Convert your career
We’re proud to be a sponsor of the Premiership Women’s Rugby. Are you looking for your next career move? Find out what it’s like to work for Wates.
We’re proud to be a sponsor of the Premiership Women’s Rugby. Are you looking for your next career move? Find out what it’s like to work for Wates.
Women are heavily under-represented in construction and for more than a century that was the case in rugby union. But in recent years with the explosion in the number of women playing the game and the establishment of PWR that balance is changing.
Together, both Wates and PWR are driving a powerful change, with the shared goal of redefining what inclusion and equal opportunity looks like in both industries.
WHY WAIT? JOIN WATES
Our industry can help people achieve their potential, improve health and wellbeing, and shape a better future. It can change lives and strengthen communities in ways few other sectors can.
At Wates, we’re dedicated to providing opportunities for professionals like you to thrive and grow. Join our talent community today to receive the latest job openings, company news, and industry insights directly to your inbox.
Stay ahead of the curve and never miss out on exciting opportunities.
EXPLORE OUR JOB VACANCIES
To ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive our culture is founded on the following principles:
Fair treatment: We ensure that everyone is treated with fairness and respect. If an employee isn’t being treated fairly, they know that they can speak up, and be listened to, and appropriate action will be taken. At Wates, everyone is empowered and has a voice at all levels of the organisation.
Fair opportunities: Whatever role you’re in, or part of the company you work for, you’ll be able to build a great career here at Wates. Everyone has fair access to development and progression opportunities.
Fair hiring: We aim to hire the best person for the job from a diverse pool of candidates. We are actively challenging perceptions that might discourage people from joining this rewarding, challenging and interesting sector.
REVIEW STORIES FROM OUR EMPLOYEES
Head of Health and Wellbeing
"I joined Wates in 2003 with no industry experience and have since worked with supportive colleagues and managers who helped me reach my potential. The opportunities for growth, change, and promotion have been immense, allowing me to utilise my skills and build invaluable connections. Reflecting on my varied and dynamic career, I would choose Wates all over again without hesitation."
Planning Management Trainee
"During my two years as a Planner Trainee at Wates, I've gained invaluable insights across departments like Production, Commercial, Design, SHE, M&E, and Bid Management. Learning directly from seasoned professionals on-site was crucial in transforming me from a novice to a proficient planner. This experience equipped me with technical skills and a deep appreciation for the collaborative effort in construction. Wates provided a solid foundation for my career, and I'm grateful for the opportunity."
Strategy & Integration Lead
"I joined Wates over 10 years ago, starting my transformative career journey. Collaborating with diverse talent, I've enhanced my skills and driven business performance. With a growth mindset, I advanced to Strategy & Integration Lead for SES. I'm also involved in initiatives like the Wates Women’s & Allies Network and mentoring SMEs, showcasing the Group's supportive environment."
Social Value Manager
"Since joining Wates as a Social Value Manager in June 2023, I've been part of an inspiring team of social value professionals. My role involves developing programs that enable individuals facing barriers to employment to join us and our supply chain network. This work is vital at Wates, reflecting our commitment to sustainable opportunities, talent development, and collaboration. I'm privileged and thrilled to work with such brilliant colleagues every day."
Principal Technical Manager
"2024 marks my 20-year milestone in the industry, with 10 of those years spent at Wates/SES. I'm proud of this journey, which reflects a great working environment, company loyalty, and job satisfaction. Wates/SES has entrusted me with opportunities and responsibilities, supported by formal accreditations and chartership, accelerating my growth and professional standing. A ‘typical day’ is never typical—there's always something challenging happening!"
Head of Digital Construction & Engineering
"Since joining Wates Group, I've worked with diverse and collaborative teams that consistently deliver high performance. Wates has supported my career progression through on-the-job development and learning opportunities, nurturing my leadership skills for a successful and meaningful career."
Careers at Wates
Quantity Surveyor
Location: Market Harborough
Job Type: Commercial
Application Deadline: 14-03-2025
Are you a Quantity Surveyor with a passion for the commercial side of construction?Do you want to make a real impact on high-profile, technically complex projects and contribute fresh ideas in a supportive, forward-thinking team? If so, Wates invites you to challenge the norm, grow your career, and create tomorrow together!Why Join Wates? Work on Major, High-Impact Projects: Be part of an innovative team tackling multi-sector, technically challenging projects. Career Growth: We’re dedicated to helping you elevate your skills and experience, offering a clear path for progression. Collaborative Environment: Join a talented, diverse team that values your input, creativity, and ambition.About the RoleAs a Quantity Surveyor in our Major Projects team, you’ll have full accountability for your projects or packages. You’ll be trusted to lead with commercial excellence, ensuring compliance, viability, and the highest industry standards.Your Responsibilities Will Include: Leading Commercial Strategies: Take ownership of subcontract packages and work directly with the Commercial Lead to implement both internal and external tender strategies. Managing Project Cashflow: Maximise project cashflow through effective subcontract management. Supporting Project Procurement: Drive procurement strategies with a focus on tender inquiries, package reconciliations, and production of subcontract orders. Contract Reporting: Manage all aspects of pre and post-contract strategies and reporting, while working closely with customers and industry specialists.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 #QS
Project Manager
Location: Leicester
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 21-03-2025
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Senior Design Manager
Location: London NW1
Job Type: Design
Application Deadline: 14-03-2025
Are you ready to lead from the front in delivering innovative, high-impact fit-out and refurbishment projects? Wates Smartspace is looking for an exceptional Senior Design Manager to join our established team and take the reins in ensuring the smooth, safe, and successful delivery of a wide range of projects. If you have a passion for design, a keen eye for detail, and the drive to inspire teams, this is the opportunity for you.What You’ll Do:As Senior Design Manager, you’ll be the driving force behind the design process, offering visible leadership and providing direction across multiple projects. You’ll collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure all proposals are thorough and aligned with business goals, leading the creation of project-specific agreements and plans. With your expertise, you’ll review and manage design progress, ensuring that all health and safety measures are adhered to from day one and that designs are practical, buildable, and aligned with customer expectations.Managing the design team on-site, you’ll ensure that the design is executed smoothly, efficiently, and on schedule—coordinating with subcontractors, suppliers, and project teams to meet both project and business objectives. Your leadership will not only ensure that deadlines are met but will also contribute to the continuous improvement of the team and the projects we deliver.What We’re Looking For:We want a Senior Design Manager who’s got the vision, experience, and energy to transform ideas into reality. You’ll have a proven track record in managing design delivery within the Interiors Cat A and Cat B fit-out and refurbishment sector, with extensive knowledge of construction materials, methods, and the latest technology. Whether you’re a Chartered Architect, Engineer, or MCIOB, we’re looking for someone who can manage complex design projects, navigate contract and procurement processes, and inspire a team to achieve excellence.You’ll have experience leading a team across diverse sectors and be driven by a passion for HSE compliance, risk management, and value creation. Your communication skills will be top-notch, with a positive, engaging, and supportive approach that motivates and educates the team and the wider business.Why Join Us?At Wates Smartspace, you’re not just another employee—you’re part of a forward-thinking team that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and delivering quality. We give you the tools, support, and autonomy you need to make a real impact. If you’re ready to step up, share your expertise, and shape the future of design delivery, apply now and take your career to the next level with Wates Smartspace.Other benefits include: Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car * Travel covered to any of our sites* 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.(*Subject to role…….)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.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 Planner
Location: Bury St Edmunds
Job Type: Planning
Application Deadline: 07-03-2025
Are you ready to elevate your career with one of the UK’s leading construction companies? We are on the lookout for a passionate Senior Planner to join our dynamic Northern Home Counties Construction Team. We’re taking on high-profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors, and we want you to be part of the journey.💡 Why Join Us?At Wates, we don’t just build projects—we build careers, ideas, and opportunities. As a Senior Planner, you’ll step into a pivotal role where your expertise will drive success across every phase of a project’s lifecycle. If you’re ready to challenge the norm, bring fresh ideas, and leave your mark on the industry, this is the place for you.The RoleAs a Senior Planner at Wates, you’ll provide essential planning and programming expertise to our pre-contract and project teams, ensuring every element comes together seamlessly.Your Key Responsibilities: Drive project success by instigating and monitoring performance metrics throughout the lifecycle. Seamlessly integrate design, procurement, and construction elements for maximum efficiency. Develop robust tender programmes and method statements, presenting them with confidence. Manage changes effectively, advising on EOT (Extension of Time) implications where needed. Prepare schedules and analyse quotes for time-related preliminaries with precision.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/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