Senior Design Manager - Milton Keynes

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Senior Design Manager to join our team in Milton Keynes, supporting the delivery of a major construction project. This is a key leadership role, responsible for driving design excellence and ensuring the successful coordination of all design activities from pre‑construction through to delivery.

You will take a lead role in managing multidisciplinary design teams, working closely with clients, consultants, supply chain partners and internal teams to deliver high‑quality, compliant and buildable solutions.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading the design management process from early design through to construction and completion
• Coordinating internal and external design teams to achieve programme, quality and cost objectives
• Managing design risk, interfaces and changes across the project lifecycle
• Ensuring compliance with statutory regulations, project requirements and best practice
• Challenging designs to improve buildability, value, sustainability and efficiency
• Supporting pre‑construction, tender and bid activities where required
• Providing technical leadership and mentoring to design management colleagues
• Building strong, collaborative relationships with clients and key stakeholders

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience as a Senior Design Manager (or Design Manager ready to step up) within construction or the built environment
• Strong technical understanding of the design and construction process across multiple disciplines
• Experience working on large or complex construction projects
• Confident leadership and stakeholder engagement skills
• A structured, proactive and solutions‑focused approach
• Strong communication and coordination skills

Why Join Wates?

• Join a purpose‑led, family‑owned business with strong values and a people‑first culture
• Work on a high‑profile, major project with real community impact
• Collaborative and inclusive working environment
• Clear opportunities for career development and progression
• Competitive salary and benefits package, with flexible working arrangements