About Us

Design Manager

Wates are looking for a Design Manager to join our Construction Team focussing on high profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors. If you are passionate about design, working within a team environment and with proven technical skills 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 ROLE Our Design Managers are a valuable part of our business, driving quality outcomes, enhancing buildability and fostering innovation. Design Managers work collaboratively with our industry specialists and in-house technical experts to ensure that the design develops in accordance with the brief with a firm focus on added value, compliance, commercial viability, and best practice. As our Design Manager you will: Work with all relevant parties, to produce and manage a realistic design programme and information required schedule to facilitate design, procurement and construction activities Support the implementation of Continuous Improvement initiatives and innovation Ensure the design has been reviewed and verified to achieve compliance and mitigate Health and Safety, design and buildability issues prior to construction and identify key risks and opportunities at each stage of the design and delivery process. 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

Senior Design Manager

We’re not just building projects – we’re shaping skylines, redefining spaces, and creating environments that inspire. Now, we’re looking for a Senior Design Manager to join our Construction Team and lead the charge on high-profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors.If you’re someone who loves turning bold ideas into reality and has has the technical expertise to challenge convention and raise the bar then this is your moment. Bring your creativity, your vision, and your ambition – and let’s create tomorrow togetherAt Wates, you’ll find a supportive, diverse team and the freedom to push boundaries, innovate, and grow your career to new heights.ABOUT THE ROLE Our Senior Design Managers are a valuable part of our business, driving quality outcomes, enhancing buildability and fostering innovation. Senior Design Managers work collaboratively with our customers and industry specialists to ensure that the design develops in accordance with the brief with a firm focus on added value, compliance, commercial viability, and best practice. As our Senior Design Manager, you will: Review the current design of all projects and undertake detailed risk and opportunities appraisal to mitigating risk, enhance buildability and add value prior to construction phase In collaboration with the project team, Lead Designer and Consultant Team, produce and manage a realistic design programme and information required schedule, to satisfy design, procurement, and construction requirements. Work closely with the Commercial and Operations Teams to ensure all design deliverables are fully coordinated, buildable and within budget. Contribute to technical workshops, value management exercises as required to align expectations in this respect 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

Apprentice Planner – Level 3

Ready to take the next step in your career and join a supportive, collaborative team where everyone can thrive?About usSES Engineering Services (SES) is recognised as one of the leading M&E partners in the UK. Specialising in the design and installation of building services and infrastructure solutions, SES covers all aspects of M&E engineering.About the roleWe have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as an Apprentice Planner. This role will give you the experience of working on a busy construction site as well as studying on a day release basis to achieve a level 3 apprenticeship qualification. Capturing the knowledge and experience of various disciplines within the building services industry to learn and understand the role as a planner, your daily tasks will include, but not limited to communicating with colleagues and producing & updating project schedules, collating progress of mechanical & electrical systems, site visits to gain understanding of systems and assisting the planning team with daily planning tasks.Your Responsibilities As an Apprentice Planner you will support the planning team with planning tasks and support other disciplines such as design & operations.Responsibilities include but are not limited to the below Contribute to the development of fully integrated programmes for all project phases, including pre-commencement, design, procurement, IRS, installation, commissioning, handover, and seasonal activities. Work closely with project teams to help prepare and share progress reports, progress percentages, and programmes, ensuring alignment with SES best practice, company procedures, and project requirements for effective management and commercial protection. Support the planner in establishing and monitoring a balanced set of performance measurement criteria throughout the project lifecycle, including key performance indicators, milestone management, and trend analysis. Assist in integrating design and procurement elements with construction activities to promote seamless project delivery. Collaborate with the planner and bid team to help produce integrated tender programmes and method statements for settlement meetings. Ensure all work meets relevant business standards and best practices. Foster a collaborative working environment with team members and external partners, valuing diverse perspectives and contributions. You will attend college one day a week and work towards a Level 3 apprenticeship in Building Services Engineering Technician.Driving license desirable but not essential.About you An interest in building a career in the built environment Enthusiasm for learning and developing new skills A curious mindset and willingness to ask questions Dependable and professional in approach The ability to solve problems and think logically Strong organisational and time management skills Prioritising tasks to meet agreed deadlines Enjoys working collaboratively as part of a team Comfortable with the practical aspects of the role, which may involve physical activity Awareness of health and safety and a commitment to working safelyQualifications: To be considered for this apprenticeship you will need to have achieved a Grade 4 or C and above in Maths and EnglishYou must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level than this apprenticeship in a similar subject.Roles may close before the deadline if we receive a high volume of applications.Our Commitment to inclusion We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.We're especially keen to hear from individuals who are underrepresented in the construction sector — including women, people from ethnic minority communities and people with disabilities. If you have a disability or require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know – we’re here to support you.

Bricklayer Apprentice – Level 2

Whether you’re starting out or changing direction, our apprenticeship offers a welcoming path into the industry. You’ll learn on the job, work with a friendly team, and gain the skills and confidence to succeed.About the roleOur Level 2 Bricklayer Apprenticeship is a great way to begin your career in construction. You’ll gain practical, hands-on experience, learn from experienced professionals, and work towards a nationally recognised qualification. This role is ideal for anyone eager to develop practical skills and contribute to creating safe, high-quality structuresYour Responsibilities Responsibilities include but are not limited to the below: Assisting with the construction and repair of walls, partitions, and other brickwork Learning to read and interpret technical drawings and plans Preparing and mixing materials for bricklaying tasks Laying bricks, blocks, and other materials accurately and safely Helping to maintain a clean and organised work area Following health and safety guidelines at all times Working collaboratively with experienced tradespeople and other team membersAbout you To thrive on this programme, you’ll bring: An interest in building a career in the built environment Enthusiasm for learning and developing new skills A curious mindset and willingness to ask questions Dependable and professional in approach The ability to solve problems and think logically Strong organisational and time management skills Prioritising tasks to meet agreed deadlineQualifications To be considered for this apprenticeship you will need to have achieved a Grade 4 or C and above in Maths and English You must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level than this apprenticeship in a similar subject.Roles may close before the deadline if we receive a high volume of applications.Our Commitment to inclusion We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.We're especially keen to hear from individuals who are underrepresented in the construction sector – including women, people from ethnic minority communities and people with disabilities. If you have a disability or require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know – we’re here to support you.