Design Manager
Design Manager
- 11666
- Basingstoke
- Design
- Permanent
- Closing on: 5 Oct 2026
- 10000083
- Katy Rainford
- katy.rainford@wates.co.uk
- Grade E (Car) - Wates 2026
- Basic DBS
Do you have experience managing the design process on residential construction projects? Are you confident coordinating project teams and consultants to deliver practical, compliant and commercially viable designs?
We have an exciting opportunity for a Design Manager to join Wates Residential. You will manage the design of an assigned project, typically from tender stage through to completion, ensuring design information supports successful procurement and construction.
The role
As our Design Manager, you will:
- Lead and coordinate the design process, ensuring information is practical, compliant and delivered in line with the project programme.
- Review design information to identify buildability, health and safety, commercial risks and value-engineering opportunities.
- Manage consultants, subcontractors, technical queries, approvals and design changes.
- Work closely with project, commercial and pre-construction teams throughout tender and delivery.
- Support BIM integration, digital design processes and Golden Thread requirements.
- Maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, statutory bodies and internal stakeholders.
What we're looking for
You will have strong technical knowledge of design processes, construction methods and project delivery, alongside:
- Experience managing design teams, consultants and subcontractors.
- Knowledge of CDM, Building Regulations, statutory approvals and health and safety requirements.
- An understanding of procurement, risk management, sustainability and MEP systems.
- Experience managing design programmes, information schedules and change control.
- Strong communication, coordination, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
- A relevant qualification such as CIOB/MCIOB, HNC/HND Architecture or Construction Technology, or equivalent experience
Our commitments:
Wates is proud to be an employer where anyone can thrive, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every requirement, as we value transferable skills and assess all applications fairly.
We don't discriminate based on a criminal record; all applications are reviewed on an individual basis against the requirements of the role. Some roles may require additional checks, due to the nature of the work. As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the role and opt in to the Disability Confident scheme. Reasonable adjustments are available, please contact us at recruitment@wates.co.uk
