The newly established Major Projects Division stands as a testament to our commitment to ‘Empowering Tomorrow’, by seamlessly integrating the expertise of our people with cutting-edge technology and is poised to redefine the landscape of construction. It embodies a future where collaboration, technology, and ingenuity converge to shape groundbreaking solutions and transformative spaces.

Large-scale, impactful construction projects
Spearheading major, complex projects across the UK, including the impressive A1 development at British Land’s Canada Water site, this ambitious project encompasses the development of three office blocks and a striking 35-storey residential tower. We also commenced works last year on the £450m gigafactory project in Sunderland on behalf of AESC UK.
It showcases our commitment to pioneering large-scale, impactful construction projects.

A culture of continuous growth
Now, having created tomorrow, the focus shifts to the core element of this progress: people.
It’s about harnessing the collective power of individuals within the Wates business, nurturing talent, and fostering a culture of continuous growth.
This shift underscores Wates Group’s holistic approach, where people take centre stage in building not just structures, but a
legacy of excellence!
Discover our Major Projects: One Success Story at a Time
AESC UK – Car Battery Gigafactory, Sunderland
In December 2021, we were appointed alongside Turner & Townsend by AESC UK, to lead the construction of its advanced car battery gigafactory at the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP).
Industrial
Regenerating Canada Water
Our 53 acre Canada Water development will be the first new town centre in London for 50 years.
Retail and the high streetWorking across both public and private sectors
Major Projects services
Construction
We are passionate about building a better tomorrow for everybody, through the work we do and the social value we bring to projects.
Engineering
We provide high quality engineering services for the built environment sector including mechanical, electrical and plumbing.
Building Technology
We transform environments using technology, innovation and next level engineering to drive efficiency and sustainability.
Offsite Manufacturing
Using offsite manufacturing and modern methods of construction we can improve quality, productivity and efficiency.
Latest Major Projects insight
CAREERS IN CONSTRUCTION AT WATES
Want to be part of our team?
Assistant Framework Manager
Location: London NW1
Job Type: Bid
Application Deadline: 10-02-2026
Wates are offering an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious Assistant Framework Manager to play a key role in driving the success of our strategic frameworks. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, enjoys building strong relationships, and is energised by the challenge of delivering consistently high performance across multiple workstreams.As an integral part of our framework team, you’ll support the smooth day‑to‑day running of key frameworks — from governance and performance reporting through to client engagement and re‑bid activity. This is a role where curiosity, collaboration, and a proactive mindset will be genuinely valued.What You’ll Be Doing:In this role, you will contribute to shaping the success of our frameworks by: Developing smart, insightful performance tools Creating dashboards and reporting systems that track project and framework performance, spotlight opportunities for improvement, and support data‑driven decision‑making. Supporting strategic framework wins Getting involved in win plans, prequalification activity, and bid execution to help secure the frameworks that underpin our future growth. Driving sector and strategy insights Supporting research that strengthens our framework and sector strategies and ensures we’re always one step ahead. Building trusted relationships Working closely with framework teams and clients to maintain strong, dependable partnerships. Championing framework governance Helping ensure commitments, objectives, and delivery standards are met consistently and effectively. Contributing to marketing and PR efforts Supporting activities that enhance client retention and promote the strength of our offer. Sharing best practice across teams Bringing innovation, sector knowledge, and fresh thinking into our bid teams to elevate our collective performance. 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
Head of Sustainability – Construction
Location: Nationwide
Job Type: SHEQ
Application Deadline: 30-01-2026
Head of Sustainability – Construction DivisionLocation: UK – flexible national role • Contract: Permanent • Reports to: UK Operations DirectorCreate measurable environmental and social impact at scale.We’re looking for a strategic, commercially minded Head of Sustainability to shape and deliver an industry‑leading sustainability strategy for Wates Construction. You’ll put excellent environmental performance and social value at the heart of how we win and deliver work – helping us achieve our 2030 and 2045 ambitions while creating real value for customers, communities and our business.What you’ll do Set the direction & deliver outcomes. Lead the FY26 Certainty of Outcome plan across five themes -Climate, Nature, Responsible Construction, Circularity and Social Value -turning strategy into visible results on live projects. Lead and grow a high‑performing team. Inspire and develop a multi‑disciplinary sustainability & social value team (c. 26 colleagues) and champion inclusive, purpose‑driven leadership across the division. Win work with sustainability. Re‑set market perceptions with a compelling offer; equip business development and BU leadership with data, tools and stories that differentiate Wates and drive profitable growth. Raise the bar on compliance & data. Anticipate risk using leading indicators, strengthen lag‑indicator learning, and ensure sustainability data is robust, timely and decision‑ready. Advise at Board level. Provide sharp analysis, clear recommendations and thought leadership that steer investment, innovation and delivery across the Construction division. Engage and influence. Build momentum internally and externally -bringing customers, partners and the supply chain with us through evidence‑led storytelling and collaborative delivery.What you’ll bring Deep domain expertise in construction‑sector sustainability (environmental and social), ESG or environmental management -combining technical credibility with commercial acumen. Proven strategic leadership -setting vision, building capability, and delivering measurable outcomes across complex programmes. Hands‑on technical fluency (e.g., carbon management, resource efficiency/circularity, nature/biodiversity, responsible construction, social value). Excellent communication -from board‑level insight and tender presentations to mentoring and capability building across teams. Qualifications (ideal): Bachelor’s in a related field; a Master’s (e.g., Environmental Management/MBA/CISL) is an advantage. Professional credentials (e.g., ISO 14001, ISSP‑CSP) and familiarity with frameworks such as GRI, UK SRS, UK TOMS and carbon accounting tools are beneficial.Why Wates ConstructionYou’ll join a business committed to delivering places that are better for people and the planet -where sustainability is integral to strategy, not a side‑project. Expect the autonomy to innovate, the platform to influence, and the support of leaders who want to make a difference.What we offerCompetitive salary + car allowance/benefits + bonusFlexible/hybrid working and family‑friendly policiesOngoing professional development and chartership supportAn inclusive culture that values diversity, wellbeing and growthReady to lead real change?Apply now via our careers page.
Site Manager
Location: Thetford
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 10-02-2026
Wates are looking for a Site Manager to join our Construction team, focussing on high profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors.If you are passionate about the construction industry with proven skills and 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 Site Managers are a valuable part of our business, driving quality outcomes and achieving the highest standards of safety, health, and environmental controls. Our Site Manager work collaboratively with our Project Managers to ensure the completion of the project to the highest standard.As our Site Manager you will:· Implement Wates Operating framework and be committed to achieving Zero Harm on our Construction sites· Undertake all Quality management in accordance with the Project Quality Plan.· Plan and manage the works to achieve the construction programme key milestones and completion dates with the use of collaborative planning sessions with the supply chain· Review and understand all design pertinent to the section of worksWHAT 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 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
Temporary Works Advisor
Location: Nationwide
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 10-02-2026
Are you passionate about making construction safer, smarter and more compliant? We’re on the lookout for a proactive and knowledgeable Temporary Works Advisor to join our team and support sites across the Northern region.This is a brilliant opportunity to play a key role in ensuring our temporary works processes are not only followed, but continuously improved. You’ll be the go-to person for site teams, helping them navigate procedures, audits, and best practice with confidence.ABOUT THE ROLEOur Temporary Works Advisors are a vital part of our delivery teams. You’ll bring foresight and best practice to every site you support, helping teams navigate complex procedures while maintaining high standards of safety and buildability. Alongside this, you’ll play a key role in developing and mentoring others, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaborative working across our projects.As our Temporary Works Advisor you will be: Carrying out weekly site inspections and compliance audits, using our standardised reporting templates. Supporting preconstruction planning by ensuring TW toolkits and registers are in place and appointments made before work begins. Providing on-site guidance and training to PCTWCs and TWSs to help them meet compliance standards. Championing health & safety and collaborating with our SHE team to share knowledge and drive improvements. Helping us digitally integrate our TW procedures into new systems for smarter working. Feeding back insights and lessons learned to improve our TW processes across the board.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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