RELATED SERVICES
Construction
Passionate about building a better tomorrow for everybody.
As a family business operating for more than 125 years, our experience is unrivalled, whether it’s building homes, workplaces, schools, hospitals or sports centres. We work as a major contractor across the UK with both public and private sector customers, to create buildings with real impact. We also provide fit out services to customers across the UK, improving our customers’ buildings, boosting their value and making them better spaces to be in. As with everything we do, our work is always of the highest standard.
order book (2024)
Turnover
projects under construction (2024)
Working in both public and private sectors
Our approach
Offsite Manufacturing
Using offsite manufacturing and modern methods of construction we can improve quality, productivity and efficiency.
Social value
Social value is all about making a positive change in our communities, something we've been committed to from the start.
Building Technology
We transform environments using technology, innovation and next level engineering to drive efficiency and sustainability.
Adapt Zero
Our innovative ‘Adapt Zero’ model of school construction is changing the way we build schools.
Major Projects
The newly established Major Projects Division stands as a testament to our commitment to ‘Empowering Tomorrow’
Supporting society
We take our role in society very seriously and strive to help enrich the communities we work in, by generating social value across all our activities.
This includes programmes such as educating young people about careers in the built environment, or mentoring small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as contributing to local charities and good causes.
Optimised construction
Construction isn’t just about the materials we use, it’s also about exploiting modern techniques to give our customers the best experience.
Using optimised construction, we can improve efficiency, provide better value for money and save you time. More importantly this approach helps to create a safer working environment for everyone.
Sustainable supply chains
Having sustainable supply chains is more important than ever. We are not just committed to our own sustainability journey but also to helping our suppliers meet their own environmental targets.
We are focused on reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions from the materials we use such as concrete and steel. We also work closely with our suppliers to adopt low and zero carbon alternatives to the products we use.
From commercial to retail, hospitality to healthcare, our projects speak for themselves.
Sandwell Aquatics Centre, Smethwick
Delivering a world class sporting venue and a community legacy. Sandwell Aquatics Centre has been built to host one of the largest international sporting events of 2022.
Sport and Leisure
Marks & Spencer stores fit out
We have been working for Marks & Spencer (M&S) for over 20 years, delivering over 1,000 store refurbishment and fit out projects across the M&S full range of stores, including clothing & home and foodhalls.
Retail and the high street
Life and Mind Building – University of Oxford
The Life & Mind building will be the ‘largest building project ever undertaken’ by the University of Oxford.
Science and Technology
11 and 12 Wellington Place, Leeds
The intention for 11 & 12 Wellington Place was to create two landmark buildings in the heart of Leeds City Centre.
Commercial
Imperial College London
We recently transformed the Sir Michael Uren building at Imperial College London (ICL) over an 11-week programme.
EducationCareers in construction at Wates
Want to be part of our team?
Commercial Administrator
Location: Newmarket
Job Type: Clerical & Administration
Application Deadline: 29-01-2026
We’re looking for a proactive, organised, and curious Commercial Administrator to join our team. This role puts you right where it counts: on-site with our project and commercial teams, supporting the smooth running of construction projects from the ground up.This is a Fixed Term Role (12 months) based at our site in Newmarket, Suffolk where you’ll gain hands-on experience, real-time insight, and a close connection to the people and processes that make our projects happen.ABOUT THE ROLEOur Administrators are a valuable part of our team playing a pivotal role in supporting our day-to-day operations. Ensuring seamless communication between various departments and providing exceptional support to our team members and clients. This role offers an exciting opportunity to be at the heart of our operations, contributing to the smooth running of our projects.As our Commercial Administrator you will: Supporting site teams with records, documentation, drawings and H&S files Preparing valuations, pricing documents and subcontractor communications Attending site meetings, taking minutes, and capturing progress Learning directly from experienced professionals across disciplinesWHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working 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.(*Subject to role…….)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.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
Proposals Manager
Location: Manchester
Job Type: Bid
Application Deadline: 29-01-2026
Wates are seeking a Proposals Manager with the vision, precision, and creativity to craft submissions that don’t just meet expectations—they set new standards. In this pivotal role, you’ll shape compelling narratives that resonate with clients, influence decisions, and drive business growth.If you’re passionate about challenging convention, bringing fresh ideas to the table, and elevating the quality of every bid, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact. Join us and help create tomorrow together.ABOUT THE ROLEAs a Proposals Manager, you’ll be at the heart of our success story. You’ll own the end-to-end proposals process, transforming complex requirements into compelling narratives that showcase our strengths and resonate with our customers. Working hand-in-hand with the Bid Manager, you’ll craft strategies that stand out and submissions that shine.As our Proposals Manager you will: Lead with impact: Drive the proposals process from start to finish, delivering submissions that wow. Shape the story: Edit and enhance content, weaving in win themes and strategic messaging. Collaborate creatively: Work with specialists and designers to elevate every bid. Put the customer first: Ensure every proposal speaks their language and delivers a positive experience. Manage the magic: Oversee designers and agencies to produce high-quality, visually stunning documents. Own the stage: Support interviews and presentations with polished materials and confident rehearsals. Keep improving: Learn from every bid and share best practices across the team. Develop talent: Mentor and inspire those contributing to our proposals.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
Security and Compliance Administrator
Location: Liverpool
Job Type: Clerical & Administration
Application Deadline: 29-01-2026
Are you ready to take on a role where your skills in organization, compliance, and security truly shine? If you’re a tech-savvy Administrator or Compliance Specialist looking to elevate your career, this is your opportunity to join Wates and play a vital role in delivering safe, secure, and successful construction projects.At Wates, we’re not just about construction; we’re about building futures. And right now, we’re looking for a Security and Compliance Administrator to join our team and help us deliver projects with precision, professionalism, and a focus on safety and compliance.Why This Role?This isn’t your everyday compliance role. As our Administrator, you’ll be an integral part of the team, ensuring our projects stay on track, secure, and compliant from the ground up. You’ll work with talented people, solve complex challenges, and play a critical role in making sure our sites are safe and secure for everyone who steps onto them.Your Mission:In this role, you’ll become the go-to expert for all things security, working with project teams and subcontractors to ensure strict adherence to protocols. Here’s what you’ll be diving into:📄 Security Vetting: Make sure every subcontractor is cleared and compliant before they step foot on site.🎤 Security Induction: Design and deliver inductions that keep everyone informed and aligned with security requirements.📋 Order Compliance Champion: Double-check that all subcontractor orders meet security requirements to the letter.🚨 Incident Troubleshooting: Partner with our Construction Incident Manager to handle security issues with efficiency and professionalism.🕵️♂️ Auditing: Lead monthly audits with the Wates and client teams, showcasing your meticulous organizational skills.What’s In It for You?This is your chance to elevate your career and join a company that thrives on innovation, teamwork, and delivering excellence. At Wates, you’ll:✅ Be part of a diverse and supportive team that values your skills and fresh ideas.✅ Gain the chance to work on high-profile projects that shape London’s skyline and beyond.✅ Have access to top-notch development opportunities to grow your expertise and leadership skills.✅ Join a company that’s not afraid to challenge the norm and find smarter ways to work.Other benefits include: 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. (*Subject to role…….) 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 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: Manchester
Job Type: Planning
Application Deadline: 28-01-2026
Wates are looking for a Senior Planner to join our Construction Team where we are focussing on high profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors.If you are passionate about working within a team environment, have proven analytical and planning skills 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 Senior Planners are a valuable part of our business, the focus of this role is to provide an effective and professional planning and programming services for pre-contract and project teams.As our Senior Planner you will:· Instigate and monitor a balanced suite of performance measurement criteria throughout a project’s lifecycle· Ensure proper integration of design and procurement elements of programmes with construction· Produce integrated tender programme and method statement and present proposals to settlement meeting· Change management: review programme effect of changes and advise on EOT issues· Produce schedules as well as obtain and analyse quotes for all time-related preliminariesWHAT 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.
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