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?

Enterprise Architect – FTC

Location: Leatherhead

Job Type: IT Infrastructure

Application Deadline: 17-12-2025

Enterprise Architect – 12 Month FTC About the RoleWe are looking for an experienced Enterprise Architect to lead our IT Architecture team and shape the future of technology at Wates. This pivotal role ensures our enterprise architecture supports business goals, drives innovation, and delivers scalable, cost-efficient solutions across the organisation.As the Enterprise Architect, you will: Maintain and evolve Wates’ enterprise architecture principles and vision. Develop and manage the IT Roadmap aligned with business strategies. Act as the design authority for Wates IT, ensuring standardisation and reusability. Provide technical sign-off for mission-critical projects at all gateways. Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.Key Responsibilities Maintain architecture artefacts, models, and standards in line with frameworks such as TOGAF or Zachman. Enforce architectural compliance and governance across projects. Ensure systems, data, and technology align with business and IT goals. Drive cost efficiency, scalability, and adaptability in enterprise-wide architecture. Support solution development and monitor compliance with agreed policies and roadmaps.What We’re Looking For Experience: Proven success in a similar role managing a team of Solution Architects. Including leading a structure design process. Industry relevant experience is preferable Knowledge: Strong understanding of hardware, software, applications, and systems engineering. Qualifications: Ideally certified in TOGAF, Zachman, or similar frameworks. Skills: Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. Ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, including senior leaders. Able to explain value of solution and enterprise architecture. Behaviours: Approachable, collaborative, and results driven. Role models Wates’ values: Care – for people, customers, and communities. Fairness – inclusive, respectful, and transparent. Look for a better way – inquisitive, innovative, and committed to excellence. WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & bonus 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, 8 weeks fully paid paternity. Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Baseline Personnel Security Standard Check (BPSS) 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

Project Manager

Location: Daventry

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 02-01-2026

Are you an experienced Project Manager with a background in Decent Homes and Planned Works? We’re looking for a confident leader to oversee a major social housing programme, ensuring quality delivery and team performance across multiple sites.🏗️ Key Responsibilities: Oversee the delivery of planned works within social housing stock Lead and manage a team of 6–7 direct employees, ensuring high performance and accountability Manage a £6 million per annum account, ensuring budget control and value for money Liaise with clients, residents, and internal teams to ensure smooth project execution Monitor progress, quality, and compliance with Decent Homes standards Report on KPIs, risks, and milestones to senior stakeholders✅ Requirements: Proven experience in managing social housing projects, ideally within Decent Homes frameworks Strong leadership and team management skills Financial acumen with experience managing multi-million-pound budgets Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities Local knowledge of Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, or Milton Keynes is highly desirableGiven 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

Project Surveyor

Location: Leamington Spa

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 02-01-2026

WPS are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Project Surveyor to join our team delivering planned works across a social housing contract in the Warwickshire area. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values quality, community impact, and employee wellbeing.This particular contract is working on technical projects such as high rise buildings so ideally we are looking for someone with experience of of this nature🔍 Key Responsibilities: Manage and oversee planned maintenance and improvement projects within social housing stock. Conduct site inspections, prepare specifications, and ensure compliance with contractual and regulatory standards. Liaise with contractors, residents, and internal teams to ensure smooth project delivery. Monitor budgets, timelines, and quality standards throughout the project lifecycle. Prepare reports and documentation to support project performance and client satisfaction.✅ What We’re Looking For: Proven experience in surveying within planned works or social housing environments. Strong knowledge of building regulations, health & safety, and contract management. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Relevant qualifications in surveying or construction (e.g., HNC/HND, RICS, CIOB).🌟 What We Offer: Hybrid working to support work-life balance. WPS benefits package including pension, health cover, and wellbeing support. Opportunities for professional development and career progression. A collaborative and inclusive working environment.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

Site Manager

Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 02-01-2026

WPS are seeking an experienced Site Manager to oversee social housing planned works projects across the North East. This is a key role managing multiple sites and leading a team to deliver high-quality results on time and within budget.Responsibilities: Manage day-to-day operations on social housing planned works projects. Lead and coordinate site teams, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. Monitor progress, quality, and budgets across multiple sites. Liaise with clients, subcontractors, and internal teams to maintain smooth project delivery. Ensure all works meet contractual and regulatory requirements.Requirements: Proven experience in social housing planned works. SMSTS certification (minimum requirement). Strong leadership and organisational skills. Ability to travel across sites in the North East. Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.What We Offer: Competitive salary and benefits package. Opportunity to work on meaningful projects improving communities. Supportive team environment with career development opportunities.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