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?

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. 

Senior Design Manager

Location: Birmingham

Job Type: Design

Application Deadline: 16-05-2025

At Wates, we don’t just construct buildings—we craft places with meaning, impact, and innovation at their core. Now, we're looking for a Senior Design Manager to join our team in Birmingham and help shape some of the most high-profile, technically ambitious projects in the city.If you're the kind of person who sees possibility where others see limitations—who thrives in complexity, and leads with creativity and clarity—then this is your moment.Why This Role? As a Senior Design Manager, you're a strategic force, turning vision into reality, balancing creativity with constructability, and driving design excellence at every turn.You’ll be the glue between imagination and execution—where the boldest ideas meet the practical brilliance of delivery.What You’ll Be Doing Rethink the ordinary. Challenge the status quo of design and construction. Lead from the front. Own the design programme, working with consultants, commercial and ops teams to deliver beautiful, buildable, and budget-conscious outcomes. Spot the hidden potential. Identify design risks and turn them into opportunities that unlock value and elevate outcomes. Create cohesion. Align stakeholders, drive workshops, and champion coordination from concept to completion. Be the spark. Bring fresh thinking, elevate others, and leave a lasting mark on every project you touch. Ensure compliance. Act as a competent professional under the Building Safety Act, signing off project components with full accountability for safety and regulatory alignment.What You’ll Bring A passion for design that goes beyond aesthetics—you see how it lives, breathes, and functions in the real world Proven experience managing complex design processes on major construction projects A collaborative mindset and a sharp eye for detail, quality, and innovation The confidence to challenge, the curiosity to ask “what if?”, and the skills to turn ideas into impactWhat 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 an Enhanced and Barred Lists 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 Planner

Location: Newmarket

Job Type: Planning

Application Deadline: 16-05-2025

Wates Construction are looking for a Senior Planner to join our team in Suffolk, delivering high-profile, technically complex projects.We’re looking for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment, brings sharp analytical thinking and proven planning expertise, and is eager to challenge the norm with innovative solutions. If you're ready to make an impact and push boundaries in your planning career, we’d love to hear from you.ABOUT THE ROLEOur Senior 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 preliminariesWHAT 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

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