Convert your career
We’re proud to be a sponsor of the Premiership Women’s Rugby. Are you looking for your next career move? Find out what it’s like to work for Wates.
We’re proud to be a sponsor of the Premiership Women’s Rugby. Are you looking for your next career move? Find out what it’s like to work for Wates.
Women are heavily under-represented in construction and for more than a century that was the case in rugby union. But in recent years with the explosion in the number of women playing the game and the establishment of PWR that balance is changing.
Together, both Wates and PWR are driving a powerful change, with the shared goal of redefining what inclusion and equal opportunity looks like in both industries.
Discover Emily Robinson’s incredible journey into the industry, and how she’s breaking barriers in rugby and construction to inspire people to follow in her footsteps.
WHY WAIT? JOIN WATES
Our industry can help people achieve their potential, improve health and wellbeing, and shape a better future. It can change lives and strengthen communities in ways few other sectors can.
At Wates, we’re dedicated to providing opportunities for professionals like you to thrive and grow. Join our talent community today to receive the latest job openings, company news, and industry insights directly to your inbox.
Stay ahead of the curve and never miss out on exciting opportunities.
EXPLORE OUR JOB VACANCIES
To ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive our culture is founded on the following principles:
Fair treatment: We ensure that everyone is treated with fairness and respect. If an employee isn’t being treated fairly, they know that they can speak up, and be listened to, and appropriate action will be taken. At Wates, everyone is empowered and has a voice at all levels of the organisation.
Fair opportunities: Whatever role you’re in, or part of the company you work for, you’ll be able to build a great career here at Wates. Everyone has fair access to development and progression opportunities.
Fair hiring: We aim to hire the best person for the job from a diverse pool of candidates. We are actively challenging perceptions that might discourage people from joining this rewarding, challenging and interesting sector.
REVIEW STORIES FROM OUR EMPLOYEES
Head of Health and Wellbeing
"I joined Wates in 2003 with no industry experience and have since worked with supportive colleagues and managers who helped me reach my potential. The opportunities for growth, change, and promotion have been immense, allowing me to utilise my skills and build invaluable connections. Reflecting on my varied and dynamic career, I would choose Wates all over again without hesitation."
Planning Management Trainee
"During my two years as a Planner Trainee at Wates, I've gained invaluable insights across departments like Production, Commercial, Design, SHE, M&E, and Bid Management. Learning directly from seasoned professionals on-site was crucial in transforming me from a novice to a proficient planner. This experience equipped me with technical skills and a deep appreciation for the collaborative effort in construction. Wates provided a solid foundation for my career, and I'm grateful for the opportunity."
Strategy & Integration Lead
"I joined Wates over 10 years ago, starting my transformative career journey. Collaborating with diverse talent, I've enhanced my skills and driven business performance. With a growth mindset, I advanced to Strategy & Integration Lead for SES. I'm also involved in initiatives like the Wates Women’s & Allies Network and mentoring SMEs, showcasing the Group's supportive environment."
Social Value Manager
"Since joining Wates as a Social Value Manager in June 2023, I've been part of an inspiring team of social value professionals. My role involves developing programs that enable individuals facing barriers to employment to join us and our supply chain network. This work is vital at Wates, reflecting our commitment to sustainable opportunities, talent development, and collaboration. I'm privileged and thrilled to work with such brilliant colleagues every day."
Principal Technical Manager
"2024 marks my 20-year milestone in the industry, with 10 of those years spent at Wates/SES. I'm proud of this journey, which reflects a great working environment, company loyalty, and job satisfaction. Wates/SES has entrusted me with opportunities and responsibilities, supported by formal accreditations and chartership, accelerating my growth and professional standing. A ‘typical day’ is never typical—there's always something challenging happening!"
Head of Digital Construction & Engineering
"Since joining Wates Group, I've worked with diverse and collaborative teams that consistently deliver high performance. Wates has supported my career progression through on-the-job development and learning opportunities, nurturing my leadership skills for a successful and meaningful career."
Careers at Wates
Design Manager
Location: York
Job Type: Design
Application Deadline: 21-05-2025
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Design Manager to join our Wates team within our Planned Maintenance division based in Yorkshire. You will be covering various contracts where the primary focus will be to assist management of the design on specific planned projects (high rise buildings), typically from winning the tender through to completion.Key Accountabilities will include: Produce agree and manage, with all relevant parties, a realistic design programme and information required schedule to satisfy design, procurement and construction requirements. Manage the design on site with where appropriate the assistance of other site based resource implementing the design management procedures to ensure the timely production of information. Where applicable manage/assist in the production of the Contractors proposals, ensuring they are complete, unambiguous, and have been reviewed by the bid team, and have been updated to include all post tender negotiations. Ensure that all design deliverables are reviewed to establish they are within budget, are fully coordinated and are buildable. Review the design with respect to mitigating Health and Safety issues prior to construction. Ensure the project team are working to the agreed Contractors Proposals. Where nominated control design change process management. Where nominated organise and chair regular design team meetings. Provide guidance to the project team on design related issues.To be successful in the role you will be an effective communicator with a positive, passionate and engaging approach when supporting and educating the business. You will have excellent Senior Design Management experience.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
Plumber
Location: Hammersmith
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 21-05-2025
Wates have an opportunity for a Plumber to join our Wates team within our Responsive Maintenance division. You will be working out of our Hammersmith office on one of our social housing contracts, delivering reactive maintenance to our residents. Key Accountabilities will include: Having an understanding of, and the ability to work to, industry-accepted Health and Safety standards. Undertaking repair/renewal works to plumbing installations, and associated or minor maintenance tasks utilising your multi-trade experience. Working alongside colleagues or contractors to complete complex orders. Using PDA to receive instructions, and to feedback electronically details of works undertaken, or works to be undertaken. Liaising with Supervisors/schedulers in a timely manner when works are unable to be completed on a first visit, providing detailed information to allow works to be programmed in. Affording excellent customer service to residents, client and colleagues. You must have a full UK driving licence.We are looking for a professional Plumber who has multi-trade experience gained from working in a similar industry and environment. To be successful in the role you must also be an excellent communicator with the ability to problem solve, multi task and work to tight deadlines. 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
Project Manager
Location: York
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 21-05-2025
Wates have an opportunity for a Project Manager to join our Wates team within our Planned Works division. You will be covering the Yorkshire area working on high rise buildings. The primary focus of this role will be to provide visible leadership and direction along with foresight and insight in the safe and profitable delivery of schemes to Wates. Key Accountabilities will include: Develop and implement detailed programmes and schedules which allow accurate monitoring and reporting of progress. Identify the quality expectations and embrace these in the Quality Plan. Implement all statutory regulatory and company requirements for managing Health and Safety. Secure and manage the appropriate resources to deliver the project / scheme effectively and efficiently in a professional manner to ensure successful delivery within project constraints. Ensure there is a successful and smooth handover of the project, including support to customer/ end user throughout the handover process. Establish a communications plan and agree accountabilities for team members. Ideally you will have experience of working for a main contractor on similar projects and have experience of elevational treatment, EWI decorative panelling & replacement windows. 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
Repairs Supervisor
Location: Walton-On-Thames
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 21-05-2025
We have an opportunity for a Repairs Supervisor to join our Wates team within our Responsive Maintenance division. You will be working out of our Walton-On-Thames office so ideally we need someone local to the KT12 area.You will be partnering with one of our long term social housing partners, manging a team of approx 10 reports so being able to manage a client and a team is key.Works include delivering reactive and some planned maintenance to our residents.Given the nature of the role we are looking for an experienced supervisor from a social housing background with trade knowledge. Key Accountabilities will include: Ensure high quality service is provided with the management of the work scheduling in accordance with company procedures, standards and SLAs Represent Wates at client and resident performance meetings as requested by the Operations Manager Manage the responsive repairs function to ensure consistent performance against targets Effective and efficient management of material costs and ensure that all are following correct processes and procedures Monitor quality of work through inspection, inspection reports, analysis of key performance indicators and analysis of customer satisfaction surveys. Lead, manage and contribute to the development of your team and determine optimum employment levels to comply with the provision of the serviceYou must have a full UK driving licence and SSSTS qualification as a minimum. Ideally you will also have SMSTS, Asbestos awareness UKATAGiven 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