Shaping places from concept to reality
Design plays a vital role in the successful delivery of projects at Wates.
Our design teams combine technical expertise, creativity and practical construction knowledge to help deliver complex new-build, refurbishment and regeneration schemes across a range of sectors.
Working closely with clients, consultants and project teams, you'll influence key decisions from concept through to completion, helping create places that are sustainable, buildable and designed for long-term success.
People thrive at Wates
What you could be working on
Our teams deliver schemes that have a lasting impact on communities. You could be involved in complex new-builds, challenging refurbishments and sustainability-focused projects, working alongside experts across multiple disciplines to turn design ambitions into successful outcomes.
No matter the sector, you'll help ensure quality, innovation and long-term value are built into every project – this could involve:
- Education, healthcare, residential and commercial projects
- Complex refurbishments and new‑build schemes
- Projects that embed sustainability, quality and innovation from day one
Life and Mind Building – University of Oxford
Oxford University’s Life and Mind Building, completed by Wates Construction and SES in 2025, is a centre of world-class research and scientific endeavour that aims to benefit all our lives.
Digital Life, Teesside University
The Digital Life building at Teesside University is a £41.4m research and teaching hub that embodies digital innovation, acting as a catalyst for regional economic growth.
Marks & Spencer, Orpington
Our Smartspace team has successfully completed a transformative renewal and extension project for long-standing client Marks & Spencer at their Orpington store.
11 and 12 Wellington Place, Leeds
We have proudly delivered a landmark achievement in sustainable building design and performance with the construction of 11 and 12 Wellington Place, becoming the first new building in the country to achieve a certified NABERS UK Five Star Energy Rating.
Advance your career journey
Why choose Wates
- Early involvement and real influence over outcomes
- Trusted to challenge, improve and innovate
- Support to deepen technical expertise or progress into leadership
- A collaborative culture built on learning, partnership and shared success
- Behaviours that encourage accountability, curiosity and support for one another
Gary Hall
Operations Director
“It’s the people who make the difference. I’ve been lucky to work with some brilliant ones.”
Our story
About Wates
We’re a long‑established, privately owned UK construction group where design plays a critical role in shaping successful outcomes.
We’re clear on expectations, focused on delivery and supportive of progression - whether that’s deepening your design expertise or leading multidisciplinary teams across the full lifecycle of a project.
Whether you're looking to deepen your technical expertise, broaden your project experience or progress into senior leadership, you'll find opportunities to make a meaningful impact while contributing to projects that matter.
Disability Confident Leader status
We are delighted to share that we have been awarded Level 3 – Disability Confident Leader status.
Our gender equality work gains double recognition
We’ve been named one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality in 2023.
Our gender equality work gains double recognition
We’ve been named one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality in 2023.
We have achieved Investors in People Gold
Investors in People is a national quality standard which defines good practice.
Discover your next opportunity
- Design managers
- Senior design managers
- Design coordinators
| Information Coordinator | Basingstoke | Design | Ready to shape the future of digital construction? At Wates, we're reimagining places for people to thrive, and great information is at the heart of every successful project. We're looking for an organised and proactive Information Coordinator to... |
| Senior Design Manager | Newbury | Design | The Opportunity We are looking for a Senior Design Manager to join our Construction team, based in Newbury. This is a key leadership role, responsible for managing and coordinating the design process across major construction projects, from early ... |
| Head of Design | Redditch | Design | 🌟 Head of Design🌟 📍 Location: National 📁 Business Unit: WPS ✨ About the Role We're looking for a highly experienced and inspiring Head of Design to lead and elevate the Design Management function across our WPS business. This pivotal role... |
| Senior Digital Construction Manager | Wigan | Design | We are looking to appoint a Senior Digital Construction Manager to join our team, supporting the delivery of a major project near Wigan. This is a key role within our project and technical teams, responsible for driving the digital construction s... |
Reward and benefits
We offer competitive pay, flexible benefits, 26 days' holiday and generous family leave.
