Bell joined Wates as construction manager in 2015 from Bowmer & Kirkland and became operations manager last year.
In the newly-created position of operations director, he will now oversee the strategic direction of pre-construction, project delivery and client aftercare.
His promotion is the latest in a series of changes in the regional senior team at Wates Construction, which has recently included the promotion of David Wingfield to business unit director and the appointment of Kyle McGrory as regional commercial director.
Paul Dodsworth, Managing Director of Wates Construction North, said: “Steve joined the business at a pivotal time and he has been instrumental to our growth and success in the North East.”
Wates announced its plans to expand its presence into the North East four year ago and now boasts a £100m forward order book.
The firm has also recently been appointed to deliver two major schemes on behalf of Gateshead Council – Clasper Village and Gibside School – both of which have been procured via Scape Group’s Major Works UK framework.