Wates Group
Design Manager

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Design Manager
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
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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


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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
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