Communications and Marketing Business Partner

The Vacancy

Wates Smartspace is a trusted nationwide partner delivering high-quality fit-out and refurbishment solutions across financial services, retail, commercial offices and the public sector. Part of the Wates Group, we combine deep sector expertise with a strong commitment to safety, sustainability and people.

We are looking for an experienced Communications and Marketing Business Partner to join Wates Smartspace on a 12‑month fixed-term contract, providing maternity cover. This role is part‑time, working 3 days per week.

The role plays a pivotal part in shaping and delivering strategic communications, marketing and PR activity for Wates Smartspace. Working closely with senior leaders, pre‑construction teams and the wider communications and marketing function, you will lead integrated campaigns that build brand visibility, strengthen stakeholder engagement and directly support work winning across the UK.

This is a hands-on, strategic role that blends external marketing and PR with impactful internal communications — ideal for someone who enjoys operating in a fast-paced, matrix organisation.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Leading external communications, PR and crisis communications, including media relations, press releases, events, website and social media content
• Developing and delivering marketing campaigns that support business development, bids and work-winning activity
• Creating compelling content and marketing materials that position Wates Smartspace as a market leader
• Measuring and analysing campaign performance to optimise results and demonstrate impact
• Delivering high-quality employee communications, including newsletters, leadership briefings and internal events
• Supporting live construction projects, attending site visits and promoting key milestones through PR, awards, events and digital channels
• Building strong relationships with senior leaders, project teams and customer stakeholders

You’ll be a confident communications and marketing professional with strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.

YOU WILL BRING:

• Broad knowledge of communications, marketing and PR channels, audiences and messaging strategies
• Experience of employee engagement and internal communications
• A strong understanding of branding, positioning and integrated marketing campaigns
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, engaging content
• Confidence influencing and collaborating with senior leaders and cross‑functional teams
• A proactive, adaptable and professional approach, with sound judgment and integrity

A degree (or equivalent experience) in marketing, communications, journalism, PR or a related discipline is an advantage.

WHY JOIN US:

• A high-profile role with real impact across the business
• Exposure to major UK projects and senior stakeholders
• A collaborative, values-led culture within the Wates Group
• The opportunity to shape and deliver meaningful communications during a critical period

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 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

Work for Wates

Wates is one of the UK’s leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance companies.  Founded over 125 years ago, we have a proud legacy in the built environment.

We are driven by our purpose, ‘reimagining places for people to thrive’ and our three promises:

• Thriving places – working with customers, partners and communities to create places that are more sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity.
• Thriving planet – protecting nature and taking action on climate change by collaborating and innovating with our partners.
• Thriving people – creating opportunities and relationships so that everyone who works for and with us feels included, invested in and treated with care.

We are proud to be recognised as Gold Investors in People and as a Disability Confident employer.  We also ensure that our recruitment processes do not treat anyone less favourably due to an offending background.