Design Manager

New Opportunity for a Design Manager!

Job Title: Design Manager 

• Contract Type: 6-Month Contract (Inside IR35)
• Location: Leeds
• Start Date: ASAP
• Department: Design
• IR35 Status: Inside IR35
• Rate: Day Rate

About the Role

This is a contract opportunity for an experienced Design Manager to lead the design and development of control and protection systems for electrical substation projects up to 400kV. The role requires technical leadership, design assurance, and cross-functional coordination. The successful candidate will ensure all deliverables meet regulatory, safety, and client standards while maintaining project timelines.

Key Responsibilities

Design Engineering

• Lead design of control and protection systems for high-voltage substations.
• Produce and approve technical drawings, logic diagrams, protection settings, and specifications.
• Perform calculations for relay settings, AC/DC loadings, and voltage drops.
• Ensure all work complies with national/international standards and project specifications.
• Support development of installation and commissioning packages.

Planning and Coordination

• Work closely with project teams to scope design activities and allocate resources.
• Monitor progress against plans and proactively resolve issues.
• Provide input on scheduling and resource forecasting.

Procurement and Technical Support

• Specify materials, equipment, and protection/control devices.
• Collaborate with procurement and suppliers to meet technical requirements.
• Review and approve vendor and subcontractor documentation.

Quality and Compliance

• Conduct risk assessments and ensure CDM and safety compliance.
• Participate in internal design reviews and project handover meetings.
• Manage “as-built” documentation and close-out technical records.

Candidate Profile

Qualifications

• HNC or higher in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience).

Experience

• Strong background in substation control and protection design up to 400kV.
• Experience with UK transmission and distribution standards (e.g. National Grid).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and relevant design tools.
• Able to produce and verify complex protection settings and schematics.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong leadership, communication, and coordination skills.
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and quality focused.
• Able to manage time, priorities, and project risks under pressure.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively within a project team.

If you meet the above requirements, please apply today.

Company information

At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates.  We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for a Design Manager looking for new employment.

As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.