Principal Digital Construction Manager

Principal Digital Construction Manager

Location: Flexible / Regional

Business Unit: Construction

Competitive Salary + Car Allowance + Flexible Benefits

Shape the Future of Digital Construction

At Wates, we're transforming the way we design, deliver and manage our projects through digital innovation. As part of our ‘Digital First' ambitions, we're looking for a talented Principal Digital Construction Manager to combine regional leadership of our Digital Construction function with strategic thinking and a focus on division-wide improvement, driving excellence in digital delivery while shaping the future direction of our digital engineering strategy.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced digital leader to influence project delivery across a diverse portfolio of major construction projects, whilst developing and leading a high-performing team of digital professionals.

About the Role

As Principal Digital Construction Manager, you will provide leadership and technical governance across our regions, ensuring data led solutions and digital construction initiatives are delivered consistently and effectively across multiple projects.

Working closely with project teams, design, technical and operational stakeholders, you will play a key role in developing, implementing and advancing Wates' Digital Engineering & Construction strategy. You will oversee the creation of a skilled, experienced and competent community of digital professionals, plan and manage the deployment of digital resources, champion best practice, ensure projects maximise the benefits of modern digital delivery methods and explore opportunities to leverage emerging digital technologies and innovations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a regional team and support a cross-regional community of Digital Construction professionals.
• Drive the implementation of digital construction and information management strategies across projects.
• Provide technical governance and assurance for digital project delivery.
• Ensure digital resources are effectively deployed to meet business and project requirements.
• Support project teams in delivering high-quality digital construction outputs.
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement across digital processes and technologies.
• Collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including operational, design and technical teams to maximise project performance.
• Identify opportunities to further enhance digital construction adoption and capability across the business.
• Support business growth by promoting digital excellence and innovation with clients and stakeholders.

About You

We're looking for a technically competent, inspirational leader with a passion for digital transformation and a proven track record of delivering successful digital construction outcomes within a Tier 1 contractor, consultancy or major project environment.

You'll ideally have:

• Extensive experience in Digital Construction, BIM and Information Management leadership.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 19650 and industry best practice.
• Experience managing and developing high-performing digital teams.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• A strong understanding of construction project delivery and the application of digital technologies.
• Experience implementing digital strategies across complex programmes or project portfolios.
• A passion for innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Relevant digital construction, BIM or engineering qualifications.

Why Join Wates?

At Wates, you'll join a business committed to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in delivery. You'll be empowered to influence strategic decisions, lead talented teams, and drive meaningful change across some of the UK's most significant construction projects.

In return, we offer:

Competitive salary and benefits package.

Car allowance.

Flexible working options.

Industry-leading learning and development opportunities.

A supportive and collaborative culture.

Clear career progression pathways.

The opportunity to shape the future of digital construction within one of the UK's leading contractors.

Join Us

If you're ready to lead digital transformation, develop exceptional teams and help deliver smarter, more connected construction projects, we'd love to hear from you.