Head of Design and Engineering – Wates Group
National Role – Senior Leadership – Built Environment / MEP
About the Company
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, Thriving planet, and Thriving people. We are proud to be recognized as Gold Investors in People and a Disability Confident employer.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and implement a national design and engineering strategy aligned to wider business objectives
* Lead and manage the national Design & Engineering function, including regional and major project leadership teams
* Provide governance to ensure all designs meet safety, regulatory, quality and sustainability standards
* Drive innovation, including digital engineering, smart technologies and low‑carbon solutions
* Oversee design planning, consultant selection, value engineering and performance management
* Establish and maintain robust design, engineering and technical frameworks, standards and processes
* Monitor project performance, identifying risk early and driving continuous improvement
* Build high‑performing teams through leadership, mentoring, succession planning and talent development
* Develop and manage design and engineering budgets in collaboration with Pre‑Contract and Operations
* Build strong relationships with clients, consultants and industry bodies, promoting technical leadership and best practice
About You
You are a highly credible design and engineering leader with a strong track record in senior roles within a Tier 1 MEP or built‑environment organization. You combine strategic thinking with operational excellence and are passionate about innovation, people development and delivering value for customers.
You Will Bring
* Extensive experience leading design and engineering functions at senior level
* Strong knowledge of design management, engineering delivery and digital engineering
* Proven experience working in customer‑facing, complex project environments
* The ability to influence at Executive and Board level
* A collaborative, resilient leadership style with high standards and accountability
Qualifications & Experience
* Degree (or higher) in Building Services Engineering or a related discipline
* Chartered Engineer status
* Substantial experience in a senior design and engineering leadership role or 5 years in a related executive position
What We Offer
* A nationally influential leadership role with real strategic impact
* The opportunity to shape the future of design, engineering and innovation across a major organization
* A collaborative, values‑driven culture focused on safety, quality and continuous improvement
* Competitive executive remuneration and benefits package
Additional Information
This is a national role requiring regular travel and occasional overnight stays.
Location
United Kingdom (specific location not specified)
Seniority level
* Executive
Employment type
* Full‑time
Job function
* Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
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