Senior Design Manager

Wates Smartspace; Stretford; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Wates is seeking a Senior Design Manager for the HMP Hindley project in Wigan. You will lead the on-site design function, coordinating multidisciplinary teams to deliver a high-impact custodial redevelopment that supports safer environments and better rehabilitation outcomes.

You will be a key part of the project leadership, driving quality, innovation, and collaboration across the design lifecycle with senior stakeholders and consultants to ensure practical, compliant solutions aligned to

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior Design Manager on large-scale construction projects.
• Ability to lead design teams and manage multidisciplinary coordination.
• Strong leadership, collaboration and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design function on site—bringing together teams, disciplines and stakeholders to ensure delivery.
• Drive quality, innovation and collaboration across the design lifecycle.
• Work with the Principal Design Manager to shape exemplar project delivery.
• Provide direction and leadership to the design team.
• Ensure design solutions are practical, compliant and aligned to programme.
• Drive risk management, continuous improvement and mentoring of the wider team.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders and consultants.

Skills

Senior leadership

Stakeholder management

Design coordination

Communication skills

Commercial awareness

Job description

Senior Design Manager – HMP Hindley

Location: Wigan (HMP Hindley)

Business Unit: Wates Construction – Construction West

Contract Type: Permanent

Lead Design on a Landmark Project

We are delivering one of the UK's most significant custodial redevelopment projects at HMP Hindley—transforming the site to support safer environments, improved facilities, and better outcomes for rehabilitation. We're now seeking a Senior Design Manager to lead and shape the design strategy across this complex, high-impact scheme.

This is an opportunity to play a key leadership role on a project that genuinely matters.

About the Role

As Senior Design Manager, you'll lead the design function on site—bringing together teams, disciplines, and stakeholders to ensure successful delivery.

You'll be a key part of the project leadership team, driving quality, innovation, and collaboration across the design lifecycle.

You will:

• Work closely with the Principal Design Manager in creating not only an exemplar project but also cultivating an approach to design management that will positively affect the project
• Lead and manage the design process across all key stages of delivery
• Provide direction and leadership to the design team
• Work closely with senior stakeholders and consultants
• Ensure design solutions are practical, compliant, and aligned to programme
• Drive innovation, risk management, and continuous improvement
• Support and mentor the wider design team

What We're Looking For

We're looking for an experienced leader who thrives in a complex, collaborative environment.

You’ll bring:

• Proven experience as a Senior Design Manager on large-scale construction projects
• Confidence working with clear reportable deliverables, keeping the wider team aware of status
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management capability
• Deep understanding of multidisciplinary design coordination
• Commercial awareness and ability to balance design, cost, and programme
• Excellent communication and influencing skills

Why Join Wates?

• Play a leading role on a secured long term flagship project
• Work alongside a high-calibre, supportive team
• Deliver a scheme with genuine social impact and purpose
• Be part of a business that values collaboration, innovation, and people