Mission freelance Design Manager

The Design Manager will lead the delivery of UK engineering design projects within the power transmission and distribution sector. The role will provide strong technical and project leadership, ensuring safe, compliant, and high‑quality design outcomes while supporting the continued growth of the UK business.

• Lead the delivery of engineering design projects across the UK, working with the Engineering Director to resource and manage multidisciplinary teams, including support from international offices where required.
• Manage design projects through all phases from concept to completion, applying recognised project management best practices.
• Act as Project Manager on design‑only projects or Design Manager on Design & Build / EPC projects.
• Maintain accountability for project performance, including health, safety, environmental and quality outcomes, programme delivery, resourcing, and statutory and contractual compliance.
• Coordinate with engineering discipline leads to ensure appropriate capability, effective interdisciplinary collaboration, and technical quality.
• Develop and implement project execution plans, controls, and reporting, providing clear oversight of cost, programme, risks, and key issues.
• Lead project and client meetings and maintain effective relationships with clients, subcontractors, regulators, and other stakeholders.
• Champion a proactive "Safety by Design" culture and reinforce high standards of technical excellence and professional conduct.
• Ensure compliance with internal design management processes and integrated management systems.
• Support the preparation of proposals, technical inputs, presentations, and contract negotiations.
• Contribute to business development activities, client relationship management, and the identification of future work opportunities.
• Provide line management, mentoring, and development support to project staff, identifying training and capability needs.
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation, upholding ethical standards and supporting a strong customer‑focused culture.
• Undertake additional duties as required and comply with all relevant policies and standards.

Please click to find out more about our Key Information Documents. Please note that the documents provided contain generic information. If we are successful in finding you an assignment, you will receive a Key Information Document which will be specific to the vendor set-up you have chosen and your placement.

To find out more about Progressive please visit

Progressive Recruitment, a trading division of SThree Partnership LLP is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy | Registered office | 8 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4BQ, United Kingdom | Partnership Number | OC387148 England and Wales