Head of Tender & Design

Anderson Knight are delighted to be working in partnership with a National Business who are looking to appoint a Head of Tendering and Design (North)

Reporting to the General Manager, this role sits within the regional leadership team with full accountability for the technical integrity, and delivery assurance of the tendering and Design function across the North.
The Head of Tendering & Design – North will lead a high-performing team responsible for developing commercially robust, technically compliant, and fully deliverable ICP on new network connections on LV and HV networks. Utilising a combination of direct labour and specialist external delivery partners and design houses.
This role is pivotal in driving profitable growth, providing design authority, and ensuring seamless integration from early-stage opportunity and bid strategy through to detailed design approval and handover to delivery.
The successful candidate will combine strong commercial acumen with technical leadership, influencing internal stakeholders (Business Development, Operations, Finance) and external partners (DNOs, IDNOs delivery partners and clients) while embedding a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities
Commercial & Strategic Leadership
• Lead the development and approval of commercially competitive, risk-balanced tender submissions aligned to margin and growth targets
• Maintain governance over pricing strategy, cost build-ups, and commercial risk allocation
• Drive improvements in bid conversion rates, margin performance, and tender efficiency
• Provide senior technical-commercial input into major bids, frameworks, and strategic opportunities

Technical Design Authority
• Ensure compliance with:
o DNO / IDNO specifications
o G81, G99 and associated standards
o BS7671 and applicable UK regulations
• Ensure all designs are adoptable, optimised, and aligned to cost, programme, and constructability requirements
• Provide leadership on complex technical and commercial design challenges
Operational Integration
• Work closely with Business Development to ensure early engagement and solution alignment with client needs
• Collaborate with Operations to ensure designs are deliverable, efficient, and programme-aligned
• Ensure a seamless transition from tender through IFC design to project delivery
Stakeholder & Market Engagement
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, DNOs, IDNOs, and regulatory bodies
• Act as a senior point of contact for technical and commercial matters
• Represent the business within industry forums and with adopting network operators
Governance, Performance & Continuous Improvement
• Ensure outputs meet all quality, compliance, and timeliness standards (KPIs/SLAs)
• Drive continuous improvement in processes, systems, and design methodologies
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Essential
• Significant experience within the UK utilities / ICP / IDNO sector
• Strong technical expertise in electrical network design (LV and 11kV) with adoption knowledge
• Proven track record in commercial tendering, pricing, and risk management
• Demonstrable success in delivering margin performance and design-to-cost outcomes
• Experience leading and developing high-performing technical teams
• Strong stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills
• In-depth knowledge of G81, G99, BS7671 and DNO/IDNO standards

Desirable
• Experience with 33kV networks and grid connections
• Understanding of AAV models, contestable works, and adopter constraints
• Experience within framework contracts or major infrastructure programmes
• Track record of improving bid performance, efficiency, or operational processes
Qualifications
Essential
• Degree in Electrical Engineering (or related discipline)
• Significant experience in a commercial design and tendering environment
Desirable
• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer (IET or equivalent), or working towards
• Membership of a relevant professional body