Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design projects, collaborate with experts, and ensure compliance and innovation.
- Company: Wates Construction is a leading family-owned firm with over 125 years in the built environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, extensive corporate perks, and a strong focus on career development.
- Why this job: Join a diverse team, challenge norms, and make a real impact in sustainable design.
- Qualifications: Proven technical skills and a passion for design are essential; transferable skills are welcomed.
- Other info: Standard DBS check required; we value long-term relationships and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This is a Full Time/Flexible Working, Permanent vacancy that will close in 18 days at 23:59 BST.
Wates Construction are looking for a Design Manager to join our Major Projects Team focussing on high profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors. If you are passionate about design, working within a team environment and with proven technical skills looking for an opportunity to challenge the norm, bring fresh new ideas and elevate yourself within the industry then join us and help to create tomorrow together. This is a great opportunity to progress your career as part of a talented, diverse, and supportive team.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Our Design Managers are a valuable part of our business, driving quality outcomes, enhancing buildability and fostering innovation. Design Managers work collaboratively with our industry specialists and in-house technical experts to ensure that the design develops in accordance with the brief with a firm focus on added value, compliance, commercial viability, and best practice.
As our Design Manager you will:
- Work with all relevant parties, to produce and manage a realistic design programme and information required schedule to facilitate design, procurement and construction activities.
- Support the implementation of Continuous Improvement initiatives and innovation.
- Ensure the design has been reviewed and verified to achieve compliance and mitigate Health and Safety, design and buildability issues prior to construction and identify key risks and opportunities at each stage of the design and delivery process.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Competitive salary & profit share scheme.
- Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade).
- Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates).
- Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more…
- One of the best learning and development programmes which is customizable to support your career progression goals.
- Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression.
- Industry leading family leave benefits to include 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity.
We are always looking for a variety of new talent to join our teams, to help us grow and innovate as a business. Although you may not have all of the skills listed, many of them may be transferable to other roles within the WATES Group.
If you would like clarity on any of our vacancies, discuss career opportunities in strict confidence or need anything to make our recruitment process easier, please contact our In-House Recruitment Team directly.
As a responsible and inclusive employer, we are committed to equality and are proud to have been recognised for this through a range of accolades including gold accreditation with Investors in People, we are also a Disability Confident employer.
Being a family owned business means we understand and value long term relationships. Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offences. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks.
Wates is one of the UK’s leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance companies. Founded over 125 years ago, we have a proud legacy in the built environment. We are driven by our purpose, ‘reimagining places for people to thrive’ and our three promises:
- Thriving places – working with customers, partners and communities to create places that are more sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity.
- Thriving planet – protecting nature and taking action on climate change by collaborating and innovating with our partners.
- Thriving people – creating opportunities and relationships so that everyone who works for and with us feels included, invested in, and treated with care.
We are proud to be recognised as Gold Investors in People and as a Disability Confident employer. We also ensure that our recruitment processes do not treat anyone less favourably due to an offending background.
Awards
- BEST PROJECT Inside Housing Development Awards WINNER 2022
- Construction News Awards Winner GOLD AWARD 2022
- GOLD AWARD Investors in People 2022
- GOLD AWARD Considerate Constructors Schemes (CCS) National Site Awards
- TOP 50 EMPLOYERS 2022 Top 50 Employers for Women WINNER
Design Manager employer: Wates Group
Contact Detail:
Wates Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Wates Construction's recent projects and their approach to design management. This will not only help you understand their values but also allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews, showcasing how your experience aligns with their innovative practices.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Wates Construction on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide you with insider knowledge about the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven quality outcomes and fostered innovation in your previous roles. Highlighting your ability to manage complex design programmes and collaborate effectively with teams will demonstrate your fit for the Design Manager position.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in design management. Being able to discuss current challenges and innovations in the construction sector during your interview will show that you're proactive and passionate about your field, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Design Manager role. Focus on your technical skills, project management experience, and any innovative design solutions you've implemented in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for design and your ability to work collaboratively within a team. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your capability to drive quality outcomes and foster innovation.
Highlight Continuous Improvement Initiatives: In your application, emphasise any past experiences where you have supported continuous improvement initiatives. This could include examples of how you've identified risks and opportunities in design processes or contributed to enhancing buildability.
Showcase Your Understanding of Compliance: Demonstrate your knowledge of compliance and health and safety regulations in your application. Provide examples of how you've ensured designs meet these standards in previous projects, as this is crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wates Group
✨Showcase Your Design Passion
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for design during the interview. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on that demonstrate your passion and creativity, as this aligns with the company's focus on innovation and fresh ideas.
✨Understand the Company’s Values
Familiarise yourself with Wates Construction's mission and values, particularly their commitment to sustainability and community. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
As a Design Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your technical skills. Review key concepts related to design compliance, buildability, and risk management. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled similar challenges in past projects.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Wates Construction values teamwork, so highlight your experience working collaboratively with diverse teams. Share examples of how you've successfully led or contributed to team efforts in previous roles, showcasing your ability to drive quality outcomes.
