Principal Design Manager – Wates Group
Overview
Wates Construction’s South team is seeking a Principal Design Manager to lead high‑profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors. The role offers an opportunity to progress your career within a talented, diverse, and supportive team.
About the Role
As a key member of the design organisation, you will drive quality outcomes, enhance buildability, and foster innovation. You will collaborate with clients, industry specialists, and cross‑functional teams to ensure designs meet brief requirements with a strong focus on added value, compliance, commercial viability, and best practice.
Responsibilities
* Review current designs of all projects and undertake detailed risk and opportunity appraisal to mitigate risk, enhance buildability, and add value prior to construction phase.
* In collaboration with the project team, Lead Designer and Consultant Team, produce and manage a realistic design programme and information required schedule to satisfy design, procurement, and construction requirements.
* Work closely with the Commercial and Operations Teams to coordinate deliverables, ensure buildability, and maintain budget alignment. Contribute to technical workshops, value management exercises, and alignment of expectations.
Qualifications
* Proven technical design experience in construction or development projects.
* Strong risk management and value engineering skills.
* Excellent collaboration and communication abilities.
* Experience leading design programmes and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary and profit share scheme.
* Flexible working arrangements.
* Car allowance / company car (subject to role/grade).
* Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates).
* Private medical, pension 8% employer contribution, health and wellness programme.
* 26 days holidays + bank holidays and additional leave benefits.
* Extensive learning and development activity.
Equality and Diversity
We are a responsible and inclusive employer. Wates is a Disability Confident, Disability and Equality Confident employer recognised for its commitment to the Equality and Participation scheme and the Disability Confident award. We are proud to have been recognised for this through a range of accolades including gold accreditation with Investors in People.
Work for Wates
Wates Group is one of the UK’s leading family‑owned construction, development and property services 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 offer an inclusive, supportive, and dynamic working culture.
Application
To apply, please visit the Wates careers site and submit your application. For any questions regarding this vacancy or our recruitment process, contact our recruitment team at recruitment@wates.co.uk.
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