Head of Design and Engineering at Wates Group in Manchester, England, United Kingdom | Kablio

Role

Description

design standards

digital innovation

design planning

design governance

budget management

performance monitoring

Establish and maintain robust design, engineering and technical frameworks, standards and processes
Lead and manage the national Design & Engineering function, including regional and major project leadership teams
Build strong relationships with clients, consultants and industry bodies, promoting technical leadership and best practice
Build high-performing teams through leadership, mentoring, succession planning and talent development
Drive innovation, including digital engineering, smart technologies and low-carbon solutions
Develop and manage design and engineering budgets in collaboration with Pre-Contract and Operations
Monitor project performance, identifying risk early and driving continuous improvement
Develop and implement a national design and engineering strategy aligned to wider business objectives
Provide governance to ensure all designs meet safety, regulatory, quality and sustainability standards
Oversee design planning, consultant selection, value engineering and performance management

Requirements

chartered engineer

degree

design management

digital engineering

leadership

customer‑facing

Strong knowledge of design management, engineering delivery and digital engineering
Chartered Engineer status
Degree (or higher) in Building Services Engineering or a related discipline
Substantial experience in a senior design and engineering leadership role or 5 years in a related executive position
The ability to influence at Executive and Board level
Extensive experience leading design and engineering functions at senior level
Proven experience working in customer-facing, complex project environments

Benefits

Competitive executive remuneration and benefits package
The opportunity to shape the future of design, engineering and innovation across a major organisation

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

Over 120 Years

Years in Operation

The company has been operational for over a century, showcasing extensive experience in construction and property services.

Provides integrated solutions across sectors like residential, commercial, and infrastructure.
Has played a pivotal role in delivering some of the UK's most notable projects, including landmark developments and large-scale infrastructure projects.
Committed to innovation in construction techniques and sustainable building practices.
Notable projects include iconic residential communities, advanced industrial facilities, and complex public sector developments.
Collaborates with government entities, private sector clients, and developers in long-term partnerships.
Remains a family-owned company, upholding a legacy of trust, quality, and commitment to the built environment.

Culture + Values

Reimagining places for people to thrive.
Thriving places: Working with customers, partners and communities to create places that are more sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity.
Thriving planet: Protecting nature and taking action on climate change by collaborating and innovating with our partners.
Thriving people: Creating opportunities and relationships so that everyone who works for and with us feels included, invested in and treated with care.

Environment + Sustainability

90% Reduction

Scope 1 and 2 Emissions

Target to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% by 2045, following a 46.2% reduction by 2030 from the 2019 baseline.

98% Scope 3

Emission Source Breakdown

98% of total emissions are attributed to Scope 3, with 89% from purchased goods and services.

46%

Mid-Term Emissions Cut

A 46.2% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 compared to the 2019 baseline.

99% Recycling

Waste Diversion Rate

Currently recycling or diverting over 99% of waste from operations.

Net zero carbon company by 2045 (Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions) with SBTi validation.
Carbon neutral for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 31 December 2025.
Achieve Biodiversity Net Gain of 20% on measurable projects (double the national minimum).
Zero waste from operations by 2045.
Eliminate waste and carbon from on-site operations and vehicles by 2025.
Engage 89% of suppliers (by emissions) to have SBTi-aligned targets by end of 2027.
Zero Carbon Sites programme: reduce diesel, use battery systems, transition to electric or green hydrogen plant.

Inclusion & Diversity

24.9% gender pay gap

Gender Pay Gap Progress

The company reports a 24.9% mean gender pay gap in 2021, showing improvement from 30.3% in 2020.

8 weeks paternity leave

Parental Leave Policy

The company offers fully paid maternity leave, 8 weeks paid paternity/partner leave, and enhanced shared parental and adoption leave.

Fair Treatment: Everyone is treated with fairness and respect; they can speak up and be listened to.
Fair Opportunity: Everyone has fair access to development and progression with equity in pay.
Fair Hiring: Hire the best person from a diverse pool, challenging perceptions that prevent talent joining.
Disability Confident employer: inclusive recruitment, reasonable adjustments, support for disabled colleagues.
Awards: Working Families Best Practice Awards (Best for Fathers, Best for All Families); Times Top 50 Employers for Women; Construction News’ Award for Diversity and Inclusion Excellence.

Articles

Careers at Wates

Our Projects

Wates Sustainability

Role

Description

design standards

digital innovation

design planning

design governance

budget management

performance monitoring

Establish and maintain robust design, engineering and technical frameworks, standards and processes
Lead and manage the national Design & Engineering function, including regional and major project leadership teams
Build strong relationships with clients, consultants and industry bodies, promoting technical leadership and best practice
Build high-performing teams through leadership, mentoring, succession planning and talent development
Drive innovation, including digital engineering, smart technologies and low-carbon solutions
Develop and manage design and engineering budgets in collaboration with Pre-Contract and Operations
Monitor project performance, identifying risk early and driving continuous improvement
Develop and implement a national design and engineering strategy aligned to wider business objectives
Provide governance to ensure all designs meet safety, regulatory, quality and sustainability standards
Oversee design planning, consultant selection, value engineering and performance management

Requirements

chartered engineer

degree

design management

digital engineering

leadership

customer‑facing

Strong knowledge of design management, engineering delivery and digital engineering
Chartered Engineer status
Degree (or higher) in Building Services Engineering or a related discipline
Substantial experience in a senior design and engineering leadership role or 5 years in a related executive position
The ability to influence at Executive and Board level
Extensive experience leading design and engineering functions at senior level
Proven experience working in customer-facing, complex project environments

Benefits

Competitive executive remuneration and benefits package
The opportunity to shape the future of design, engineering and innovation across a major organisation

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

Over 120 Years

Years in Operation

The company has been operational for over a century, showcasing extensive experience in construction and property services.

Provides integrated solutions across sectors like residential, commercial, and infrastructure.
Has played a pivotal role in delivering some of the UK's most notable projects, including landmark developments and large-scale infrastructure projects.
Committed to innovation in construction techniques and sustainable building practices.
Notable projects include iconic residential communities, advanced industrial facilities, and complex public sector developments.
Collaborates with government entities, private sector clients, and developers in long-term partnerships.
Remains a family-owned company, upholding a legacy of trust, quality, and commitment to the built environment.

Culture + Values

Reimagining places for people to thrive.
Thriving places: Working with customers, partners and communities to create places that are more sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity.
Thriving planet: Protecting nature and taking action on climate change by collaborating and innovating with our partners.
Thriving people: Creating opportunities and relationships so that everyone who works for and with us feels included, invested in and treated with care.

Environment + Sustainability

90% Reduction

Scope 1 and 2 Emissions

Target to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% by 2045, following a 46.2% reduction by 2030 from the 2019 baseline.

98% Scope 3

Emission Source Breakdown

98% of total emissions are attributed to Scope 3, with 89% from purchased goods and services.

46%

Mid-Term Emissions Cut

A 46.2% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 compared to the 2019 baseline.

99% Recycling

Waste Diversion Rate

Currently recycling or diverting over 99% of waste from operations.

Net zero carbon company by 2045 (Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions) with SBTi validation.
Carbon neutral for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 31 December 2025.
Achieve Biodiversity Net Gain of 20% on measurable projects (double the national minimum).
Zero waste from operations by 2045.
Eliminate waste and carbon from on-site operations and vehicles by 2025.
Engage 89% of suppliers (by emissions) to have SBTi-aligned targets by end of 2027.
Zero Carbon Sites programme: reduce diesel, use battery systems, transition to electric or green hydrogen plant.

Inclusion & Diversity

24.9% gender pay gap

Gender Pay Gap Progress

The company reports a 24.9% mean gender pay gap in 2021, showing improvement from 30.3% in 2020.

8 weeks paternity leave

Parental Leave Policy

The company offers fully paid maternity leave, 8 weeks paid paternity/partner leave, and enhanced shared parental and adoption leave.

Fair Treatment: Everyone is treated with fairness and respect; they can speak up and be listened to.
Fair Opportunity: Everyone has fair access to development and progression with equity in pay.
Fair Hiring: Hire the best person from a diverse pool, challenging perceptions that prevent talent joining.
Disability Confident employer: inclusive recruitment, reasonable adjustments, support for disabled colleagues.
Awards: Working Families Best Practice Awards (Best for Fathers, Best for All Families); Times Top 50 Employers for Women; Construction News’ Award for Diversity and Inclusion Excellence.

Articles

Careers at Wates

Our Projects

Wates Sustainability