The Role
Wates is looking for a Senior Design Manager to join our Construction division, working in partnership with one of our longstanding clients, the Department for Education (DfE). This role is ideal for someone with strong experience overseeing the design principles of new‑build, refurbishment and complex construction projects. Based out of our Central London office, you will support a pipeline of impactful education schemes that directly shape the environments where future generations learn and thrive.
Responsibilities
- Undertake detailed risk and opportunity appraisals to mitigate risk, enhance buildability and add value before entering the construction phase.
- Manage internal and external designers to ensure accuracy, completeness and alignment with client and project requirements.
- Develop and manage a realistic design programme and information‑requirement schedules in collaboration with Project Teams, Lead Designers and the wider Consultant Team.
- Support commercial teams, helping manage design‑related financial risks, assisting with procurement of specialist materials and ensuring designs remain commercially viable.
- Work closely with Operations and Commercial colleagues to produce coordinated, buildable and budget‑conscious design solutions; participate in technical workshops and value management sessions.
- Liaise with site teams, resolving design queries promptly, conducting site visits and ensuring construction aligns with design intent at every stage.
- Mentor and guide junior design managers, fostering a collaborative and consistent approach across design outputs.
Benefits
- Competitive salary & profit share scheme
- Flexible working
- Car allowance / company car (subject to role/grade)
- Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates)
- Extensive corporate benefits including private medical, pension 8% employers’ contribution, health and wellness programme, 26 days holiday + bank holidays and more.
- Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression.
- Industry‑leading family leave benefits – 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity.
We believe everyone can thrive at Wates and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate based on a criminal record; all applications are reviewed on an individual basis against the requirements of the role. We are a Disability Confident Leader and 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 or WPSrecruitment@wates.co.uk.
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