Head of Design and Engineering

Head of Design and Engineering – Wates Group

National Role – Senior Leadership – Built Environment / MEP

Wates is one of the UK’s leading family‑owned development, building and property maintenance companies. Founded over 125 years ago, we have a proud legacy in the built environment. We are driven by our purpose, ‘reimagining places for people to thrive’, and our three promises:
Thriving places, Thriving planet, and Thriving people. We are proud to be recognized as Gold Investors in People and a Disability Confident employer.

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

You are a highly credible design and engineering leader with a strong track record in senior roles within a Tier 1 MEP or built‑environment organization. You combine strategic thinking with operational excellence and are passionate about innovation, people development and delivering value for customers.

• Extensive experience leading design and engineering functions at senior level
• Strong knowledge of design management, engineering delivery and digital engineering
• Proven experience working in customer‑facing, complex project environments
• The ability to influence at Executive and Board level
• A collaborative, resilient leadership style with high standards and accountability

• Degree (or higher) in Building Services Engineering or a related discipline
• Chartered Engineer status
• Substantial experience in a senior design and engineering leadership role or 5 years in a related executive position

• A nationally influential leadership role with real strategic impact
• The opportunity to shape the future of design, engineering and innovation across a major organization
• A collaborative, values‑driven culture focused on safety, quality and continuous improvement
• Competitive executive remuneration and benefits package

This is a national role requiring regular travel and occasional overnight stays.

United Kingdom (specific location not specified)

• Executive

• Full‑time

• Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology