Are you an experienced Design Manager with a strong background in petroleum retail, forecourt design or EV charging infrastructure? Are you looking for an opportunity to lead the design and coordination of projects for a globally recognised client across the UK?

We are working with a leading organisation delivering retail fuel, convenience retail and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure projects across Shell petrol station and convenience retail sites nationwide. They are looking to appoint an experienced Design Manager to oversee the development and delivery of high-quality, compliant and commercially viable design solutions.

The successful candidate will act as the key design interface between the client and project stakeholders, ensuring all designs meet operational requirements, comply with relevant legislation and adhere to Shell''s Global Design Standards (GIDS).

Key responsibilities will include:

Design Management & Coordination

• Lead the design process for retail fuel stations, forecourts, convenience retail environments and EV charging infrastructure.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, including architects, civil and structural engineers, planning consultants and specialist suppliers.
• Manage design programmes, deliverables, technical reviews, approvals and project milestones.
• Ensure design solutions meet client requirements, operational needs, regulatory obligations and budget constraints.
• Chair design review meetings, manage technical queries and identify potential design risks and opportunities.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary design contact for Shell and other key stakeholders throughout project delivery.
• Present feasibility studies, concept designs and proposed design solutions to clients.
• Provide technical advice and recommendations to support informed decision-making.
• Manage discussions around design development, compliance, programme implications and project risks.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, consultants, contractors and regulatory authorities.

Feasibility & Site Assessments

• Undertake site visits and surveys to assess project feasibility and identify potential design constraints.
• Review existing site conditions, utilities, operational requirements and development opportunities.
• Support the preparation of project scopes, design briefs and initial proposals.
• Work with planning consultants and local authorities to understand planning requirements and support the progression of projects.

EV Infrastructure Delivery

• Coordinate the design and implementation of EV charging infrastructure across retail and forecourt sites.
• Work closely with project controls, fellow Design Managers, commercial teams and power specialists to coordinate activities and maintain delivery programmes.
• Manage design interfaces relating to grid connections, power availability, charger layouts, civil engineering works and customer experience.
• Support programme management activities to ensure the timely delivery of EV infrastructure projects.

Cost Assurance & Technical Governance

• Review design proposals to ensure alignment with project budgets and commercial objectives.
• Contribute to cost assurance reviews, value engineering exercises and design optimisation.
• Ensure designs balance safety, constructability, operational performance, sustainability and whole-life costs.
• Maintain high standards of technical governance, quality assurance and design risk management.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, industry standards and client-specific design requirements.

Standards & Compliance

• Maintain a strong working knowledge of Shell Global Design Standards (GIDS) and ensure their consistent application across projects.
• Keep up to date with developments in petroleum forecourt design, EV charging technology, retail environments, planning policy and industry regulations.
• Promote best practice in design management, technical coordination and quality assurance.
• Ensure compliance with relevant UK legislation, health and safety requirements and industry-specific guidance.

Skills & Experience

To be considered for this opportunity, you should have:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Design Management or a related discipline.
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary design teams and coordinating external consultants.
• A background delivering projects within petroleum retail, forecourt, fuel infrastructure, convenience retail or EV charging.
• A strong understanding of UK planning, design and construction processes.
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously, with the ability to balance competing priorities.
• Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of project delivery, cost management and programme requirements.
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive, organised and solutions-focused approach, with strong attention to detail.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites across the UK.

Essential Technical Knowledge

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong understanding of:

• Retail fuel station design and operational requirements.
• Forecourt layouts, site circulation and customer access.
• Underground fuel infrastructure and associated design considerations.
• EV charging infrastructure design, deployment and integration.
• Utility coordination, grid connections and power availability.
• Design risk management, technical governance and approval processes.
• Construction methodologies and project delivery requirements.
• Relevant UK regulations, industry guidance and client-specific design standards.

Knowledge of Shell GIDS is highly desirable, although candidates with relevant industry experience and the ability to rapidly develop their expertise will also be considered.

Desirable Experience & Technical Skills

The following experience would be advantageous:

• Previous experience working directly with Shell Retail, Mobility, Energy or other major fuel retail clients.
• Knowledge of alternative fuels infrastructure, including HVO, hydrogen, biofuels and emerging mobility technologies.
• Experience supporting planning applications and stakeholder consultations.
• Familiarity with cost planning, value engineering and commercial reviews.
• Experience managing consultant frameworks and design supply chains.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, BIM Level 2 processes, Microsoft Project and Microsoft 365.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for a confident and commercially aware Design Manager who can take ownership of the design process and drive successful project outcomes.

You should be able to demonstrate:

• Strong leadership and multidisciplinary coordination skills.
• Excellent organisation, planning and attention to detail.
• The ability to influence stakeholders and build effective working relationships.
• A proactive, practical and solution-focused approach to problem-solving.
• Strong commercial judgement and decision-making capabilities.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, client-facing environment.
• A commitment to continuous professional development and industry best practice.
• The ability to balance technical, operational, commercial and programme considerations.

Interested?

If you are an experienced Design Manager with a background in petroleum retail, forecourt design or EV infrastructure and are looking for an opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of projects across the UK, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today to find out more about this exciting opportunity.

Aldwych Consulting values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.