Senior Design Manager – Construction Team (London)

The Role

Wates are seeking a Senior Design Manager to join our Construction Team in London, specialising in high-profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors. Experience in heritage projects, conservation work, or listed buildings is actively encouraged to enable immediate impact.

If you’re passionate about design, thrive in a collaborative setting, and possess strong technical skills—paired with a desire to innovate, challenge conventions, and progress within the industry—this role is for you.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to advance your career as part of a talented, diverse, and supportive team.

Key Responsibilities

As a Senior Design Manager, your role will include:

• Collaborating with clients and industry specialists to develop and refine designs, ensuring alignment with the project brief while delivering added value, compliance, commercial viability, and best practice.

• Navigating complex projects in conservation, refurbishment, and heritage settings—including listed buildings and historically sensitive sites.

• Leading detailed procurement, construction, and project programmes by:

  • Conducting risk and opportunity assessments to enhance buildability and value.
  • Coordinating design programmes and information schedules to meet design, procurement, and construction needs.

• Fostering cross-team collaboration, working closely with Commercial, Operations, and Consultant Teams to ensure:

  • On-time delivery of design deliverables.
  • Cost-efficiency and budget adherence.
  • Attendance at technical workshops and value-management exercises.

• Working with large-scale public-sector clients, managing complex stakeholder expectations while ensuring sensitive yet innovative design solutions.