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
Assistant Management Accountant
Location: Leatherhead
Job Type: Financial
Application Deadline: 12-09-2025
We currently have a vacancy for an Assistant Management Accountant to join our Wates Group Finance team, based in Leatherhead, supporting a range of activities across Group Finance and assisting the wider team.We’re looking for someone who has experience in a similar role or environment and is enthusiastic about developing a career in finance. While it’s ideal if you’re already undertaking an accountancy qualification, we’re happy to support you if you’re early in your studies or planning to start soon.You’ll need to be confident using Excel, have strong attention to detail, and be comfortable working to tight deadlines. Being a team player with excellent communication skills is essential, as you’ll be maintaining effective relationships across the business.Key Accountabilities: Process monthly cost recharges across contracts and overheads Manage overhead costs including posting month-end prepayments, accruals, and late contract costs, and summarising monthly and year-to-date spend against budget Assist in Budget & Forecasting Support the production of monthly cost packs and other reporting as requiredWhat We Offer: Competitive salary & profit share Flexible working – this role is office-based in Leatherhead three days a week (Monday – essential). Extensive corporate benefits including private medical insurance, 6% employer pension contribution, health and wellness programme, 26 days holiday plus bank holidays, and more Excellent learning and development opportunities to support your career progression Industry-leading family leave benefits including 26 weeks fully paid maternity and 12 weeks fully paid paternityTo learn more about Life at Wates, please visit: https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/
Project Manager
Location: Finsbury Park
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 19-09-2025
🌟 Join WPS Business in Leamington Spa 🌟Position: Project ManagerLocation: Leamington SpaAre you a dynamic leader with a passion for delivering high-quality construction projects? WPS Business is seeking a Project Manager to lead our planned works with vision, precision, and purpose.🔧 What You’ll DoAs Project Manager, you’ll be the driving force behind the safe and profitable delivery of our schemes, ensuring customer satisfaction and team success. You’ll report to our Construction or Operations Managers and be responsible for:📊 Commercial Leadership Oversee contract administration and project budgets, including profit and loss. Manage risk and opportunity registers and integrate them into project business plans.🏗️ Bidding & Design Shape project delivery strategies from bid phase through execution. Analyse and refine design information, ensuring timely delivery and accuracy.👥 People Management Recruit and manage project teams, conduct performance reviews, and identify training needs. Handle HR duties including absence, expenses, holidays, and inductions.🔗 Supply Chain & Customer Relations Select and manage supply chain partners, ensuring quality, cost, and time targets are met. Build strong relationships with customers, tenants, and community stakeholders.🚧 Project Delivery Develop detailed programmes and schedules to monitor progress. Ensure compliance with health & safety, environmental, and waste management regulations. Lead successful handovers and maintain clear communication throughout the project lifecycle.🎓 What You’ll BringKnowledge: Strong understanding of health & safety, legislation, and company procedures. Experience in team leadership and budget management. Familiarity with contract documentation and project forecasting.Skills: Excellent project and programme management. Effective resource planning and prioritisation.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 📩 Apply now! One of the Recruitment Team will be in contact to discuss the role in more detail and advise of the next step.
Site manager
Location: Warwick
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 19-09-2025
🏗️ Join WPS Business in Leamington Spa – We’re Hiring a ⭐ Site Manager!📌 Role Title: Site Manager📍 Location: Leamington Spa Are you a hands-on leader with a passion for delivering high-quality building and refurbishment projects? WPS Business is looking for a Site Manager to oversee our planned works in Leamington Spa, ensuring smooth site operations, team leadership, and exceptional client satisfaction.🔧 What You’ll Be DoingAs Site Manager, you’ll be responsible for the day-to-day running of our sites, leading operatives and subcontractors to deliver projects safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.🛠️ Key Responsibilities: 🗓️ Programme Management: Plan and monitor short-term works schedules. 👷 Team Supervision: Lead operatives and subcontractors, ensuring performance targets and specifications are met. ⚠️ Health & Safety: Enforce H&S compliance and ensure all site documentation is valid and up to date. 📋 Site Standards: Uphold company policies on attendance, conduct, and PPE. 🧰 Resource Management: Ensure all team members are qualified, inducted, and equipped. 🔍 Quality Control: Monitor workmanship and respond to client variations. 🤝 Client Engagement: Attend inspections, meetings, and provide regular updates. 📊 Reporting: Produce reports on H&S, programming, and labour attendance. 💷 Commercial Awareness: Work closely with the commercial team to ensure financial success.👥 Who You’ll Work With 👨🔧 Direct workforce 🧱 Subcontractors 🚚 Suppliers 🧑💼 Internal management and commercial teams 🏘️ Clients and residentsGiven 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 📩 Apply now! One of the Recruitment Team will be in contact to discuss the role in more detail and advise of the next step.
Assistant Surveyor
Location: Enfield
Job Type: Cost Planning
Application Deadline: 18-09-2025
🏗️ Assistant Quantity Surveyor – Enfield Step into the commercial world and grow your career across diverse projects!Are you ready to kickstart your career as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor (AQS)? This is your chance to join a thriving team and gain hands-on experience across a variety of exciting clients and projects.We’re looking for someone with a great attitude, a willingness to learn, and a passion for making things happen. You’ll be joining our WPS team within the responsive maintenance division, working on social housing contracts and much more.📍 Location: EnfieldOffice-based role – travel to project sites may be required.🔧 What You’ll Be Doing Producing commercial reports for internal and external stakeholders Sourcing and assessing quotations for materials, equipment, and subcontract works Supporting timely procurement and order placement to meet project goals Conducting on-site measurements and take-offs Ensuring contractual processes are completed accurately and on time🎯 What We’re Looking For A degree in surveying is ideal (but not essential) A strong work ethic and eagerness to learn Ability to work under a Project Surveyor and collaborate within a team Excellent attention to detail and adaptability A proactive mindset and positive attitude🌟 Why Join Us? Work across varied clients and projects – no two days are the same! Learn from experienced surveyors and grow your skills Enjoy a supportive team environment Competitive salary and benefits🚀 Ready to Launch Your Career?If you're looking for a role where you can learn, grow, and make a real impact – we’d love to hear from you! Apply today and take your first step into the commercial world! 💼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