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?

Senior Surveyor

Location: Market Harborough

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 23-05-2025

Wates are looking for a Senior Surveyor to join our construction team in Leicestershire focussing on high profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors.If you are passionate about the commercial 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 Senior Surveyors are a valuable part of our business, where they lead the team on a project or cluster of packages having full accountability for the development and implementation of all pre and post contract strategies, commercial functions and contract reporting. Senior Surveyors take the lead; working collaboratively with our customers and industry specialists with a firm focus on added value, compliance, commercial viability, and best practice.As our Senior Surveyor you will:· Manage the project commercial team ensuring all Wates Main Contract obligations are met and process obligations are complete with particular reference to Procurement, Sub-contract orders, Managing Supply Chain, Measurements and Valuations, Contractual Notices and Valuing Change· Complete and submit Monthly Cost Reports, Procurement Strategy Updates and Internal/External Progress Reports alongside developing and implementing internal and external tender stage and delivery strategies· Agree external valuations upstream/downstream to maintain a positive project cashflow and produce and agree main and subcontract final accountsWHAT 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

Senior Quantity Surveyor

Location: Newmarket

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 15-05-2025

Are you a forward-thinking Surveyor with a passion for challenging the norm and driving innovation in the construction industry? Wates invites you to become part of our team, where we deliver high-profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors. This is your opportunity to make a real impact, elevate your career, and work on groundbreaking projects with a supportive and diverse team.Why Choose Wates?At Wates, we reimagine places for people to thrive. We’re not just offering a job; we’re offering a platform for you to bring fresh ideas, redefine standards, and grow within a company that values talent and ambition. Our inclusive environment encourages collaboration and innovation, ensuring that your contributions will shape the future of construction.What You’ll Do:As a Senior Quantity Surveyor at Wates, you will play a pivotal role in the success of our projects by leading the commercial aspects and ensuring their seamless execution. Your responsibilities will include: Leadership & Strategy: Managing the project’s commercial team and taking accountability for all pre- and post-contract strategies, commercial functions, and contract reporting. Value Creation: Collaborating with clients and industry experts to deliver added value, ensure compliance, and uphold best practices while driving commercial viability. Key Deliverables: Oversee procurement strategies, sub-contract orders, and supply chain management. Handle measurements, valuations, contractual notices, and change valuations. Complete and submit monthly cost reports, progress updates, and both internal and external tender strategies. Financial Oversight: Maintain positive project cash flow through upstream/downstream valuations and deliver accurate final accounts for main and sub-contracts. What’s in It for You? · 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. Ready to Build the Future?If you’re ready to redefine what’s possible in construction and take your career to the next level, we want to hear from you. Join Wates, and together, let’s create tomorrow.Apply Now to Make Your Mark!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

Quantity Surveyor

Location: Manchester

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 20-05-2025

Wates are on the lookout for a Quantity Surveyor to join our forward-thinking construction team in the West. We’re talking high-profile, technically challenging projects across multiple sectors—projects that demand fresh thinking, sharp commercial instincts, and a drive to make a real impact.If you live and breathe construction and you’re hungry to step up, shake things up, and shape the future of the built environment—this is your moment.Why join Wates?Because we don’t just build projects—we build careers. You’ll be part of a collaborative, talented, and supportive team that celebrates new ideas and puts people first. Whether you’re from Liverpool, Manchester, or anywhere in between, we’ll help you rise—on your terms.What you'll be doingAs a Site Surveyor, you’ll be a key player—owning your work packages, driving commercial performance, and influencing how our most ambitious projects come to life. You’ll be trusted to take the lead, solve problems, and work closely with everyone from clients to supply chain partners.Your day-to-day will include: Developing smart commercial strategies and managing your own subcontract packages Maximising cashflow through effective cost control and negotiations Supporting procurement strategies, leading tender processes, and producing subcontract orders Working closely with our Commercial Lead to shape final accounts and keep everything aligned to best practice 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 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 #QS

Senior Planner

Location: Sunderland

Job Type: Planning

Application Deadline: 19-05-2025

Wates Construction are looking for a Senior Planner to join our Major Projects Construction Team in Sunderland where we are focussing on high profile, technically complex industrial project. 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 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 preliminaries 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, 8 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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