Design
Help us to shape a better future by influencing, guiding, and managing the design process from start to finish. As part of our Design team, we’ll make sure your career thrives.
Help us to shape a better future by influencing, guiding, and managing the design process from start to finish. As part of our Design team, we’ll make sure your career thrives.

People thrive at Wates
You could have design experience, be looking for a career change, or be returning to work after a break. Above all, you need the right attributes to succeed in our Design team.
We’re looking for inquisitive people, who are great problem solvers, and able to think laterally. Someone who is good at interacting with and managing people, both internally and externally. Perhaps the key thing to remember is that we don’t author design, we shape it. That means our ability to influence what someone else does with a pen is vital.
In terms of transferrable skills, the most important are to be analytical and creative. If you have a creative background, you’ll fit in very well.

No better place to develop your career
We’re innovative, agile, and entrepreneurial. We also know what we’re good at. As part of our Design team, you’ll play a key role in helping to create the thriving places of tomorrow. You’ll get to work on a huge range of projects too, in terms of building typology, complexity, geography, and scale. The variety we can offer you is unrivalled.
There are a range of roles in terms of a career path and a job family within Design. If you come in as a trainee, or assistant, you’ll join a team contributing and learning with others on a smaller project. As you progress, the opportunities and challenges increase. You’ll be expected to focus more on leadership strategy and contribute to the direction of the business you work in too.
At Wates, you’ll get every opportunity to develop your career in a timely fashion. We like to make the most of our in-house talent and promote from within. If we believe that someone is 80% ready for the next step, we’ll progress them.
Administrator
Location: Milton Keynes
Job Type: Clerical & Administration
Application Deadline: 05-03-2026
Are you a meticulous organizer with a passion for the construction industry? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where every day brings new challenges and opportunities? If so, Wates have the perfect role for you!We are looking for an Administrator to join our Procurement Team in the Milton Keynes.ABOUT THE ROLEOur Administrators are a valuable part of our team playing a pivotal role in supporting our day-to-day operations. Ensuring seamless communication between various departments and providing exceptional support to our team members and clients. This role offers an exciting opportunity to be at the heart of our operations, contributing to the smooth running of our projects.As our Administrator you will: Creating and maintaining information on systems and databases and managing efficient filing systems. Coordinating meetings when required including minute taking and calendar management Dealing with a range of administrative queries that come through to the team. General administrative duties including filing, faxing and photocopying.WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car * Travel covered to any of our sites* Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more… One of the best learning and development programmes which is customizable to support your career progression goals. (c.7000 training sessions delivered year to date across the WATES Group) Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity.(*Subject to role…….)To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/We are always looking for a variety of new talent to join our teams, to help us grow and innovate as a business. Although you may not have all of the skills listed, many of them may be transferable to other roles within the WATES Group.If you would like clarity on any of our vacancies or to discuss career opportunities in strict confidence, please contact our In-House Recruitment Team directly via recruitment@wates.co.uk and one of us will get in touch as soon as possible.As a responsible and inclusive employer, we are committed to equality and are proud to have been recognised for this through a range of accolades including gold accreditation with Investors in People, we are also a Disability Confident employer. Being a family owned, business means we understand and value long term relationships.Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting
Design Manager
Location: Rugby
Job Type: Design
Application Deadline: 04-03-2026
Wates are looking for a Design Manager to join our Construction Team focussing on high profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors. If you are passionate about design, working within a team environment and with proven technical skills looking for an opportunity to challenge the norm, bring fresh new ideas and elevate yourself within the industry then join us and help to create tomorrow together. This is a great opportunity to progress your career as part of a talented, diverse, and supportive team. ABOUT THE ROLE Our Design Managers are a valuable part of our business, driving quality outcomes, enhancing buildability and fostering innovation. Design Managers work collaboratively with our industry specialists and in-house technical experts to ensure that the design develops in accordance with the brief with a firm focus on added value, compliance, commercial viability, and best practice. As our Design Manager you will: Work with all relevant parties, to produce and manage a realistic design programme and information required schedule to facilitate design, procurement and construction activities Support the implementation of Continuous Improvement initiatives and innovation Ensure the design has been reviewed and verified to achieve compliance and mitigate Health and Safety, design and buildability issues prior to construction and identify key risks and opportunities at each stage of the design and delivery process. WHAT WE OFFER 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 much more… Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression. Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity. To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/ We are always looking for a variety of new talent to join our teams, to help us grow and innovate as a business. Although you may not have all of the skills listed, many of them may be transferable to other roles within the WATES Group. 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 recruitment@wates.co.uk and one of us will get in touch as soon as possible. As a responsible and inclusive employer, we are committed to equality and are proud to have been recognised for this through a range of accolades including gold accreditation with Investors in People, we are also a Disability Confident employer. Being a family owned, business means we understand and value long term relationships. Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting
Senior Design Manager
Location: Manchester
Job Type: Design
Application Deadline: 04-03-2026
We’re not just building projects – we’re shaping skylines, redefining spaces, and creating environments that inspire. Now, we’re looking for a Senior Design Manager to join our Construction Team and lead the charge on high-profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors.If you’re someone who loves turning bold ideas into reality and has has the technical expertise to challenge convention and raise the bar then this is your moment. Bring your creativity, your vision, and your ambition – and let’s create tomorrow togetherAt Wates, you’ll find a supportive, diverse team and the freedom to push boundaries, innovate, and grow your career to new heights.ABOUT THE ROLE Our Senior Design Managers are a valuable part of our business, driving quality outcomes, enhancing buildability and fostering innovation. Senior Design Managers work collaboratively with our customers and industry specialists to ensure that the design develops in accordance with the brief with a firm focus on added value, compliance, commercial viability, and best practice. As our Senior Design Manager, you will: Review the current design of all projects and undertake detailed risk and opportunities appraisal to mitigating 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 ensure all design deliverables are fully coordinated, buildable and within budget. Contribute to technical workshops, value management exercises as required to align expectations in this respect WHAT WE OFFER 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 much more… Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression. Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity. To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/ We are always looking for a variety of new talent to join our teams, to help us grow and innovate as a business. Although you may not have all of the skills listed, many of them may be transferable to other roles within the WATES Group. 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 recruitment@wates.co.uk and one of us will get in touch as soon as possible. As a responsible and inclusive employer, we are committed to equality and are proud to have been recognised for this through a range of accolades including gold accreditation with Investors in People, we are also a Disability Confident employer. Being a family owned, business means we understand and value long term relationships. Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting
Technical Services Manager
Location: London
Job Type: Engineering
Application Deadline: 04-03-2026
Technical Services ManagerLocation: Central London (within the M25)Contract: Full-time, PermanentAre you an experienced Technical Services Manager with strong M&E expertise and a passion for leading high-performing teams?We are looking for a commercially astute Technical Services Manager to join our Central London operations. This is a key leadership role, where you'll oversee technical delivery, manage a team and ensure exceptional service standards across our portfolio.About the RoleAs the Technical Services Manager, you will be responsible for the end-to-end management of our Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) service delivery, ensuring compliance, quality, and safety across all activities. You’ll lead a team of supervisory staff, provide technical direction, and play an integral role in driving operational performance.You’ll also have responsibility for commercial oversight, managing budgets, monitoring P&L performance, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives to deliver value for our clients.Key Responsibilities Lead, mentor, and develop a team of technical supervisors and engineers Oversee all M&E service delivery across the Central London region Ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory, and organisational standards Provide technical expertise on complex M&E issues and projects Manage operational budgets and contribute to P&L performance Monitor KPIs, service levels, and contract performance Build strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and supply chain partners Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, innovation, and service delivery Support health & safety management and risk mitigation measuresAbout YouWe’re looking for someone who brings: Proven experience in a Technical Services / M&E management role Strong leadership skills with experience managing supervisors or engineering teams Solid technical knowledge across Mechanical & Electrical services Commercial acumen with experience managing budgets and contributing to P&L Excellent stakeholder management and communication abilities A proactive, solutions-focused mindsetRelevant qualifications (e.g., mechanical or electrical engineering, HNC/HND, or equivalent) are desirable.Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting