Design Management Graduate Trainee (site-based)

 

 About the opportunity: 

As a Design Management Trainee, you will gain valuable experience in coordinating and managing the design process across a variety of construction projects. Working alongside experienced Design Managers, architects, engineers, consultants and project teams, you will develop an understanding of how effective design management contributes to the successful delivery of projects that are safe, buildable, cost-effective and meet client requirements.

Throughout the programme, you will be exposed to the full project lifecycle, from initial concept and tender stages through to construction and project completion. You will learn how design information is developed, reviewed and coordinated, helping to ensure projects are delivered efficiently while managing risk, quality and programme requirements. 

 

What you will do: 

Over the course of the programme, you will: 

• Support the coordination and management of design activities throughout the project lifecycle. 

• Work with architects, engineers, consultants and subcontractors to ensure design information is delivered accurately and on time. 

• Assist in reviewing drawings, specifications and technical information to ensure designs are complete, coordinated and suitable for construction. 

• Help identify potential design risks, clashes and buildability issues, supporting the team in developing effective solutions. 

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, designers, subcontractors, suppliers and internal project teams. 

• Support the monitoring of design programmes and key deliverables to help ensure project milestones are achieved. 

• Assist in preparing design reports, meeting minutes and project updates for internal and external stakeholders. 

• Develop an understanding of contractual design responsibilities and how they impact project delivery. 

• Collaborate with commercial, pre-construction and operational teams to ensure design decisions support project objectives, programme requirements and budget expectations. 

• Gather information, undertake research and engage with industry professionals to continuously develop your technical and design management knowledge. 

• Gain the relevant technical and behavioural knowledge for your role, through the completion of a technical manual, behavioural workshops, short-term placements and relevant qualifications.  

 

About you: 

To be successful, you'll:  

• Be passionate about building a career in the built environment. 

• Be curious, eager to learn and committed to your personal development. 

• Build positive relationships and work collaboratively with others. 

• Take ownership of your work and act with integrity and professionalism. 

• Approach challenges with a positive, solution-focused mindset. 

• Be organised, adaptable and able to prioritise effectively. 

• Be committed to delivering high standards and making a positive impact.  

 

What's in it for you?

At Wates, we're committed to helping you build a successful career in construction. Alongside hands-on experience in your chosen career pathway, graduates who do not hold a degree in a construction-related subject will be enrolled onto a relevant Level 4 apprenticeship, providing additional learning and development to help accelerate your career in the built environment. 

You'll also benefit from mentoring, structured training, behavioural workshops and support from experienced professionals throughout your programme. We encourage and support our trainees to continue their professional development through industry-recognised qualifications and, where applicable, work towards chartership. 

 

In addition, we offer: 

• Competitive salary 

• Private medical insurance 

• Car allowance  

• Health & wellness programme 

• 26 days holiday + bank holidays 

• Birthday Day off 

 

Entry Requirements 

To be eligible for this programme, you must: 

• By September 2027, you must have obtained a bachelor's degree with a predicted or achieved classification of 2:2 or above. 

• For this role, your degree subject must be relevant to the position. Examples include, but are not limited to: [insert subjects]. 

• A full UK driving licence is required. 

 

Location: Bedford

For site based roles, please note that the location listed in this advert reflects your initial placement and may change throughout the programme depending on project and business requirements. 

 

Important: Travel Requirements 

As a project-based business, our teams work across a variety of locations. Depending on the role, you may be required to work from different project sites within the region or nationally throughout the programme.

Please carefully consider this requirement before applying, as travel and mobility are essential parts of the role. Successful candidates must be willing to travel in line with project and business need.

 

Ready to apply? 

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we'd love to hear from you! 

Applications close on 10 November 2026. 

 

A few things to consider before you apply: 

• Some vacancies might close earlier if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible 
• We value authenticity and encourage you to complete your application without the use of AI tools. This helps us gain a genuine understanding of your individual strengths, experiences and potential. 
• Only one application will be accepted per recruitment year. Any additional applications will be automatically withdrawn. 

 

About Wates 

Established in 1897, we are one of the UK's leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance companies. With 6,000 employees and now in our fourth generation of family ownership, we're committed to the long-term sustainability of the built environment and to making our industry more inclusive and representative of the communities we work in.  

With multiple businesses working across the built environment, we can offer a wide range of career opportunities. 

As part of our trainee programme, you'll join a network of around 200 peers, learning and working together as you build connections and develop your career at Wates 

 

Our commitments:  

Wates is proud to be an employer where everyone can thrive, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we will be happy to support you. To discuss your requirements, please contact us at watesrecruitment@peoplescout.co.uk.

Please note that some roles may require additional pre-employment checks due to the nature of the work.