The newly established Major Projects Division stands as a testament to our commitment to ‘Empowering Tomorrow’, by seamlessly integrating the expertise of our people with cutting-edge technology and is poised to redefine the landscape of construction. It embodies a future where collaboration, technology, and ingenuity converge to shape groundbreaking solutions and transformative spaces.

Large-scale, impactful construction projects
Spearheading major, complex projects across the UK, including the impressive A1 development at British Land’s Canada Water site, this ambitious project encompasses the development of three office blocks and a striking 35-storey residential tower. We also commenced works last year on the £450m gigafactory project in Sunderland on behalf of AESC UK.
It showcases our commitment to pioneering large-scale, impactful construction projects.

A culture of continuous growth
Now, having created tomorrow, the focus shifts to the core element of this progress: people.
It’s about harnessing the collective power of individuals within the Wates business, nurturing talent, and fostering a culture of continuous growth.
This shift underscores Wates Group’s holistic approach, where people take centre stage in building not just structures, but a
legacy of excellence!
Discover our Major Projects: One Success Story at a Time
AESC UK, Sunderland
In December 2021, we were appointed alongside Turner & Townsend by AESC UK, to lead the construction of its advanced car battery gigafactory at the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP).
Industrial
Regenerating Canada Water
Our 53 acre Canada Water development will be the first new town centre in London for 50 years.
Retail and the high streetWorking across both public and private sectors
Major Projects services
Construction
We are passionate about building a better tomorrow for everybody, through the work we do and the social value we bring to projects.
Engineering
We provide high quality engineering services for the built environment sector including mechanical, electrical and plumbing.
Building Technology
We transform environments using technology, innovation and next level engineering to drive efficiency and sustainability.
Offsite Manufacturing
Using offsite manufacturing and modern methods of construction we can improve quality, productivity and efficiency.
Latest Major Projects insight
CAREERS IN CONSTRUCTION AT WATES
Want to be part of our team?
Senior Quantity Surveyor
Location: Southampton
Job Type: Commercial
Application Deadline: 27-03-2026
We are looking for a Senior Quantity Surveyor to join our team on a new build housing scheme in Eastleigh. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious commercial professional who is passionate about construction, motivated to challenge the norm, and keen to progress within a supportive and high performing team.As a Senior Quantity Surveyor, you will take commercial ownership of a project or defined package of works, leading the commercial team and ensuring robust pre‑ and post‑contract delivery. You will work closely with internal teams, clients and supply chain partners to maximise value, maintain compliance and protect commercial viability.As a Senior Quantity Surveyor you will: Manage the project commercial team ensuring all Wates Main Contract obligations are met and process obligations are complete with particular reference to Procurement, Sub-contract orders, Managing Supply Chain, Measurements and Valuations, Contractual Notices and Valuing Change Complete and submit Monthly Cost Reports, Procurement Strategy Updates and Internal/External Progress Reports alongside developing and implementing internal and external tender stage and delivery strategies. Agree external valuations upstream/downstream to maintain a positive project cashflow and produce and agree main and subcontract final accounts.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 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.
Design Manager
Location: Newbury
Job Type: Design
Application Deadline: 19-03-2026
Wates Construction are looking for a Design Manager to join our 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
Senior Planner
Location: London
Job Type: Planning
Application Deadline: 21-03-2026
Wates Construction is seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Senior Planner to deliver a professional, reliable and innovative planning service across pre‑contract and live project environments. This is a key opportunity to influence major projects and support the continued growth of our Business Unit.About the RoleAs a Senior Planner, you will lead the planning function on major projects or a portfolio of smaller schemes, working from pre‑qualification through to handover.Collaborating closely with the Planning Manager, Project Directors, Bid Centre teams and planning peers to drive best practice, ensure robust programme governance and enhance planning capability across the Business Unit.Your responsibilities will include:Staff & Management Identifying planning resourcing needs and supporting recruitment and development activity. Mentoring and motivating junior planners, delivering training and completing PDRs. Maintaining high-quality planning outputs for project teams. Leading planning responsibilities on complex or large-scale schemes, including supervision of other planners.Governance Implementing best practice and sharing knowledge across the planning discipline. Exploring innovation in construction or planning techniques. Leading peer reviews and programme audits.Business Reporting Reporting audit outcomes and recommending corrective measures. Contributing to business-wide operational and planning reports.Operational Delivery Preparing or contributing to detailed project reports. Establishing KPIs and monitoring performance across a project’s lifecycle. Supporting non-planning colleagues with programme-related training. Maintaining accurate as‑built programmes and programme issue logs. Managing supply chain programme protocols, approvals and integration. Supporting change management, including programme impact and EOT assessments. Ensuring seamless integration of design, procurement and construction sequences. Reviewing programmes produced by junior planners and supporting short‑term or target programmes.Bidding Providing construction methodology advice to clients and consultants. Supporting pre‑qualification submissions. Producing integrated tender programmes and method statements and presenting proposals at settlement. Preparing schedules and analysing quotes for time‑related preliminaries.What We’re Looking for in YouWe’re looking for an experienced Senior Planner who combines technical expertise, leadership capability and a collaborative approach.You will bring: Substantial construction planning experience, ideally gained with a main contractor. Advanced experience using Asta Powerproject and a strong understanding of JCT contract mechanisms, including change management and EOT assessment. Experience planning tenders, including supporting bid strategies, methodology, sequencing and producing high‑quality tender programmes. Experience planning for Schools, Colleges, or Universities, or strong transferable experience from similarly complex, multi‑stakeholder project types. Proven ability to mentor junior colleagues and promote continuous improvement. Strong analytical and programme-reporting capability, with excellent attention to detail. The confidence to challenge assumptions, influence decision-making and propose innovative planning solutions.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.
Assistant Design Manager
Location: Cardiff
Job Type: Design
Application Deadline: 25-03-2026
Wates are looking for a Design Manager to join our Wales team, delivering high‑quality new homes for local communities.If you’re passionate about great design, enjoy working collaboratively, and have strong technical capability, this is an opportunity to challenge the norm, bring fresh ideas, and progress your career within a leading construction business. Join us and help create tomorrow, together.This is a fantastic opportunity to develop professionally as part of a talented, diverse and supportive team.ABOUT THE ROLEOur 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: Collaborate with all relevant internal and external stakeholders to produce and manage a realistic design programme and information requirements schedule that supports design, procurement, and construction activities. Support the delivery of Continuous Improvement initiatives and drive innovation across projects. Ensure designs are robustly reviewed and verified to achieve compliance and mitigate Health & Safety, design, and buildability risks prior to construction. Identify and manage key risks and opportunities at each stage of the design and delivery process. Promote quality, coordination, and buildability from concept through to delivery.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… 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/
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