Construction

We are a major construction contractor working across the public and private sector

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.

£3.63bn

order book (2024)

£1.27bn

Turnover

312

projects under construction (2024)

Working in both public and private sectors

Our approach

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

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
We collaborate with our customers, working on sustainable, innovative designs that transform retail spaces

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
Oxford university life and mind building

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
Wellington Place high quality commercial office development in Leeds

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

Imperial College London

We recently transformed the Sir Michael Uren building at Imperial College London (ICL) over an 11-week programme.

Education
5


Careers in construction at Wates

Want to be part of our team?

IT project manager

Location: London, North West

Job Type: IT Infrastructure

Application Deadline: 01-12-2025

IT Project Manager – Construction Are you a dynamic and experienced Project Manager looking to make an impact in IT within the construction industry? We are seeking a skilled professional to join our IT Construction Team, where you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering innovative IT projects that drive business transformation.As an IT Project Manager, you’ll oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of projects across the Construction Group. You will establish project structures, lead diverse teams, manage risks, and ensure project outputs meet agreed-upon timelines, budgets, and quality standards.This is a fantastic opportunity to combine your project management expertise, IT knowledge, and business acumen to drive successful project outcomes while working with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.Job Role Project Planning & Delivery: Define and agree on project scope, deliverables, timelines, and cost criteria to ensure alignment with business goals. Develop project structures, roles, and teams for efficient delivery. Monitoring & Reporting: Plan, manage, and track project progress, ensuring outputs are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Produce regular reports to keep stakeholders informed and ensure governance compliance. Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders to achieve project objectives. Clarify business needs and ensure teams are prepared and resourced for change implementation. Risk & Issue Management: Identify, assess, and manage risks and issues effectively, taking a proactive approach to problem resolution. Team Leadership: Lead, guide, and coach project teams to deliver high-quality work that aligns with the project plan and business requirements. Experience Project Management Expertise: Proven experience managing projects using both Waterfall and Agile methodologies. Deep understanding of project management principles and best practices. A track record of delivering diverse technical and business solutions across varying scales. Organisational Skills: Exceptional ability to manage conflicting demands, maintain attention to detail, and juggle multiple priorities effectively. Technical & Analytical Skills: Knowledge of Microsoft Project to an intermediate level. Experience in Business Analysis as part of a broader PM role. Leadership & Communication: Strong stakeholder management skills, able to work across multiple projects and teams. A self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes ownership of their projects. Qualifications Essential: Experience as a Project Manager. Certifications such as Prince2 Practitioner, PMI, or MSP. Preferred: Experience in the construction industry is advantageous. Familiarity with managing the full lifecycle of business application projects. WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & bonus Flexible working – this role will be based in the Leeds office two days a week. 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, 8 weeks fully paid paternity. 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

Personal Assistant

Location: London NW1

Job Type: Clerical & Administration

Application Deadline: 27-11-2025

Personal Assistant to the Executive Managing Director – Construction DivisionAre you an exceptional organiser with a passion for making things happen behind the scenes? Join us as an office based Personal Assistant to our Executive Managing Director and play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth running of our Construction division.Key Responsibilities: Manage a complex diary, ensuring efficient scheduling and prioritisation. Handle incoming calls and emails with professionalism and discretion. Anticipate needs, take ownership of tasks, and deliver on requests proactively. Organise travel arrangements and itineraries, and on occasion travel. Take accurate minutes during meetings and distribute promptly. Prepare, edit, and format correspondence, reports, and presentations. Collate and submit expenses in a timely manner.About You: Proven experience as a Personal Assistant supporting at C-suite. Highly organised with excellent attention to detail. Strong communication skills with tact and diplomacy when liaising with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to manage multiple priorities and ensure smooth diary coordination. Confident in using Microsoft Office and other relevant tools.Ready to make an impact? Apply now by clicking on the link below, and we look forward to hearing from you! Our Offices are based in NW1, and we offer a range of benefits including Pension, and Healthcare.

Document Control Manager

Location: Rugby

Job Type: Document Control

Application Deadline: 04-12-2025

Are you a dynamic and innovative professional with a passion for document management in the construction industry?Wates are seeking a Document Control Manager to join our team and lead high-profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors. This role offers a unique opportunity to challenge the norm, bring fresh ideas, and elevate your career within a supportive and diverse team. If you are ready to make a significant impact and help shape the future of construction, we want to hear from you.ABOUT THE ROLEOur Document Control Managers are a valuable part of our team, playing a crucial role in the delivery and management of Digital Information and Data throughout all project phases. They ensure compliance with Wates’ and industry-recognised information standards, such as ISO 19650. This includes managing information and data quality checks, implementing and administering Common Data Environments (CDE), establishing and monitoring information exchange processes, and supporting the maintenance of a "Golden Thread" of information. They also coordinate information management activities with various functions within Wates.As our Document Control Manager, you will: Produce and communicate project information and data status reports sourced from various repositories, such as CDE data, model data, and information requirement data. Establish, monitor, and supervise information exchange processes, including file naming protocols in line with the required information standards (such as ISO 19650). Serve as the point of contact for ongoing CDE and information management project support, including third parties such as suppliers, consultants, and clients.In this role, you will be at the forefront of driving innovation and ensuring that our projects are delivered on time and within budget. You will leverage your expertise in information management to enhance project efficiency, minimize delays, and reduce risks. By promoting transparency and collaboration, you will help us achieve exceptional outcomes and maintain a competitive edge in the industryWHAT 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.(*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

Project Manager

Location: West Midlands

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 04-12-2025

Wates are looking for a Project Manager to join our construction team.If you are Project Manager with proven technical skills 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 Managers are a valuable part of our business, the focus of this role will be to provide visible leadership, insight, direction and foresight in the safe and profitable delivery of schemes, while also providing excellent customer satisfaction and successfully develop a team.As our Project Manager you will:· Develop, control, and ensure delivery against the project budgets including profit, preliminaries and procurements. Implement detailed programmes and schedules which allow accurate monitoring and reporting of progress· 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.· Implement and manage the development of the Project Quality Plan, Trade Quality Plans, and Defect rectification procedures· Ensure there is a successful and smooth handover of the project, including support to customer/ end user throughout the handover process.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

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