Fit out
and refurbishment

Principal Design Manager

Wates Group are recruiting for a Principal Design Manager to join our Wates Fit Out team in London, focussing on high profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors. If you are passionate about design, working within a team environment and with proven technical skills looking for an opportunity to challenge the norm, bring fresh new ideas and elevate yourself within the industry then join us and help to create tomorrow together. This is a great opportunity to progress your career as part of a talented, diverse, and supportive team. ABOUT THE ROLE Our Principal Design Managers are a valuable part of our business, driving quality outcomes, enhancing buildability and fostering innovation. Principal Design Managers work collaboratively with our customers and industry specialists to ensure that the design develops in accordance with the brief with a firm focus on added value, compliance, commercial viability, and best practice. As our Principal Design Manager, you will: Review the current design of all projects and undertake detailed risk and opportunities appraisal to mitigating risk, enhance buildability and add value prior to construction phase In collaboration with the project team, Lead Designer and Consultant Team, produce and manage a realistic design programme and information required schedule, to satisfy design, procurement, and construction requirements. Work closely with the Commercial and Operations Teams to ensure all design deliverables are fully coordinated, buildable and within budget. Contribute to technical workshops, value management exercises as required to align expectations in this respect WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade) Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates) Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more… Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression. Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity. Wates are committed to the fair treatment of people with criminal records, including employees and potential employees. We ensure that our recruitment, promotion, and retention activity does not treat people less favourably because of an offending background. Basic Check: Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/ We are always looking for a variety of new talent to join our teams, to help us grow and innovate as a business. Although you may not have all of the skills listed, many of them may be transferable to other roles within the WATES Group. If you would like clarity on any of our vacancies, discuss career opportunities in strict confidence or need anything to make our recruitment process easier, please contact our In-House Recruitment Team directly or via recruitment@wates.co.uk and one of us will get in touch as soon as possible. As a responsible and inclusive employer, we are committed to equality and are proud to have been recognised for this through a range of accolades including gold accreditation with Investors in People, we are also a Disability Confident employer. Being a family owned, business means we understand and value long term relationships.

Project Director

Wates Group are recruiting for a Project Director to join our Wates Fit Out team in London.If you are Project Director with experience in this sector and proven technical skills looking for an opportunity to challenge the norm, bring fresh new ideas and elevate yourself within the industry then join us and help to create tomorrow together. This is a great opportunity to progress your career as part of a talented, diverse, and supportive team. ABOUT THE ROLE Our Project Directors are a valuable part of our business, the focus of this role will be to provide visible leadership, insight, direction and foresight in the safe and profitable delivery of schemes, while also providing excellent customer satisfaction and successfully develop a team. As our Project Director you will: Lead the project team and manage the supply chain to deliver projects to time, cost and quality targets and standards Ensure safety targets and standards are maintained by understanding what safety excellence looks like Foster a continuous improvement culture by actively seeking input from all members of the project team and encouraging them to implement safety improvements Lead, manage and deliver operational excellence and efficiency through appropriate use of leadership indicator health check reviews through the Bid, Pre-construction and Construction phases of the project WHAT WE OFFER  Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade) Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates) Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more… Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression. Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity. Wates are committed to the fair treatment of people with criminal records, including employees and potential employees. We ensure that our recruitment, promotion, and retention activity does not treat people less favourably because of an offending background. Basic Check: Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/  We are always looking for a variety of new talent to join our teams, to help us grow and innovate as a business. Although you may not have all of the skills listed, many of them may be transferable to other roles within the WATES Group.    If you would like clarity on any of our vacancies, discuss career opportunities in strict confidence or need anything to make our recruitment process easier, please contact our In-House Recruitment Team directly or via recruitment@wates.co.uk and one of us will get in touch as soon as possible.      As a responsible and inclusive employer, we are committed to equality and are proud to have been recognised for this through a range of accolades including gold accreditation with Investors in People, we are also a Disability Confident employer. Being a family owned, business means we understand and value long term relationships.  

Assistant Design Manager

Are you ready to make an impact in the world of high-profile, technically complex projects?Wates are searching for a passionate, innovative Assistant Design Manager to join our Refurb and Fit Out Team, driving forward exciting projects across diverse sectors.This will be a Fixed Term Contract with potential to go permanentWhy Choose Wates? If you’re a design enthusiast with technical expertise and a knack for collaboration, this is your chance to join a team that values fresh perspectives, encourages challenging the norm, and fosters a supportive environment for career growth. At Wates, we’re not just building structures; we’re creating the future, together.As an Assistant Design Manager, you'll play a key role in our mission to achieve excellence in design and buildability. Working closely with Design Managers and our talented in-house experts, you'll ensure each design meets its brief with a focus on compliance, programme efficiency, and quality.Your Responsibilities Will Include: Assisting with design programme development and managing Information Required Schedules Advising the project team on design-related challenges Coordinating project feedback and resolving construction-related design queriesWhat We Can Offer You: Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade) Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates) Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more… One of the best learning and development programmes which is customizable to support your career progression goals. (c.7000 training sessions delivered year to date across the WATES Group) Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity. To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/ We are always looking for a variety of new talent to join our teams, to help us grow and innovate as a business. Although you may not have all of the skills listed, many of them may be transferable to other roles within the WATES Group. If you would like clarity on any of our vacancies, discuss career opportunities in strict confidence or need anything to make our recruitment process easier, please contact our In-House Recruitment Team directly or via recruitment@wates.co.uk and one of us will get in touch as soon as possible. As a responsible and inclusive employer, we are committed to equality and are proud to have been recognised for this through a range of accolades including gold accreditation with Investors in People, we are also a Disability Confident employer. Being a family owned, business means we understand and value long term relationships. Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting

Senior Design Manager

Are you ready to lead from the front in delivering innovative, high-impact fit-out and refurbishment projects? Wates Smartspace is looking for an exceptional Senior Design Manager to join our established team and take the reins in ensuring the smooth, safe, and successful delivery of a wide range of projects. If you have a passion for design, a keen eye for detail, and the drive to inspire teams, this is the opportunity for you.What You’ll Do:As Senior Design Manager, you’ll be the driving force behind the design process, offering visible leadership and providing direction across multiple projects. You’ll collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure all proposals are thorough and aligned with business goals, leading the creation of project-specific agreements and plans. With your expertise, you’ll review and manage design progress, ensuring that all health and safety measures are adhered to from day one and that designs are practical, buildable, and aligned with customer expectations.Managing the design team on-site, you’ll ensure that the design is executed smoothly, efficiently, and on schedule—coordinating with subcontractors, suppliers, and project teams to meet both project and business objectives. Your leadership will not only ensure that deadlines are met but will also contribute to the continuous improvement of the team and the projects we deliver.What We’re Looking For:We want a Senior Design Manager who’s got the vision, experience, and energy to transform ideas into reality. You’ll have a proven track record in managing design delivery within the Interiors Cat A and Cat B fit-out and refurbishment sector, with extensive knowledge of construction materials, methods, and the latest technology. Whether you’re a Chartered Architect, Engineer, or MCIOB, we’re looking for someone who can manage complex design projects, navigate contract and procurement processes, and inspire a team to achieve excellence.You’ll have experience leading a team across diverse sectors and be driven by a passion for HSE compliance, risk management, and value creation. Your communication skills will be top-notch, with a positive, engaging, and supportive approach that motivates and educates the team and the wider business.Why Join Us?At Wates Smartspace, you’re not just another employee—you’re part of a forward-thinking team that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and delivering quality. We give you the tools, support, and autonomy you need to make a real impact. If you’re ready to step up, share your expertise, and shape the future of design delivery, apply now and take your career to the next level with Wates Smartspace.Other benefits include: Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car * Travel covered to any of our sites* Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more… One of the best learning and development programmes which is customizable to support your career progression goals. (c.7000 training sessions delivered year to date across the WATES Group) Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity.(*Subject to role…….)To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/We are always looking for a variety of new talent to join our teams, to help us grow and innovate as a business. Although you may not have all of the skills listed, many of them may be transferable to other roles within the WATES Group.Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting