Principal Design Manager

Join to apply for the Principal Design Manager role at Wates Group .

Wates are looking for a Principal Design Manager to join our Construction Team focusing on high profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors.

If you are passionate about design, enjoy working in a team environment and have proven technical skills, this is an opportunity to challenge the norm, bring fresh ideas and elevate your career within the industry. This role offers a chance to progress within a talented, diverse and supportive team.

Our Principal Design Managers drive quality outcomes, enhance buildability and foster innovation. They work collaboratively with customers and industry specialists to ensure the design develops in accordance with the brief with a strong focus on added value, compliance, commercial viability and best practice.

• Review the current design of all projects and undertake detailed risk and opportunities appraisal to mitigate risk, enhance buildability and add value prior to the 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 ensure all design deliverables are fully coordinated, buildable and within budget. Contribute to technical workshops and value management exercises as required to align expectations

• 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 holidays + bank holidays and more
• Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression
• Industry leading family leave benefits including 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity

To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please visit the official careers site.

We are always looking for a variety of new talent to join our teams to grow and innovate as a business. If you would like clarity on any of our vacancies, discuss career opportunities in strict confidence or need anything to make our recruitment process easier, please contact our In-House Recruitment Team directly or via and we will respond as soon as possible.

As a responsible and inclusive employer, we are committed to equality and proudly hold gold Investors in People accreditation and are a Disability Confident employer. Being a family-owned business, we value long-term relationships.

Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually; we do not discriminate based on criminal record. Some roles may require additional pre-employment checks. For details on checks, see the National Security Vetting page.

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 – create sustainable, inclusive places with opportunity
• Thriving planet – protect nature and act on climate change
• Thriving people – inclusivity, opportunity and care for everyone who works with us

Wates is recognised as a Gold Investors in People employer and a Disability Confident employer. We celebrate difference and welcome diversity.

The Wates Group is committed to three environmental targets for 2025: Zero Waste, Zero Carbon, and Positive Nature Enhancement. Wates aims to lead in reducing the industry’s environmental impact.