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
HR Business Partner
Location: London
Job Type: HR
Application Deadline: 30-08-2025
We have an exciting opportunity for a HR Business Partner / Professional with a proven track record in business partnering and building strong working relationships at a Senior leadership level to work with/in our Fit Out business based in our London office on a full time basis.Together we inspire better ways of creating the places, communities and businesses of tomorrow. This is our purpose, and we will only achieve our strategic objectives if we recruit and retain the best people, operating in an environment underpinned by inclusivity, diversity and opportunity.Being part of our team as a HR Business Partner, you will play a pivotal role in planning and leading the process and activities to ensure that the Talent objectives are delivered and the KPI of talent retention is met.This role requires the confidence and integrity to support business partners and where required hold them to account to ensure the consistent application of our company processes and that we are managing people the right way. There will be a requirement to develop an excellent understanding of the business needs through strong interaction with the business.We are looking for someone who has experience of working in a complex and demanding environment and can challenge the status quo and drive change in a constructive and pragmatic manner.Ideally you will bring your experience of creating an inclusive workplace and demonstrating how feedback from employee surveys has been used to drive action plans to increase engagement.Alongside this, you will be organised, an excellent communicator capable of building relationships across the business and operate fairly and consistently.
Ground Worker
Location: Brixton
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 11-08-2025
We are currently seeking a skilled and reliable Groundworker to join our team on the WPS Lambeth Contract, delivering high-quality responsive maintenance services across the borough.🔧 Key Responsibilities: Carry out groundworks including paving, kerbing, drainage, and reinstatement. Respond to maintenance requests efficiently and professionally. Work collaboratively with other trades and contractors on-site. Ensure all work is completed to a high standard and in line with health and safety regulations.✅ Requirements: Full UK Driving Licence – essential for travel between sites. NVQ Level 2 in Groundworks or equivalent – minimum qualification required. Proven experience in responsive maintenance or similar environments. Strong understanding of site safety and compliance.🌟 What We Offer: A supportive team environment. Opportunities for training and career development.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 Framework Manager
Location: London NW1
Job Type: Bid
Application Deadline: 15-08-2025
About the RoleAre you a strategic thinker with a passion for public sector frameworks? We're looking for a Senior Framework Manager to lead high-impact bidding strategies and drive performance across strategic public sector frameworks. This is a pivotal role within our specialist Public Sector Team, offering the opportunity to shape national infrastructure and build lasting client relationships.Key Responsibilities Framework Strategy & Bidding : Lead framework strategy and support bids for national and regional frameworks, crafting win plans and executing submissions to secure placements. Framework Management: lead engagement with Frameworks to gain early identification of pipeline opportunities and support operational divisions to select suitable projects. Client Engagement: Build and maintain trusted relationships with framework teams and participating clients, ensuring consistent delivery and satisfaction. Governance & Performance: Oversee framework governance, monitor KPIs, and act on trends to drive continuous improvement. Collaboration & Leadership: Work closely with operational divisions and lead cross-functional teams to deliver framework objectives. Thought Leadership: Represent the business at regional and national levels, contributing to presentations, briefings, and published articles.What You’ll Bring Proven experience in public sector bidding and framework management, ideally within the construction or property sector. Degree-level qualification or equivalent vocational experience. Exceptional communication, influencing, and problem-solving skills. A collaborative mindset with a drive for innovation and continuous improvement. Strong understanding of government departments and sector-specific policy issues (e.g. MOJ, MOD, HMRC, GPA, DFE, DOH).Financial & People Leadership Contribute to annual revenue targets and maintain accurate pipeline reporting. Lead and develop team members, ensuring clarity of roles and accountability. Influence resourcing across bidding and work-winning teams. Contribute to the business activity of the Public Sector TeamOur Values Care: For performance, the environment, and communities. Fairness: Inclusive, respectful, and transparent. Innovation: Always looking for a better way to deliver excellence.Why Join Us?This is more than a management role—it's a chance to shape the future of public sector delivery. You'll be part of a dynamic team, with opportunities to support other sectors and frameworks, and make a real impact at local, regional, and national levels.This role can be based nationally but there will be a requirement to be in the London Office 2/3 days a week.WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share Flexible working 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/
Site Manager
Location: East Midlands
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 29-08-2025
We are looking for an experienced and proactive Site Manager to join our growing team across WPS Planned Maintenance contracts. This is an exciting opportunity to lead planned maintenance projects across the East Midlands region, with a focus on delivering high-quality work in the social housing sector.🔨 Key Responsibilities: Oversee day-to-day site operations across multiple planned maintenance projects. Ensure works are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. Manage subcontractors and site teams effectively. Maintain strong relationships with clients, residents, and stakeholders. Uphold health and safety compliance and quality assurance procedures.✅ Requirements: Proven experience as a Site Manager in planned social housing maintenance. Strong leadership and organisational skills. Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities. Full UK Driving Licence. Relevant construction qualifications (e.g. SMSTS, CSCS, First Aid).🌟 What We Offer: A dynamic and expanding workload. Supportive team environment. Competitive salary and benefits. Career development opportunities.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