MDE UK
Design Manager - Solar & BESS
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Role: Design Manager - Solar & BESS
Location: UK - North of England preferred
Salary: Up to £65,000 + Benefits
Type: Full-time, permanent
About the role
Are you an experienced Solar PV Design Engineer looking to step into a leadership role, or an established Design Manager looking for a business where you can genuinely influence how a department develops?
MDE are working with a growing renewable energy contractor that designs and delivers commercial solar PV and battery storage projects across the UK. With a healthy pipeline of work and ambitious growth plans, they're looking for someone to take ownership of the design function - remaining hands-on technically while leading and developing a small team of engineers.
The Opportunity
This role offers the chance to take ownership of an established design team while remaining actively involved in the technical aspects of project delivery. Rather than stepping away from engineering, you'll continue to work on the design of commercial solar PV projects while providing guidance, support and technical oversight to a growing team.
Working closely with senior leadership, you'll have the opportunity to influence design standards, improve processes and help shape the future direction of the department as the business continues to expand. It's an ideal role for someone who enjoys balancing hands-on engineering with people management and wants to make a genuine impact within a growing organisation.
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Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor and support a team of Design Engineers, providing technical guidance and day-to-day direction.
- Produce, review and approve designs across all stages of commercial solar PV projects.
- Take ownership of technical sign-off, ensuring designs are accurate, compliant and ready for delivery.
- Coordinate DNO applications, grid connection submissions and supporting technical documentation.
- Work closely with the Sales, Delivery and Project Management teams to ensure designs are practical, efficient and buildable.
- Liaise with clients, DNOs and other external stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle where required.
- Drive continuous improvement by helping to develop design standards, processes and internal tools.
- Support the continued growth of the design function, contributing to team development and future recruitment as the business expands.
About You
We're looking to speak with experienced design professionals who have a strong background in commercial solar PV, renewable energy or electrical design. You'll be technically confident, enjoy solving complex engineering challenges, and be comfortable taking ownership of design quality and decision-making.
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Ideally, you'll have:
- Previous experience leading, mentoring or managing a design team.
- A strong background in commercial solar PV, renewable energy or electrical design.
- Experience reviewing and approving technical drawings and design documentation.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD.
- Experience using solar design software such as PV*SOL (or similar).
- A good understanding of DNO processes, grid connections and UK industry regulations.
- The ability to balance hands-on technical work with leadership responsibilities.
Desirable
- Degree qualified in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
- Experience working on utility-scale battery energy storage (BESS) projects.
- 18th Edition qualification.
- Previous involvement in tender or bid support activities.
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a business that's investing heavily in its future. You'll have genuine influence over how the design department develops, remain close to the technical side of projects, and have the opportunity to build and shape a growing team within one of the UK's fastest-growing renewable energy sectors.
If you'd like to find out more, please get in touch for a confidential conversation.
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