major projects

Major Projects
Empowering Tomorrow: Uniting people and Technology for a Future of Innovation

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.

Major Projects

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.

Major 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
Canada Water

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 street
2

Working across both public and private sectors

Major Projects services

CAREERS IN CONSTRUCTION AT WATES

Want to be part of our team?

Building Services Manager MEP

Location: Guildford

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 07-01-2026

Wates Group is seeking an MEP Manager in Guildford. You’ll play a key role on a major residential schemes, delivering high-quality new homes to local communities.This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to projects that make a real difference, while supporting excellence in mechanical and electrical (M&E) services delivery.ABOUT THE ROLEAs an MEP Manager, you will support the operations team by ensuring first-class sustainable M&E performance, while complying with Wates Group’s Operating Framework and corporate policies. Your focus will be on leadership, value creation, and delivering best-in-class building services.As our MEP Manager, you will: Manage the engineering workforce delivering hard M&E services, compliance, and Operating Framework (OF) delivery. Support the planning and delivery of extra works and M&E/fabric-related projects. Monitor the M&E programme alignment with the Wates Residential construction schedule. Organise and lead M&E progress meetings; liaise with operational site teams and external stakeholders. Lead mobilisation of new buildings across a dynamic property portfolio, including due diligence, risk assessments, and dilapidation surveys. Ensure company policies and procedures are consistently applied across the region. We are looking for an experienced and driven professional with proven experience managing MEP projects valued at £15m or more. Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate technical teams. Expertise in building services compliance and health & safety regulations. A proactive approach to problem-solving and stakeholder communication and knowledge of M&E systems in residential construction.WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car 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… 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.To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/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

Regional Commercial Manager

Location: Basingstoke

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 09-01-2026

Wates Group looking for an experienced Regional Commercial Manager to join our Southern Residential business and play a pivotal role in driving commercial excellence across multiple developments. Reporting to the Regional Commercial Director, you’ll lead the commercial function in supporting our work winning activities whilst ensuring robust cost control, accurate forecasting, and strategic procurement to deliver high-quality homes on time and within budget.As a Regional Commercial Manager, you will: Oversee all commercial activities across the region, including cost planning, tendering, and contract management. Develop profit maximisation strategies and ensure they are implemented. Develop the commercial team, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Ensure accurate financial reporting, forecasting, and budgetary control for all projects. Manage and foster customer, supplier and subcontractor relationships to achieve best value. Drive compliance with company policies, health & safety standards, and legal requirements. Contribute to regional strategy, supporting growth and profitability targets.About you: Proven experience in a senior commercial role within residential housebuilding with exposure of £100m+ projects. Able to work at pace whilst maintaining required standards Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams. Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills. Commercially astute with a strategic mindset and attention to detail. Degree-qualified in Quantity Surveying or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).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… 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.To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/

Section Manager

Location: Eastleigh

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 30-12-2025

Wates Group are looking for a Section Manager to join us delivering new homes to local communities in Eastleigh.If you are passionate about the operational aspects of Construction 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 Section Managers are a valuable part of our business, playing a key role ensuring the delivery of the project is achieved within time, budget and to the highest quality.As our Section Manager you will: Keep and maintain records, for area of responsibility i.e. Labour Returns, Daily Diaries, Cube Results, As Built Programmes, and Weekly Project Report. Be accountable for the planning, managing and safe delivery of works. Be familiar with the Construction Phase Plan and ensure that the works in the section/subcontract package comply with the plan, with approved Risk Assessments and Method statements suitable for the task.WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme 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.

IT Project Manager – FTC

Location: Leeds

Job Type: IT Support

Application Deadline: 19-12-2025

The VacancyIT Project Manager – Construction – 12 month FTCAre 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


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