Join to apply for the Head of Design and Engineering role at Wates Group
National Role | Senior Leadership | Built Environment / MEP
We are seeking an exceptional Head of Design and Engineering to lead our national design, engineering and digital engineering capability and play a pivotal role on the SES Operations Board .
The Role As Head of Design and Engineering, you will provide national leadership for design management, engineering and digital engineering, with accountability for governance, capability, performance and continuous improvement. You will work closely with Operations, Pre‑Contract, Commercial, HS&W, Quality and Customer Strategy to ensure design and engineering excellence is embedded across bids, projects and operational delivery.
You will also act as a senior external ambassador, representing the business at industry forums and building strong, productive relationships with designers, consultants, supply chain partners and clients.
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 organisation. 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 organisation
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.
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, Thriving planet, Thriving people. We are proud to be recognised as Gold Investors in People and a Disability Confident employer. We also ensure that our recruitment processes do not treat anyone less favourably due to an offending background.
As a responsible and inclusive employer, we are committed to equality and celebrate diversity, welcoming difference and ensuring everyone feels included, invested in and treated with care. Wates is also committed to three ambitious environmental targets for 2025: Zero Waste, Zero Carbon and Positive Nature Enhancement, pushing to lead in reducing the industry’s impact.
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