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, 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?
Senior Planner
Location: London
Job Type: Planning
Application Deadline: 21-03-2026
Wates Construction is seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Senior Planner to deliver a professional, reliable and innovative planning service across pre‑contract and live project environments. This is a key opportunity to influence major projects and support the continued growth of our Business Unit.About the RoleAs a Senior Planner, you will lead the planning function on major projects or a portfolio of smaller schemes, working from pre‑qualification through to handover.Collaborating closely with the Planning Manager, Project Directors, Bid Centre teams and planning peers to drive best practice, ensure robust programme governance and enhance planning capability across the Business Unit.Your responsibilities will include:Staff & Management Identifying planning resourcing needs and supporting recruitment and development activity. Mentoring and motivating junior planners, delivering training and completing PDRs. Maintaining high-quality planning outputs for project teams. Leading planning responsibilities on complex or large-scale schemes, including supervision of other planners.Governance Implementing best practice and sharing knowledge across the planning discipline. Exploring innovation in construction or planning techniques. Leading peer reviews and programme audits.Business Reporting Reporting audit outcomes and recommending corrective measures. Contributing to business-wide operational and planning reports.Operational Delivery Preparing or contributing to detailed project reports. Establishing KPIs and monitoring performance across a project’s lifecycle. Supporting non-planning colleagues with programme-related training. Maintaining accurate as‑built programmes and programme issue logs. Managing supply chain programme protocols, approvals and integration. Supporting change management, including programme impact and EOT assessments. Ensuring seamless integration of design, procurement and construction sequences. Reviewing programmes produced by junior planners and supporting short‑term or target programmes.Bidding Providing construction methodology advice to clients and consultants. Supporting pre‑qualification submissions. Producing integrated tender programmes and method statements and presenting proposals at settlement. Preparing schedules and analysing quotes for time‑related preliminaries.What We’re Looking for in YouWe’re looking for an experienced Senior Planner who combines technical expertise, leadership capability and a collaborative approach.You will bring: Substantial construction planning experience, ideally gained with a main contractor. Advanced experience using Asta Powerproject and a strong understanding of JCT contract mechanisms, including change management and EOT assessment. Experience planning tenders, including supporting bid strategies, methodology, sequencing and producing high‑quality tender programmes. Experience planning for Schools, Colleges, or Universities, or strong transferable experience from similarly complex, multi‑stakeholder project types. Proven ability to mentor junior colleagues and promote continuous improvement. Strong analytical and programme-reporting capability, with excellent attention to detail. The confidence to challenge assumptions, influence decision-making and propose innovative planning solutions.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.
Senior Design Manager
Location: East Anglia
Job Type: Design
Application Deadline: 18-03-2026
Wates Construction is seeking a highly capable Senior Design Manager to lead design delivery for a major new-build scheme at the Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, CambridgeThe £85m development includes 83 residential units, 4,744 sqm of mixed‑use floorspace and associated works.Joining at the conclusion of the PCSA stage, you will drive the project through design finalisation and full delivery onsite. You’ll lead an existing Design Manager and Document Controller, reporting to the Regional Principal Design Manager and operating from our Wellcome Trust, Hinxton and Waterbeach offices.About the RoleThis role provides strategic design leadership from preconstruction through to completion, focusing on RIBA Stages 3–6. You will ensure coordinated, timely design information from consultants and CDP partners, manage design risks and opportunities, lead value engineering and maintain strong client-facing communication.We are looking for an SDM with at least 10 years’ experience working for main contractors on the delivery of complex projects. Residential or leisure experience is highly desirable.You’ll ideally be based within 60 to 90 minutes travel of Cambridge and be comfortable being site or office based five days a week (one day remote possible by agreement).As the Senior Design Manager, You WillLead the Design Process Manage design delivery across RIBA Stages 3 to 6 to programme. Coordinate consultants, Principal Designers and supply chain (including CDP). Identify and communicate design risks, proposing solutions and alternatives. Support and develop Contractor’s Proposals and VE activities.Engage Clients and Stakeholders Represent Wates professionally and build strong working relationships. Review Employer’s Requirements, identifying risks and opportunities. Champion Wates’ “Designing the Promise” approach.Manage Designers and Documentation Prepare scopes, DRMs, design programmes and MIRS. Lead regular design team meetings and track performance through KPIs.Support Bids Contribute written content for ITTs and support project win strategies.Drive Safety, Compliance and Sustainability Promote Zero Harm and ensure compliance with Building Regulations, CDM 2015 and statutory requirements. Encourage sustainable, buildable and cost‑effective design solutions.Manage Fees and People Oversee consultant fee budgets and invoice processes. Lead and mentor the Design Manager and Document Controller.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/
Senior Digital Construction Manager
Location: East Anglia
Job Type: BIM
Application Deadline: 17-03-2026
Wates are looking for a Senior Digital Construction Manager to join our construction team in Construction SouthAre you passionate about transforming the construction industry through digital innovation? As our new Senior Digital Construction Manager, you'll play a key role in shaping how we deliver projects through digital tools and technologies, ensuring compliance with industry standards whilst delivering on our clients digital requirements. If you are a Digital Construction Manager with proven technical skills looking for an opportunity to challenge the norm, bring fresh new ideas and elevate yourself within the industry or a Senior Digital Construction Manager looking for a fresh new challenge 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 ROLE Our Senior Digital Construction Managers are a valuable part of our business. In this role, you will be at the forefront of our digital transformation efforts, leveraging advanced technologies to enhance project delivery, improve efficiency, and drive industry-leading practices. You will work closely with project teams, stakeholders, and technology partners to implement and manage digital construction processes across our portfolio of projects. As our Senior Digital Construction Manager, you will: Lead the digital construction strategy across multiple projects. Lead the implementation of digital strategies and ISO 19650 standards across projects, ensuring consistency in information management Contribute / Lead aspects of our ISO 19650 audit process through presentation of project execution Be responsible for development, coaching and mentoring of the regional Digital Construction team. Oversee the implementation and management of BIM and Digital Construction processes. Collaborate with project teams to integrate digital solutions into planning, design, and construction phases. Support the bid teams with digital expertise, ensuring our capabilities are effectively communicated to clients during PQQs and ITT tender submissions. Provide training and support to project teams on digital tools and methodologies. Work closely with clients, stakeholders, and subcontractors to ensure seamless communication and project execution. Analyse project data to improve workflows and drive innovation. Be responsible for ensuring Exchange Information Requirements and Asset Information Requirements are responded to and delivered across relevant project(s) Be responsible for providing case studies relating to the projects across the region Ensure supply chain capabilities assessments are completed scored for the project Oversee consistent use of the BIM Execution Plan and other documents that have been produced for the project(s)What are we looking for? Relevant BIM Qualifications/Courses Experience implementing BIM within the construction industry. Proficient in the use Revit, Navisworks, Solibri, Viewpoint 4 Projects and COBie Preferable to have knowledge of Morta, Dalux and Power BI. A confident communicator An excellent understanding of ISO 19650 standards IFC and COBie Enthusiastic about using new technologies You bring fresh ideas and enjoy supporting others to develop their skills and capabilitiesWHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & Bonus 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/
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