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Design Manager

Wates are looking for a Design Manager to join our Construction Team 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 Design Managers are a valuable part of our business, driving quality outcomes, enhancing buildability and fostering innovation. Design Managers work collaboratively with our industry specialists and in-house technical experts 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 Design Manager you will: Work with all relevant parties, to produce and manage a realistic design programme and information required schedule to facilitate design, procurement and construction activities Support the implementation of Continuous Improvement initiatives and innovation Ensure the design has been reviewed and verified to achieve compliance and mitigate Health and Safety, design and buildability issues prior to construction and identify key risks and opportunities at each stage of the design and delivery process. 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. 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

Manufacturing Director – Offsite Construction

SES Engineering Services (part of Wates Construction) are seeking an experienced strategic leader with a manufacturing background to take control of our expanding Offsite Manufacturing Division, a highly acclaimed specialist business that provides a wide range of offsite products to support Mechanical and Electrical installations on a range of high profile construction projects across the UK. As a key division within the SES business, we are committed to driving innovation and excellence in offsite construction methods, ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and superior service delivery. Our offsite manufacturing facilities are at the forefront of transforming how we approach complex projects, delivering state-of-the-art solutions that make a real impact. ABOUT THE ROLE The Manufacturing and Assembly Director will be responsible for overseeing the full scope of operations within the SES Manufacturing division. This strategic leadership role is focused on improving operational efficiency, driving profitability, and ensuring the production of high-quality products.The Director will lead a diverse team, implement best practices, and cultivate a culture of innovation, high performance, and continuous improvement. The role will have ownership and accountability for collaborating with cross-functional teams across SES, the wider Wates Group, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment with business objectives and the successful execution of key initiatives. We are looking for an experienced and visionary leader with a track record of driving manufacturing business growth, optimising operational efficiency, and fostering a high-performance team culture. As our Manufacturing Director some of your key responsibilities will include: Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the business strategy for the Offsite Manufacturing Division in alignment with SES's overall vision and objectives, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability. Operational Oversight: Oversee daily operations through the existing and highly capable management team, ensuring efficient resource allocation, adherence to company policies, and the achievement of divisional targets. Business Growth and Development: Take a strategic lead in identifying developing new markets as well as increasing the product range and business capabilities. Financial Management: Manage the division’s budget and financial performance, including forecasting, expense management, and identifying opportunities for cost optimisation. Team Development: Lead, mentor, and build a high-performing team, nurturing a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Client Relationships: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key clients, stakeholders, and partners to enhance customer satisfaction and drive business opportunities. Market Insights: Monitor market trends and the competitive landscape, adapting strategies to meet evolving customer needs and identifying areas for growth. Risk Management: Identify operational risks and develop effective mitigation strategies to ensure compliance with all regulatory frameworks and company policies. Board Reporting: Provide regular updates to the SES Board on divisional performance, including key metrics, challenges, and strategic initiatives. Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with other Divisional leaders and functions to ensure alignment and synergy across the organisation. What We’re Looking For: Exceptional Leadership: Proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire teams to achieve exceptional results, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture within a manufacturing environment. Financial Acumen: Strong experience managing budgets, financial reporting, and cost optimisation. Strategic Thinking: Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to drive business growth and operational efficiency. Communication: Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and across departments. Risk Management: Experience identifying operational risks and developing strategies to mitigate them, ensuring smooth operations within the division. WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates) Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 6% 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, 8 weeks fully paid paternity. To find out more about LIFE AT SES Engineering Services please click on the following link https://www.ses-ltd.co.uk/careers/working-at-ses/ 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 Manager

Are you an experienced Project Manager with a background in Decent Homes and Planned Works? We’re looking for a confident leader to oversee a major social housing programme, ensuring quality delivery and team performance across multiple sites.🏗️ Key Responsibilities: Oversee the delivery of planned works within social housing stock Lead and manage a team of 6–7 direct employees, ensuring high performance and accountability Manage a £6 million per annum account, ensuring budget control and value for money Liaise with clients, residents, and internal teams to ensure smooth project execution Monitor progress, quality, and compliance with Decent Homes standards Report on KPIs, risks, and milestones to senior stakeholders✅ Requirements: Proven experience in managing social housing projects, ideally within Decent Homes frameworks Strong leadership and team management skills Financial acumen with experience managing multi-million-pound budgets Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities Local knowledge of Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, or Milton Keynes is highly desirableGiven 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

Project Surveyor

Wates have an opportunity for a Project Surveyor to join our WPS team within our WPS Housing Maintenance division. You will be working in the Cambridgeshire area on our social housing contracts. You will be expected to take accountability for the development and implementation of all pre and post contract strategies, commercial functions and contract reporting. Key Accountabilities will include: Develop and encourage project team performance encouraging and ensuring that Wates’ main contractual obligations and or strategies are executed and regularly reviewed Complete and submit monthly Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR) and progress reports Demonstrate understanding of internal and external tender strategies / build up Agree external valuations / cash flow to maximise project value Work with the Commercial Manager to agree and produce main and subcontract final accounts Ensure all Wates subcontract management / process obligations are complete with particular reference to Procurement, Measurement and valuation, Contractual instructions / notices / orders as well as Health and SafetyTo be successful in the role you will already have relevant commercial skills and experience including the ability to maximise value recovery, cost control and cash management as well as effectively use / understand financial reports and final accounts. Social housing retrofit experience is essential and SHDF is preferable but not a deal breaker.Alongside this you will be a confident communicator, able to demonstrate the ability to form and develop relationships with the client, Project Surveyors, design team and supply chain. You will also be committed to leading and developing commercial site teams.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 One of the Recruitment Team will be in contact to discuss the role in more detail and advise of the next step.