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 Framework Manager

Location: London NW1

Job Type: Bid

Application Deadline: 15-08-2025

About the RoleAre you a strategic thinker with a passion for public sector frameworks? We're looking for a Senior Framework Manager to lead high-impact bidding strategies and drive performance across strategic public sector frameworks. This is a pivotal role within our specialist Public Sector Team, offering the opportunity to shape national infrastructure and build lasting client relationships.Key Responsibilities Framework Strategy & Bidding : Lead framework strategy and support bids for national and regional frameworks, crafting win plans and executing submissions to secure placements. Framework Management: lead engagement with Frameworks to gain early identification of pipeline opportunities and support operational divisions to select suitable projects. Client Engagement: Build and maintain trusted relationships with framework teams and participating clients, ensuring consistent delivery and satisfaction. Governance & Performance: Oversee framework governance, monitor KPIs, and act on trends to drive continuous improvement. Collaboration & Leadership: Work closely with operational divisions and lead cross-functional teams to deliver framework objectives. Thought Leadership: Represent the business at regional and national levels, contributing to presentations, briefings, and published articles.What You’ll Bring Proven experience in public sector bidding and framework management, ideally within the construction or property sector. Degree-level qualification or equivalent vocational experience. Exceptional communication, influencing, and problem-solving skills. A collaborative mindset with a drive for innovation and continuous improvement. Strong understanding of government departments and sector-specific policy issues (e.g. MOJ, MOD, HMRC, GPA, DFE, DOH).Financial & People Leadership Contribute to annual revenue targets and maintain accurate pipeline reporting. Lead and develop team members, ensuring clarity of roles and accountability. Influence resourcing across bidding and work-winning teams. Contribute to the business activity of the Public Sector TeamOur Values Care: For performance, the environment, and communities. Fairness: Inclusive, respectful, and transparent. Innovation: Always looking for a better way to deliver excellence.Why Join Us?This is more than a management role—it's a chance to shape the future of public sector delivery. You'll be part of a dynamic team, with opportunities to support other sectors and frameworks, and make a real impact at local, regional, and national levels.This role can be based nationally but there will be a requirement to be in the London Office 2/3 days a week.WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share 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. To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/

Administrator

Location: North West

Job Type: Clerical & Administration

Application Deadline: 28-08-2025

Wates are on the lookout for a Site Administrator to join our Team in the North West. From high-profile builds to technically ambitious ventures across a range of sectors, this is your chance to be part of something big.We do more than just build – we challenge, we innovate, and we grow together. If you're bursting with ideas, ready to push boundaries, and keen to thrive in an environment where no two days are the same, we want to hear from you.The role will begin in our offices in Manchester before moving to site later this year.About the role:As our Site Administrator, you'll be the key to our success – keeping things running smoothly, efficiently, and to the highest standard. Think of yourself as the go-to support for our site teams, helping shape iconic projects from the ground up.Responsibilities will include: Supporting engineering and site teams with seamless admin coordination Keeping the wheels turning with day-to-day office duties and project support Auditing, maintaining and training teams on key systems – raising the bar across every site Promoting safety and compliance every step of the way 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 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 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

Assistant Quantity Surveyor

Location: Romford

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 28-08-2025

Are you ready to take your career to the next level in a role that combines challenge, growth and impact? We’re looking for an Assistant Quantity Surveyor to join our London region to help build new communities for people to thrive.As an Assistant Quantity Surveyor, you’ll support the commercial team in managing costs and contracts across a range of exciting projects. You’ll work closely with Site Surveyors, Project Surveyors and Operational staff to ensure financial efficiency and compliance throughout the project lifecycle.As an Assistant Quantity Surveyor, you will: Assist in the preparation of cost estimates, budgets, and tender documents. Support the management of subcontractor accounts and valuations. Monitor project costs and provide regular financial reports. Help ensure compliance with contractual obligations and company procedures. Participate in site visits and meetings to gather data and support decision-making. Maintain accurate records and documentation. Regularly undertake site safety checks.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/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

Assistant Quantity Surveyor

Location: Harrow

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 28-08-2025

Are you ready to take your career to the next level in a role that combines challenge, growth and impact? We’re looking for an Assistant Quantity Surveyor to join our London region to help build new communities for people to thrive.As an Assistant Quantity Surveyor, you’ll support the commercial team in managing costs and contracts across a range of exciting projects. You’ll work closely with Site Surveyors, Project Surveyors and Operational staff to ensure financial efficiency and compliance throughout the project lifecycle.As an Assistant Quantity Surveyor, you will: Assist in the preparation of cost estimates, budgets, and tender documents. Support the management of subcontractor accounts and valuations. Monitor project costs and provide regular financial reports. Help ensure compliance with contractual obligations and company procedures. Participate in site visits and meetings to gather data and support decision-making. Maintain accurate records and documentation. Regularly undertake site safety checks.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/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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