical programme—one that directly contributes to the UK's net-zero ambitions
Ready to build a better future with us?
Apply now or reach out directly for a confidential conversation.
Let's create the infrastructure of tomorrow—together.
About Us
Laing O'Rourke are an international engineering and construction company delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure and buildings projects for clients in the UK, Middle East and Australia.
Certainty, reliability, quality – this is what our clients want. And at Laing O'Rourke, we have more than 150 years of experience delivering it. Laing O'Rourke's story is one of energy, passion, ambition, people and teamwork. We harness the power of our experience, stretching back over a century and a half to deliver certainty for our clients.
As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we would like to enable access to candidates with long term conditions and disabilities through the ‘Offer an interview scheme'. This supports applicants that meet the essential criteria by offering an interview for the advertised position. Please let us know if you would like to opt in to this scheme and let us know if you require any adjustments for the interview process.
We want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you need the application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please email resourcingteam@laingorourke.com
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