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.

People thrive at Wates

It’s all about you…

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

Join the best in the business…

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.

Careers in design

Want to be a part of our team?

Assistant Facilities Manager

Location: Glasgow

Job Type: Engineering

Application Deadline: 18-03-2026

Assistant Facilities ManagerLocation: GlasgowContract Type: PermanentHours: Full-timeAbout the RoleWPS is looking for a proactive and organised Assistant Facilities Manager to join our team in Glasgow. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual looking to develop their career in facilities management while supporting the delivery of high‑quality FM services across a diverse and busy estate.Working closely with the Facilities Manager, you will help oversee day‑to‑day operations, support compliance activities, coordinate contractors, and ensure service standards are consistently met. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, enjoys problem‑solving, and is committed to excellent customer service.Key Responsibilities Support the Facilities Manager with the daily running of FM operations across the site. Assist in the management of planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and reactive works. Coordinate contractors and ensure all work meets agreed standards, safety requirements, and compliance obligations. Carry out regular site inspections, ensuring issues are identified, reported, and resolved promptly. Support health & safety activities, including permit management, documentation, toolbox talks, and incident reporting. Maintain accurate records, logs, and FM documentation using CAFM or job management systems. Help monitor performance of suppliers and contractors, ensuring KPIs and SLAs are met. Build strong working relationships with clients, internal teams, contractors, and stakeholders. Assist in preparing reports, updates, and performance summaries for internal and client review. Support small works, minor projects, and improvement initiatives on site.Essential Skills & Experience Experience in a facilities, building management, or maintenance support role. Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities. Good understanding of health & safety requirements within FM environments. Confident communicator with excellent customer service skills. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Competent using IT systems, including CAFM platforms, Microsoft Office, and digital reporting tools.Desirable Qualifications IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent. Facilities management qualification (e.g., IWFM Level 3 or similar). Experience supporting technical teams, contractors, or maintenance projects. Knowledge of compliance standards such as fire safety, legionella, or building fabric management.Personal Attributes Professional, reliable, and proactive. Problem‑solver with strong attention to detail. Able to remain calm and organised under pressure. Strong relationship builder with a customer-first approach. Keen to learn, develop and progress within facilities management.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: Surrey

Job Type: Design

Application Deadline: 18-03-2026

Wates are looking for a Design Manager to join our Residential team in our Southern region and to support the design function for our Development site in Guildford, Surrey.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 ROLEOur Design Managers are a valuable part of our business, driving quality outcomes, enhancing buildability and fostering innovation. 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 Design Manager, you will be responsible for: Work with all relevant parties, to produce and manage a realistic design programme and information required schedule to facilitate design, procurement and construction activities. Collaborating with a Senior Design Manager and wider technical team to ensure smooth coordination across all disciplines. Support the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives and innovation. Ensure the design has been reviewed and verified and that it is coordinated, compliant and complete, whilst mitigating Health and Safety risks, design and buildability issues prior to construction. Working with internal and external stakeholders, consultants, and subcontractors to drive quality outcomes and innovative solutions at each stage of the design and delivery process.WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car 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… 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.To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/

Partnership Director

Location: Finsbury Park

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 31-03-2026

✨ Strategic Partnership Director📍 National Role ¦ £100m+ Maintenance Portfolio ¦ Senior LeadershipReady to shape the future of our multi‑contract Maintenance division? We’re looking for a visionary Strategic Partnership Director to lead a £100m+ operation, drive sustainable growth, and deliver outstanding customer outcomes. 🚀What you’ll do:🔹 Lead long‑term growth strategy & expand into new markets🔹 Oversee operational delivery across R&M, Planned, NZC, Heating & Compliance🔹 Sponsor major mobilisations, transitions & transformation programmes🔹 Inspire a high‑performing team of c.300 people 💼🔹 Strengthen customer partnerships & exceed KPIs/NPS🔹 Champion innovation, digital transformation & continuous improvement 💡🔹 Own divisional P&L, financial performance & risk management🔹 Embed strong governance, compliance & SHE leadership 🌱What you’ll bring:✔ Senior leadership experience in Maintenance/Property Services/Social Housing✔ Proven P&L ownership & growth track record✔ Strategic, commercially sharp & digitally forward-thinking✔ Inspirational people leadership & excellent stakeholder engagement✔ IOSH/NEBOSH and ideally degree‑qualified✔ Passion for innovation, inclusion, wellbeing & delivering great outcomes ❤️If you’re a strategic thinker, a relationship builder, and a leader who looks for a better way… we’d love to hear from you! 🌟Click Apply Now to submit your application and join our WPS team 🙌

Project Manager

Location: Saffron Walden

Job Type: Engineering

Application Deadline: 17-03-2026

Project ManagerLocation: CambridgeReports To: Head of ProjectsAbout the RoleWe are seeking an experienced and highly organised Project Manager to oversee a variety of critical projects for our client in Cambridge. This is a key role responsible for taking projects from feasibility through to successful completion, ensuring all work meets agreed timescales, quality standards, safety requirements, and contractual deliverables. You will be the central point of coordination for planning, monitoring, reporting, and driving project performance—working closely with operational teams, technical specialists, and senior stakeholders.The ideal candidate will bring strong project leadership, a proactive mindset, and the ability to manage multiple, complex workstreams in a business‑critical environment.Key Responsibilities Manage all aspects of project delivery from feasibility to completion, following our processes and documentation standards. Produce project plans, scheduling milestones, assigning responsibilities, and coordinating resources. Maintain and regularly review project programmes, identifying resource requirements early. Lead project monitoring, status meetings, and progress reporting to the FM Board. Identify and manage risks, issues, and constraints, ensuring early escalation and mitigation. Work closely with operational teams to support and coordinate change management activities. Define or support the creation of acceptance criteria for deliverables and ensure stakeholder approval. Prepare and maintain documentation including reports, schedules, agendas, minutes, and communication logs. Analyse and manage business disruption factors and operational impacts. Ensure project quality standards and compliance are met. Close out projects effectively, including lessons‑learned reviews and end‑of‑project reports. Use tools such as Gantt charts, spreadsheets, and project management systems to organise workflows. Communicate clearly and professionally with clients, contractors, and internal teams.Essential Qualifications Project Management qualification (Prince2). Membership with IOSH (or equivalent).Desirable Qualifications Experience with CAFM and reporting systems Technical training such as: City & Guilds (Electrical or Mechanical disciplines), or NVQ Level 2–3 (Electrical/Mechanical). 18th Edition Electrical qualification. Electrical or mechanical apprenticeship.Essential Experience Working in a managerial role with strong project management responsibility. Facilities Management background Strong competence in planning, forecasting, and change management procedures. Proven ability to produce clear, structured project plans and reports. Ability to identify, manage, and mitigate risks. Experience coordinating core engineering or technical projects. Ability to deliver against strict timescales and maintain high documentation standards. Skilled in leading focused, productive project meetings.Desirable Experience Practical experience with Microsoft Project and other Microsoft packages. Prior experience managing business systems, reporting tools, or CAFM platforms. Experience supporting business‑led transformations.Skills & Personal Attributes Strong verbal and written communication skills. Professional, client‑focused attitude. Ability to understand and interpret client requirements. Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills. Adaptable, flexible, and calm under pressure. Effective problem‑solver with attention to detail. Reliable, results‑driven and well‑presented.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