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.
Through this wonderful partnership, we are strengthening our commitment to breaking down barriers for women on and off the field.
By working together with Premiership Women’s Rugby, we’re tackling misconceptions about women’s roles in both industries.
Also, 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
Commercial Manager
Location: Sunderland
Job Type: Commercial
Application Deadline: 10-08-2025
Wates are looking for a Commercial Manager to join our construction team on a national basis, initially in Sunderland with our Advanced Manufacturing team focussing on high profile, technically complex projects.If you are passionate about the commercial aspects of Construction and are 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 for those who are looking for a step up from a Quantity Surveyor/Project Surveyor into a Commercial Manager role where you will be able to progress your career as part of a talented, diverse, and supportive team.ABOUT THE ROLEOur Commercial Managers are a valuable part of our business, and their role will encompass both work winning and the delivery of live projects whilst providing strong functional leadership, management, governance and excellence for all commercial activities pre and post contract, across either a single large project or portfolio of projects. As our Commercial Manager you will: Drive clear strategy on commercial delivery, customer engagement and repeat business whilst managing, training and developing the wider Commercial Teams. Use sound planning and project management skills to deliver multiple and complex commitments and objectives whilst consistently using financial levers to grow profitability for the portfolio and business unit Actively engage with all internal and external stakeholders and ensure that the commercial function within the business unit effectively supports the other functions such as, Design, Operations and Pre-Construction as requiredWHAT 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 or to discuss career opportunities in strict confidence, please contact our In-House Recruitment Team directly 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.
Construction Manager
Location: Nationwide
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 10-08-2025
Location: NationalAbout the Role: We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Construction Manager to join our Smartspace retail banking team. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading project teams from pre-construction through to delivery and handover, ensuring projects are completed safely, to high-quality standards, and within financial targets.Key Responsibilities: Lead project teams to deliver projects safely, on time, and within budget. Manage customer relationships throughout the project lifecycle, including pre-construction, delivery, and post-construction phases. Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and financial targets. Identify and mitigate project risks, escalating where appropriate. Manage external consultants (e.g., Design) to drive value, customer focus, and achievement of project objectives. Ensure that the Smartspace Delivery Strategy is considered and applied to each operation on your project or projects. Understand and administer contract terms and conditions for each project you are accountable for. Lead and support our zero-harm initiative through the implementation of exemplar standards and behaviours and the creation of a positive safety culture through observational praise and challenge. Requirements: Proven experience in managing fast-paced fit-out projects in the retail banking sector, specifically for major high street banks. Strong leadership and project management skills. Ability to manage risk and ensure compliance with contract terms. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills. References to demonstrate experience and success in similar roles. Commercial awareness appropriate for the level of the role.WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car * Travel covered to any of our sites* 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/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 or to discuss career opportunities in strict confidence, please contact our In-House Recruitment Team directly via recruitment@wates.co.uk and one of us will get in touch as soon as possible.Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Standard 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 #SMOM
Project Surveyor
Location: Newbury
Job Type: Commercial
Application Deadline: 10-08-2025
Wates are looking for a Project Surveyor to join our Construction team in the South focussing on high profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors.If you are passionate about the commercial aspects of Construction and are 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 ROLEOur Project Surveyors are a valuable part of our business, where they lead the team on a project or cluster of packages having full accountability for the development and implementation of all pre and post contract strategies, commercial functions and contract reporting. Project Surveyors take the lead; working collaboratively with our customers and industry specialists with a firm focus on added value, compliance, commercial viability, and best practice.As our Project 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 (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.Please note that candidates represented by Agencies will not be considered at this time.
Project Manager (M&E)
Location: Finsbury Park
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 08-08-2025
Wates Property Services is seeking a skilled and motivated Project Manager (M&E) to lead delivery of planned works across our North London social housing contracts. You’ll be responsible for managing technically complex mechanical and electrical projects, ensuring they are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.Key Responsibilities• Oversee M&E project delivery from pre-construction through to handover.• Manage subcontractors and site teams to ensure quality and compliance.• Liaise with clients, residents, and internal stakeholders to maintain strong relationships.• Monitor project progress, budgets, and health & safety performance.• Ensure all works meet Wates’ high standards and client expectations.What We’re Looking For• Proven experience in M&E project management, ideally within social housing or property services.• Strong knowledge of building services, compliance, and CDM regulations.• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.• SMSTS, CSCS, and First Aid certifications preferred.Why Join Wates?• Be part of a purpose-driven team improving homes and communities.• Access to structured career development and training.• Competitive salary, car allowance, and comprehensive benefits.• 26 days annual leave plus BH plus your birthday off• Market leading maternity & paternity leave Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Standard 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