Design Lead (Civils)

Design Lead (Civil)

Salary from £63,200 per annum plus up to 15% bonus & family healthcare.

Closing date: 30 July 2026.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead, develop and inspire a team of Design / Senior Design Engineers, fostering a high‑performing culture focused on safety, quality, innovation and engineering excellence.
• Support the regional Civil Design Manager in day‑to‑day leadership, resource planning, workload management and team development.
• Depute for the regional Civil Design Manager and represent the Civil Design Department at internal and external meetings as required.
• Drive professional development, competency management, succession planning and continuous improvement across the Civil Design Department.
• Perform all duties with a strong emphasis on health, safety, environmental, quality and regulatory compliance.
• Lead the development and delivery of Civil and Structural Engineering solutions across the SP Transmission Network, from feasibility and concept design through to detailed design and project delivery.
• Define Civil Engineering requirements for System Construction Authorisations (SCAs), tender documentation, technical specifications and procurement activities.
• Prepare, review and approve engineering calculations, drawings, specifications, reports and other technical deliverables.
• Assess engineering documentation, project requirements and tender submissions, providing technical recommendations and supporting project budgeting and development activities.
• Act as a technical authority for Civil Engineering design outputs, ensuring compliance with legislation, industry standards, company policies and design governance requirements.
• Provide technical leadership on engineering assurance, design quality and risk management activities, ensuring robust and efficient engineering solutions are delivered.
• Support the regional Project Development and Delivery teams by providing expert technical guidance and leadership in the resolution of complex design and construction challenges.
• Lead engagement with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful project development and delivery.
• Define training requirements and lead the development and delivery of technical, operational, construction and safety training packages associated with new products, technologies and standards.
• Coach, mentor and develop engineers, graduates and students, supporting professional development and career progression as appropriate.
• Support the Civil management team in the development and implementation of engineering standards, procedures and regulatory requirements.

What you’ll bring

• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to develop a high‑performing engineering team and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills, with confidence to engage at all levels.
• Proven experience in detailed Civil and Structural Engineering design, ideally within electricity transmission or distribution infrastructure projects.
• Understanding of engineering governance, design assurance, risk management and quality processes.
• Knowledge of Transmission Network Operator health, safety and environmental requirements, including practical experience of CDM Regulations and Designer/Principal Designer responsibilities.
• Experience working with SP Energy Networks or equivalent industry technical specifications and standards (e.g. SUB documents, NGTS and related design standards).
• Commercial awareness with experience supporting project development, tender evaluations and project delivery.
• Sound technical judgement and problem‑solving skills with the ability to provide clear direction and resolve complex engineering challenges.
• Commitment to professional development, mentoring and coaching engineers at all career stages.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering and/or relevant postgraduate qualification, or significant equivalent industry experience.
• Significant hands‑on experience of detailed Civil and Structural Engineering design and project delivery.
• Extensive experience of electrical transmission infrastructure projects and a broad understanding of Transmission Network Owners/Operators and the markets in which they operate.
• People management, coaching and leadership experience.
• Chartered Civil Engineer or Structural Engineer or working towards membership of an appropriate professional body.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive salary reviewed annually.
• Pension scheme with double match of your contribution up to 10% of salary.
• 36 days annual leave.
• Holiday purchase.
• Share Incentive Plan and Sharesave Scheme.
• Payroll giving and charity matched funding.
• Technology vouchers.
• Count us in – pledge to reduce carbon emissions and help fight climate change.
• Electric Vehicle Schemes.
• Cycle to Work scheme and public transport season ticket loans.
• Options to purchase dental insurance, private medical insurance, health cash plan and annual health assessments.
• Life Assurance (4× salary).
• Access to SmartSave financial wellbeing support.
• Shopping, leisure, restaurant and gym discounts, and unique employee deals on travel insurance and more.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity

We are committed to providing reasonable support or adjustments in our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long‑term conditions, mental health conditions, or who are neurodivergent or require pregnancy‑related support. If you need support, please reach out to careers@scottishpower.com.