Senior Design Manager

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

Job summary

Wates Construction – Construction West is delivering one of the UK’s most significant custodial redevelopment projects at HMP Hindley. We are seeking a Senior Design Manager to lead and shape the design strategy across this complex, high-impact scheme on site.

You will lead the design function across all key stages, coordinating multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to ensure successful delivery, quality, and collaboration while driving innovation and programme alignment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior Design Manager on large-scale construction projects.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Deep understanding of multidisciplinary design coordination.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design function on site, bringing together teams, disciplines and stakeholders.
• Drive quality, innovation and collaboration across the design lifecycle.
• 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 risk management and continuous improvement.
• Support and mentor the wider design team.

Skills

Leadership

Design management

Stakeholder management

Coordination of design

Communication

Job description

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.

Senior Design Manager – HMP Hindley

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