Senior Design Manager / Design Manager (EHV)
Grimsby West 400kV Substation | Great Grid Upgrade Programme
Location: Birmingham (with travel to Grimsby, designers and suppliers as required)
Help deliver one of the UK's most significant power infrastructure programmes
Laing O'Rourke is seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager or Design Manager to play a key role in the delivery of the Grimsby West 400kV AIS Substation, a critical element of National Grid's Great Grid Upgrade Programme and the wider Grimsby to Walpole Network Connection (GWNC) project.
This is an opportunity to influence the design and delivery of nationally significant electrical infrastructure from the earliest stages of development through to construction. You'll join the project during pricing before moving into an extensive Early Contractor Involvement phase, collaborating closely with National Grid, WSP and key supply chain partners to shape efficient, buildable and innovative solutions.
What you'll be doing
- Leading and influencing the design development of a major EHV substation project from a contractor's perspective
- Working collaboratively with National Grid, WSP, specialist designers, suppliers and internal stakeholders
- Managing technical interfaces and design risks across a complex multidisciplinary environment
- Providing leadership and technical guidance throughout pricing, ECI and construction phases
- Acting as the key link between the project team and Laing O'Rourke's central EHV technical specialists
- Driving design decisions that enhance buildability, safety, quality and programme performance
- Supporting procurement activities and technical engagement with major equipment manufacturers and suppliers
What we're looking for
We're interested in experienced electrical engineers with expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- EHV Primary Engineering
- EHV Secondary Engineering
- EHV Cable Systems
You'll also bring:
- Experience delivering large-scale electrical transmission or substation projects
- Strong design management capability within complex multidisciplinary teams
- The ability to challenge, influence and guide design outcomes from a contractor's viewpoint
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Experience working collaboratively with clients, designers and supply chain partners
- A proactive and solutions-focused approach, comfortable working across multiple technical interfaces
The opportunity ahead
The project is currently in the pricing stage and is expected to move into an approximately 18-month Early Contractor Involvement phase with National Grid and WSP before progressing into construction.
Initially, the role will be based primarily from our Birmingham Great Grid Upgrade office, with occasional travel to design offices, suppliers and the Grimsby site. As construction progresses, you'll typically spend 1-2 days per week on site, with Birmingham remaining your home office location.
Why join Laing O'Rourke?
At Laing O'Rourke, you'll be part of a team delivering the infrastructure that underpins the UK's transition to a more resilient, low-carbon energy network. You'll have the opportunity to shape critical engineering solutions, work alongside some of the industry's leading specialists and make a tangible impact on projects of national importance.
Diversity & Inclusion
At Laing O'Rourke, we're committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We actively welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives because we believe diverse teams deliver better outcomes. If you're excited by this opportunity but don't meet every requirement, we'd still encourage you to apply. Your potential could be exactly what we're looking for.
