Temporary jobs in United States

Job Title: Head of Design - GasCompany: IES Utilities Group LTDLocation: Manchester, United KingdomJob Type: PermanentCategory: Engineering / Design ManagementDate Posted: 2026-02-09Experience Level: 10+ yearsRemote Status: On-site

• Lead the establishment, growth, and management of a new in-house Design Department, focusing on multi-disciplinary infrastructure projects.
• Ensure the safe, compliant, and efficient delivery of designs for gas, water, wastewater, power, and telecoms infrastructure, including temporary works.
• Provide crucial technical leadership, design governance, and foster client confidence in the company's end-to-end utility solutions.
• Drive the adoption of digital engineering and BIM methodologies to enhance design processes and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a foundational leadership opportunity within a growing utility services provider. The "Head of Design" title, coupled with the explicit mention of establishing the department, indicates a significant strategic impact and the need for strong organizational and process-building skills, beyond just technical design leadership. The focus on gas infrastructure, as per the job title, suggests a deep understanding of specific industry regulations and technical challenges within this sector.

• Department Establishment & Growth: Define the scope, processes, and standards for the Design Department; develop a design capability roadmap aligned with business growth objectives.
• Team Leadership & Management: Provide line management for multi-disciplinary design engineers and CAD technicians, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Design Delivery Oversight: Oversee all design outputs, including concept, FEED (Front-End Engineering Design), detailed design, and as-built documentation, ensuring adherence to project timelines and quality standards.
• Technical Governance & Compliance: Ensure strict compliance with industry standards (e.g., IGEM, BS/EN, DWI, NG/ENA specifications, CDM Regulations); chair design reviews, HAZOPs, and technical assurance meetings.
• Temporary Works Leadership: Act as the DI (Designer in Charge) for Temporary Works, establishing, implementing, and overseeing company procedures, and appointing competent individuals for Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) and Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS) roles.
• Design Assurance & Sign-off: Approve and sign off designs as the lead technical authority, conducting regular design and temporary works design audits to maintain quality and compliance.
• Risk Management Integration: Ensure risk assessments and design risk registers are embedded into all design processes, acting as Principal Designer under CDM regulations where required.
• Client & Commercial Engagement: Support bids and tenders by scoping design solutions and estimating design effort; engage with client engineering teams to position IES as a trusted design & build provider.
• Subcontractor Management: Manage subcontract design partners when additional expertise is required, ensuring seamless integration with in-house capabilities.
• Pre-Construction Support: Support the pre-construction phase on major projects, focusing on design coordination and establishing effective processes for project transitions from pre-construction to construction.
• Digital Engineering Promotion: Champion and promote the adoption of digital engineering and BIM technologies across the design team.
• Budget Management: Manage the design department budget, including forecasting and financial responsibility for design services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on both technical design leadership and departmental management. The explicit requirement to "establish the Design Department" and "develop design capability roadmap" points to a strategic, entrepreneurial aspect of the role, requiring someone who can build processes and teams from the ground up within the utilities sector.

Education:

• Chartered Engineer (or actively working towards) in a relevant discipline such as Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Process Engineering.
• Professional certifications related to design management, temporary works, or specific utility standards are highly valued.

Experience:

• Proven track record of at least 10 years in utilities/infrastructure design, with specific in-depth experience in the gas sector being critical.
• Extensive experience delivering design within EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) or D&B (Design & Build) project environments.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing and managing engineering design departments, including defining processes, standards, and team structures.
• Significant experience in temporary works design, including understanding the roles of DI, TWC, and TWS, and implementing robust safety procedures.

Required Skills:

• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of gas infrastructure design principles, relevant industry standards (IGEM, NG/ENA specifications), and associated regulations (e.g., CDM Regulations).
• Leadership & Management: Exceptional leadership, team management, and mentorship capabilities; proven ability to build, motivate, and develop engineering teams.
• Design Governance & Assurance: Strong grasp of design assurance processes for safety-critical assets, including conducting audits, chairing reviews, and signing off designs.
• Client & Stakeholder Management: Excellent client-facing and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships and effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong commercial awareness, with experience in scoping design solutions for bids, estimating design effort, and managing the financial P&L of design services.
• Digital Competency: Proficiency with relevant design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and other 3D modelling tools; a strong understanding of BIM (Building Information Modelling) principles and their application in infrastructure projects.
• Risk Management: Familiarity with risk assessment methodologies and the creation and management of design risk registers.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in other utility sectors (water, power, telecoms) to support multi-disciplinary design.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 and ISO 19650 standards for quality and information management in design.
• Experience acting as a Principal Designer under CDM Regulations.
• Strong sales and business development skills to support tender submissions and client acquisition.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Chartered Engineer (or working towards)" combined with "10+ years" experience strongly suggests this role is for a senior leader with significant practical and theoretical engineering knowledge, capable of making high-level technical decisions and representing the company's design capabilities externally.

• Design Methodology Showcase: Examples of established and optimized design processes for multi-disciplinary infrastructure projects, particularly in the gas sector. This should include examples of concept, FEED, and detailed design stages.
• Temporary Works Design Management: Evidence of structured processes for managing temporary works designs, including risk assessment integration, appointment of competent personnel (TWC/TWS), and design approval workflows.
• Design Assurance Frameworks: Documentation or case studies demonstrating implemented design assurance processes, including design reviews, HAZOPs, technical audits, and compliance checks against industry standards and regulations.
• Digital Engineering & BIM Integration: Examples of how digital engineering tools and BIM have been leveraged to improve design efficiency, collaboration, clash detection, and data management within infrastructure projects.
• Process Improvement Initiatives: Case studies detailing specific instances where design processes were improved, leading to measurable benefits such as cost savings, schedule acceleration, enhanced safety, or improved design quality.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to designing and optimizing engineering workflows, ensuring they are efficient, compliant, and scalable.
• System Implementation & Automation: Experience in implementing and managing design management systems (e.g., ISO 9001/19650 compliant systems) and exploring opportunities for automation within the design lifecycle.
• Performance Measurement & Analysis: Demonstrating how design department performance is measured, tracked, and analyzed using key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous improvement and report on design efficiency and effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Head of Design" role, especially one focused on establishing a department, the portfolio should showcase not just individual technical contributions but the ability to design, implement, and manage robust engineering processes and systems. This includes demonstrating leadership in adopting new technologies like BIM.

Salary Range:Based on the seniority (Head of Department, 10+ years experience, Chartered Engineer), location (Manchester, UK), and nature of the role (establishing a new department, strategic impact), a competitive salary range is estimated. For a Chartered Engineer with extensive leadership experience in the utilities sector in Manchester, the typical salary would likely fall between £70,000 to £100,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar leadership roles in engineering and infrastructure in the North West of England, considering the critical nature of the gas sector and the responsibility for departmental growth and P&L.

• Competitive salary (as detailed above)
• Generous holiday allowance (25 days plus Bank Holidays)
• Opportunities for career progression and professional development
• Supportive team environment

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and departmental demands. The role is described as permanent, indicating a standard employment contract.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job listing states "Competitive with benefits package," providing a salary range based on market research for similar senior engineering leadership roles in the specified UK region adds significant value for potential applicants. The range reflects the seniority and strategic importance of establishing a new department.

Industry: Utilities & Infrastructure Services (Power, Gas, Water, Telecoms, District Heating, Renewables). IES Utilities Group Ltd operates in a critical sector that requires high standards of safety, compliance, and innovation to deliver essential services and build resilient networks.Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the mention of "leading UK utility provider" and the need to "establish the Design Department" suggests a company that is likely growing and scaling its operations, probably in the mid-to-large enterprise category (e.g., 250-1000+ employees).Founded: The company was founded in an unspecified year, but its continuous growth and current operations across the UK indicate a stable and established presence in the utilities sector.

Team Structure:

• The Head of Design will be responsible for establishing and leading the in-house Design Department. This department will likely comprise multi-disciplinary design engineers and CAD technicians.
• The role involves line management of this team, implying a direct reporting relationship.
• Collaboration will be essential with other departments, including construction, pre-construction, commercial, and bid teams, as well as client engineering teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using data for design decisions, risk assessment, and performance monitoring.
• Process Optimization: A commitment to continuously improving design workflows for efficiency, safety, and compliance.
• Digital Engineering Adoption: Promoting and integrating advanced digital tools like BIM and 3D modelling for enhanced design delivery.
• Safety & Compliance Focus: Upholding the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance, particularly within the gas infrastructure sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding that IES is a "leading UK utility provider" helps frame the context for the operations role. The company's vision and mission emphasize resilience and long-term value, which directly informs the strategic importance of a well-functioning and innovative design department.

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role, equivalent to an Executive or Director level within the engineering and design function. It is responsible for building and overseeing a critical department that directly impacts project delivery, client satisfaction, and the company's competitive positioning.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Design will likely report to a senior executive, such as the Operations Director, Managing Director, or a Chief Technical Officer, depending on the company's organizational structure. They will have direct reports managing the design engineering and CAD teams.

Operations Impact: The Head of Design's influence is significant. They are responsible for:

• Ensuring the technical integrity and safety of all designs.
• Directly contributing to the company's ability to win and successfully deliver projects by providing robust design solutions.
• Driving efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the design process.
• Setting the standard for technical excellence and innovation within the company.
• Managing the P&L of the design services, impacting overall business profitability.
• Departmental Expansion: Opportunity to significantly grow and shape the Design Department, potentially expanding its capabilities into new service areas or technologies.
• Strategic Influence: Play a key role in shaping the company's technical strategy and long-term vision for infrastructure development.
• Leadership Development: Further develop leadership and management skills in a growing organization, with potential for advancement into broader operational or technical director roles.
• Industry Recognition: By successfully establishing and leading a high-performing design function, there's an opportunity to gain recognition within the utilities and infrastructure sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity for a seasoned engineering leader to build a department from the ground up, providing a high level of autonomy and strategic input that is often rare in more established structures.

Office Type: The role is based in Manchester, UK, and is described as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment.Office Location(s): Manchester, United Kingdom. This location serves as the company's headquarters.Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office is expected to foster collaboration, particularly between the newly formed Design Department and other teams involved in project delivery (pre-construction, construction, commercial).
• Technology & Tools: Access to necessary design software (AutoCAD, Revit, 3D modelling), IT infrastructure, and potentially BIM platforms will be crucial for effective work.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with design engineers, CAD technicians, project managers, and senior leadership.

Work Schedule:

• Standard working hours are implied for a permanent, on-site role, likely a 40-hour week. However, the demanding nature of establishing a new department and managing design delivery for infrastructure projects may require occasional flexibility to meet critical deadlines or client demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement is typical for leadership roles where team building, direct oversight, and intensive collaboration are paramount. The Manchester location provides access to a significant talent pool and a hub for engineering and infrastructure industries.

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and cover letter to assess alignment with essential skills, experience, and qualifications, focusing on leadership in utilities design and temporary works.
• Technical & Leadership Interview: In-depth discussion with senior management (e.g., Operations Director, MD) to evaluate technical expertise in gas infrastructure, design governance, leadership style, strategic thinking, and commercial acumen.
• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: Candidates will likely be asked to present a portfolio showcasing their design management experience, process implementation, and leadership achievements. This may include a specific case study on establishing a design function or managing a complex infrastructure design project.
• Cultural Fit & Team Interaction: Meeting with potential team members or cross-functional stakeholders to assess collaboration style and cultural fit within the IES Utilities Group.
• Final Decision: Comprehensive evaluation based on all interview stages, with a focus on the candidate's ability to lead, build, and deliver within the specified requirements.
• Showcase Department Building: If possible, include examples or a narrative of how you've contributed to establishing or significantly improving engineering departments, processes, and teams.
• Highlight Gas Sector Expertise: Clearly demonstrate your understanding of gas infrastructure design, relevant standards (IGEM), and temporary works specific to this sector.
• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics to illustrate the impact of your work – e.g., improvements in design efficiency, cost savings achieved, reduction in design errors, successful project delivery timelines.
• Temporary Works Competency: Provide clear evidence of your experience in managing temporary works, including your role as DI and your approach to appointing and overseeing TWCs/TWSs.
• Digital Engineering Integration: Showcase how you've successfully implemented or championed BIM and other digital tools to enhance design outcomes.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to lead, mentor, and collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach establishing the Design Department at IES, including key priorities for the first 90 days, process development, and team recruitment.
• Anticipate questions on managing design risks, ensuring compliance, and handling challenging client or project situations.
• Prepare to articulate your vision for digital engineering adoption and its benefits for IES.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review will be critical for this role, as it requires demonstrating the ability to build and manage a function, not just perform technical tasks. Candidates should prepare to speak extensively about their process design, implementation, and leadership strategies.

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD (essential for 2D drafting and design).
• 3D Modelling & BIM: Revit (crucial for Building Information Modelling, clash detection, and integrated design), potentially other 3D modelling software relevant to infrastructure and gas systems.
• Design Management Systems: Experience with systems that support ISO 9001 and ISO 19650 compliance for document control, workflow management, and information sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software: Tools for tracking design progress, resource allocation, and project timelines (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6).
• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in analyzing design data for performance metrics, risk assessment, and reporting. Advanced Excel skills are a minimum requirement.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing client relationships, familiarity with CRM concepts might be useful for understanding client needs and bid support.
• Automation tools for design processes or administrative tasks would be a plus, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Digital Competency (AutoCAD, Revit, 3D modelling)" and "promote digital engineering/BIM adoption" highlights the importance of modern design software and methodologies. Candidates with experience in implementing and managing these tools within an engineering department will be highly valued.

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value in utilities, especially gas, requiring a rigorous approach to safety in all design and operational decisions.
• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding the highest ethical standards and ensuring all designs and processes adhere strictly to industry regulations and company policies.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A commitment to exploring new technologies, methodologies, and solutions to enhance design delivery and company offerings.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where engineers and technicians work together effectively across disciplines and with other departments.
• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, delivering value, and building long-term, trusted partnerships.
• Accountability: Taking ownership of design outcomes, project responsibilities, and departmental performance, including P&L management.
• Cross-functional Integration: The Head of Design must actively collaborate with pre-construction, construction, commercial, and bid teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Proactive communication and engagement with internal teams, clients, and potentially regulatory bodies.
• Knowledge Sharing: Cultivating a culture where best practices, lessons learned, and technical knowledge are shared openly within the design team and across the organization.
• Constructive Feedback: Encouraging an environment where feedback is given and received constructively to drive process improvements and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's vision and mission ("To be the leading utility and infrastructure services provider, Known for innovative and sustainable solutions..." and "To enable essential utility networks and infrastructure to achieve exceptional levels of resilience and long-term value") strongly suggest a culture that values forward-thinking, reliability, and strong technical execution.

• Establishing a New Department: Building a design department from the ground up involves significant challenges in defining processes, recruiting talent, and integrating with existing company structures.
• Bridging Gas & Other Utilities: While the title emphasizes "Gas," the role's responsibilities cover multi-disciplinary designs. Successfully managing and integrating expertise across different utility sectors will be a key challenge.
• Adoption of Digital Engineering: Driving the adoption of BIM and other digital tools across a team that may have varying levels of familiarity or resistance to new technologies.
• Balancing Design Demands: Managing the competing demands of bid support, detailed design delivery, and ensuring compliance with stringent industry standards and regulations.
• Temporary Works Oversight: Ensuring consistent and robust implementation of temporary works procedures across all projects to maintain safety and compliance.
• Strategic Leadership: Developing broader strategic leadership skills within a growing infrastructure company.
• Process Design & Implementation: Gaining hands-on experience in architecting and deploying robust engineering management systems and workflows.
• Industry Expertise Expansion: Deepening knowledge across multiple utility sectors beyond gas, contributing to a more holistic understanding of infrastructure development.
• Mentorship & Team Building: Honing skills in recruiting, mentoring, and developing high-performing engineering teams.
• Digital Transformation: Playing a leading role in the digital transformation of design processes within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is ideal for a leader who thrives on building and transforming, seeing challenges as opportunities for innovation and growth, particularly in establishing robust operational frameworks within a dynamic sector.

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to establishing a new engineering design department, including key priorities for the first 90 days."
• "How would you ensure compliance with stringent industry standards (e.g., IGEM, CDM Regulations) across all design outputs, particularly for gas infrastructure?"
• "What strategies would you employ to foster a culture of innovation and promote the adoption of digital engineering (BIM) within the design team?"
• "Discuss your experience in managing temporary works design and your approach to appointing and overseeing Temporary Works Coordinators and Supervisors."
• "How do you balance the demands of supporting bids and tenders with delivering high-quality, detailed designs for ongoing projects?"
• "Describe a time you had to manage a significant design challenge or a complex stakeholder conflict. How did you resolve it?"
• "What is your experience with managing the P&L of a design service or department, and how do you ensure commercial viability?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracted you to IES Utilities Group and this specific role?"
• "How do you see your leadership style contributing to our company culture and vision?"
• "How would you integrate the design department with other key functions like construction and pre-construction to ensure seamless project delivery?"
• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps chronologically by project or thematically by responsibility area (e.g., Department Establishment, Design Assurance, Temporary Works, Digital Implementation).
• Storytelling: For each example, clearly articulate the challenge, your role and approach, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes or impact.
• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the value you've delivered (e.g., percentage improvement in efficiency, cost savings, reduction in errors).
• Focus on Leadership: Emphasize your leadership contributions, team management, and strategic decision-making.
• Relevance: Tailor your examples to highlight your experience in utilities, gas infrastructure, temporary works, and process improvement.
• Be ready for hypothetical scenarios related to design conflicts, resource allocation issues, or compliance breaches.
• Prepare to discuss your problem-solving methodology and decision-making process under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical competence but strategic leadership, process-building capability, and a deep understanding of the utilities sector, particularly gas infrastructure and temporary works.

To apply for this Head of Design - Gas position:

• Submit your CV and a brief covering note outlining your most relevant contract management or account management experience to recruitment@iesutilities.co.uk .
• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV clearly highlights your extensive experience in utilities/infrastructure design (especially gas), leadership roles, department establishment, temporary works management, and digital engineering proficiency. Use keywords from the job description.
• Craft Your Cover Note: Specifically address your experience in leading design teams, establishing design processes, and any relevant commercial or P&L responsibility. If you have experience in "contract management or account management" that is directly transferable to managing design services and client relationships, detail it here.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to manage design processes, lead teams, ensure compliance, and implement digital tools. Be ready to present this during the interview process.
• Research IES Utilities Group: Understand their vision, mission, and the broader utility sectors they operate in. This will help you tailor your application and responses to align with their strategic goals.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Candidates should be Chartered Engineers with a proven track record in utilities/infrastructure design and strong leadership skills. Familiarity with design assurance processes and digital engineering tools is essential.

Pension, Holiday Allowance, Career Progression Opportunities