Senior Design Manager

Wates Smartspace; Wigan; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Long-term flagship project

Supportive team

Social impact and purpose

Collaboration and innovation

Job summary

Wates is seeking a Senior Design Manager to lead on the HMP Hindley project in the UK, guiding design strategy on a complex, high-impact custodial redevelopment to drive safety, improved facilities and rehabilitation outcomes.

On-site leadership will involve coordinating multidisciplinary design across all stages, working with the Principal Design Manager, consultants, and stakeholders to deliver compliant, value-driven solutions on time.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading design on large-scale construction projects.
• Ability to coordinate multi-disciplinary design teams and stakeholders.
• Strong focus on delivering compliant, on-time design solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the on-site design function across all delivery stages.
• Collaborate with Principal Design Manager to shape design strategy and approach.
• Provide direction and leadership to the design team.
• Engage with senior stakeholders and consultants to align design with programme.
• Ensure design solutions are practical, compliant, and aligned to schedule.
• Drive innovation, risk management, and continuous improvement within design.
• Mentor and develop the wider design team.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Design coordination

Communication

Programme management

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