Design Manager
Design Manager
- 10489
- Sunderland
- Design
- Permanent
- Closing on: 23 Oct 2026
- 10000150
- Paul Norton
- paul.norton@wates.co.uk
- Grade E (Car) - Wates 2026
- Basic DBS
We are looking for a Design Manager to join our team, based out of Sunderland, supporting the successful delivery of a range of exciting construction projects across the region.
This opportunity is well suited to an experienced Design Manager from a large construction contractor, or to an Architect or Engineer with experience in a design consultancy who is looking to progress their career as part of a talented, diverse and supportive team.
What You'll Be Doing
- Managing the design process throughout the project lifecycle, from pre-construction to completion
- Coordinating multidisciplinary design teams and external consultants
- Ensuring designs comply with statutory, contractual and project requirements
- Reviewing design information to ensure buildability, quality and programme alignment
- Managing design risk, change control and technical queries
- Working closely with operational, commercial and planning teams to support successful project delivery
- Supporting the development of innovative and value-driven design solutions
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, consultants and supply chain partners
- Contributing to bid and pre-construction activities where required
What We're Looking For
- Experience working on medium to large construction projects
- Ability to manage consultant teams and coordinate complex design information
- Strong technical, organisational and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities
- A collaborative, proactive and solutions-focused approach
- Relevant construction, engineering or design qualifications are desirable
Why Join Wates?
- Work on a diverse portfolio of construction projects across the region
- Join a collaborative and high-performing project team
- Play a key role in shaping successful project outcomes from concept through to completion
- Opportunities for career development and progression
- Competitive salary and benefits package, with flexibility where possible
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