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- Tasks: Lead innovative design projects and inspire teams to deliver high-impact results.
- Company: Wates Smartspace is a leading family-owned development and property maintenance company in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, profit share, and extensive corporate perks.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking team that values collaboration, innovation, and quality in design delivery.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in managing design delivery in fit-out and refurbishment sectors is essential.
- Other info: You'll have access to top-notch training programs and industry-leading family leave benefits.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you ready to lead from the front in delivering innovative, high-impact fit-out and refurbishment projects? Wates Smartspace is looking for an exceptional Senior Design Manager to join our established team and take the reins in ensuring the smooth, safe, and successful delivery of a wide range of projects. If you have a passion for design, a keen eye for detail, and the drive to inspire teams, this is the opportunity for you.
What You’ll Do:
As Senior Design Manager, you’ll be the driving force behind the design process, offering visible leadership and providing direction across multiple projects. You’ll collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure all proposals are thorough and aligned with business goals, leading the creation of project-specific agreements and plans. With your expertise, you’ll review and manage design progress, ensuring that all health and safety measures are adhered to from day one and that designs are practical, buildable, and aligned with customer expectations.
Managing the design team on-site, you’ll ensure that the design is executed smoothly, efficiently, and on schedule-coordinating with subcontractors, suppliers, and project teams to meet both project and business objectives. Your leadership will not only ensure that deadlines are met but will also contribute to the continuous improvement of the team and the projects we deliver., 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.
Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic 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 offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks.
To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link:
Work for Wates
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 Investors in People 2022
GOLD AWARD Considerate Constructors Schemes (CCS) National Site Awards
TOP 50 EMPLOYERS 2022 Top 50 Employers for Women
WINNER 2022 Working Families Best Practice Awards
Documents
We want a Senior Design Manager who’s got the vision, experience, and energy to transform ideas into reality. You’ll have a proven track record in managing design delivery within the Interiors Cat A and Cat B fit-out and refurbishment sector, with extensive knowledge of construction materials, methods, and the latest technology. Whether you’re a Chartered Architect, Engineer, or MCIOB, we’re looking for someone who can manage complex design projects, navigate contract and procurement processes, and inspire a team to achieve excellence.
You’ll have experience leading a team across diverse sectors and be driven by a passion for HSE compliance, risk management, and value creation. Your communication skills will be top-notch, with a positive, engaging, and supportive approach that motivates and educates the team and the wider business.
At Wates Smartspace, you’re not just another employee-you’re part of a forward-thinking team that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and delivering quality. We give you the tools, support, and autonomy you need to make a real impact. If you’re ready to step up, share your expertise, and shape the future of design delivery, apply now and take your career to the next level with Wates Smartspace.
Other benefits include:
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Competitive salary & profit share scheme
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Flexible working
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Car Allowance / Company Car *
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Travel covered to any of our sites*
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Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more…
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One of the best learning and development programmes which is customizable to support your career progression goals. (c.7000 training sessions delivered year to date across the WATES Group)
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Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity.
Senior Design Manager employer: Wates
Contact Detail:
Wates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to showcase your leadership skills during the interview process. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led design teams in the past, particularly in high-impact fit-out and refurbishment projects.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarize yourself with Wates Smartspace's recent projects and their approach to sustainability and innovation. This will help you align your vision with theirs and demonstrate your commitment to their values.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your experience with health and safety compliance in design management. Be ready to discuss specific measures you've implemented to ensure safety on-site, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Wates Smartspace if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in managing design delivery, particularly within the Interiors Cat A and Cat B fit-out and refurbishment sector. Emphasize your knowledge of construction materials and methods, as well as any relevant certifications like Chartered Architect or MCIOB.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for design and leadership. Discuss specific projects where you successfully led a team and delivered innovative solutions. Make sure to align your experiences with Wates Smartspace's values of thriving places, planet, and people.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Highlight your ability to inspire and manage teams effectively. Provide examples of how you've motivated your team and ensured compliance with health and safety measures in previous projects. This will demonstrate your fit for the Senior Design Manager role.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience with complex design projects and your approach to risk management and value creation. Be ready to discuss how you would handle challenges in the design process and ensure project objectives are met.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wates
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Design Manager, your ability to lead and inspire teams is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed design projects in the past, highlighting your leadership style and how you motivate your team to achieve excellence.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Expertise
Be ready to discuss your extensive knowledge of construction materials, methods, and technology. Provide specific examples of how you've applied this expertise in previous projects, especially in the Interiors Cat A and Cat B fit-out and refurbishment sector.
✨Align with Company Values
Familiarize yourself with Wates' purpose and promises. During the interview, express how your personal values align with their commitment to creating thriving places, protecting the planet, and fostering thriving people. This will show that you're not just looking for a job, but a place where you can contribute meaningfully.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think of scenarios where you've had to navigate challenges in design delivery or compliance with health and safety measures, and be prepared to discuss how you handled them effectively.
