The Opportunity
We are looking for a Senior Design Manager to join our team on a major Ministry of Justice (MoJ) project based in Erlestoke. This is a high‑profile, complex and secure scheme, offering the opportunity to play a leading role in managing design on a nationally significant programme.
You will provide leadership across the design function, ensuring the project is delivered safely, compliantly and efficiently from pre‑construction through to completion.
What You'll Be Doing
* Leading the design management process from pre‑construction through delivery
* Managing and coordinating multidisciplinary design teams and external consultants
* Ensuring full compliance with MoJ standards, statutory legislation and security requirements
* Managing design risk, change control and interfaces across the project
* Providing technical leadership to drive quality, buildability, value and programme certainty
* Supporting bid and pre‑construction activity where required
* Working closely with construction, commercial and planning teams to ensure a seamless transition from design to delivery
* Building strong, collaborative relationships with the client and key stakeholders
What We're Looking For
* Proven experience in a Senior Design Manager role within construction or the built environment
* Strong technical understanding of the full design and construction process
* Experience working on MoJ, custodial, secure or highly regulated projects (strongly preferred)
* Confident leadership and stakeholder management skills
* A structured, proactive and solutions‑focused approach
* Ability to manage complex programmes and multiple design interfaces
Why Join Wates?
* Be part of a purpose‑led, family‑owned business with strong values
* Work on a major MoJ project with long‑term national impact
* Supportive, collaborative and inclusive working environment
* Opportunities for professional development and career progression
* Competitive salary and benefits package, including support for project‑based working
Our commitments:
Wates is proud to be an employer where anyone can thrive, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every requirement, as we value transferable skills and assess all applications fairly.
We don't discriminate based on a criminal record; all applications are reviewed on an individual basis against the requirements of the role. Some roles may require additional checks, due to the nature of the work. As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the role and opt in to the Disability Confident scheme. Reasonable adjustments are available, please contact us at recruitment@wates.co.uk
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