Assistant Design Manager

Location: London, North West

Job Type: Design

Contract: Full Time/Flexible Working

Application deadline: 05 Mar 2026

The Vacancy

Wates Smartspace are looking for an Assistant Design Manager to join our team focussing on high profile, technically complex fit out projects. This role is to be based out of Warrington and London offices, with site travel to be an expected part of this role.

If you are passionate about design, working within a team environment and with proven technical skills looking for an opportunity to challenge the norm, bring fresh new ideas and elevate yourself within the industry then we want to hear from you! This is a great opportunity to progress your career as part of a talented, diverse, and supportive team.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Our Assistant Design Managers are a valuable part of our business, supporting the team to drive quality outcomes, enhance buildability and foster innovation. Assistant Design Managers work collaboratively with our Design Managers/Senior Design Managers and in-house technical experts to ensure that the design develops in accordance with the brief with a firm focus on compliance, programme certainty, and best practice.

As our Assistant Design Manager, you will:

  • Work with the Design Manager to produce and manage the design programme and Information Required Schedule
  • Provide guidance to the Project team on design related issues
  • Assist in reviewing drawings, specifications, and specialist trade designs for constructability and compliance with regulations.
  • Attend and follow up on design meetings to provide technical advice and guidance to stakeholders.
  • Coordinate project team comments, and resolve any design related construction queries with the design team
  • Act as a liaison between internal teams, consultants, and contractors to ensure smooth workflow.
  • Assist in the procurement of materials and reviewing supplier proposals

Work for Wates

Wates is one of the UK’s leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance companies.  Founded over 125 years ago, we have a proud legacy in the built environment.

We are driven by our purpose, ‘reimagining places for people to thrive’ and our three promises:

  • Thriving places – working with customers, partners and communities to create places that are more sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity.
  • Thriving planet – protecting nature and taking action on climate change by collaborating and innovating with our partners.
  • Thriving people – creating opportunities and relationships so that everyone who works for and with us feels included, invested in and treated with care.

We are proud to be recognised as Gold Investors in People and as a Disability Confident employer.  We also ensure that our recruitment processes do not treat anyone less favourably due to an offending background.