RELATED SERVICES
Construction
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.
average project value (2023)
working hours saved using modern methods of construction
projects under construction
Working in both public and private sectors
Our approach
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Offsite Manufacturing
Using offsite manufacturing and modern methods of construction we can improve quality, productivity and efficiency.
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Social value
Social value is all about making a positive change in our communities, something we've been committed to from the start.
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Building Technology
We transform environments using technology, innovation and next level engineering to drive efficiency and sustainability.
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Adapt Zero
Our innovative ‘Adapt Zero’ model of school construction is changing the way we build schools.
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Major Projects
The newly established Major Projects Division stands as a testament to our commitment to ‘Empowering Tomorrow’
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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.
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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
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
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
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
We recently transformed the Sir Michael Uren building at Imperial College London (ICL) over an 11-week programme.
EducationKey contacts
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Bradley Ashcroft
Business Development South (SE / SW)
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Nicola George
Business Development South (Oxford / Cambridge)
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Steve Yates
Business Development (London)
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Freddie Whitehead
Business Development (North East and Yorkshire)
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Kate Wyatt
Business Development (Healthcare)
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Ekaterina Sidyakova
Fit out and Refurbishment
CAREERS IN CONSTRUCTION AT WATES
Want to be part of our team?
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Planner
Location: Thetford
Job Type: Planning
Application Deadline: 13-03-2025
Wates are looking for a Project Planner to join our Construction Team in Northern Home Counties where we are focussing on high profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors. 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 ROLE Our 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 Planner you will: Take ownership of weekly progress updates, collation of as-built data, trend analysis, performance metrics and provide relative reports, through site walk-arounds & weekly meetings with the site team and supply chain. Produce mid/short term programmes with the site team, looking forward to avoid surprises, fully resourced and in conjunction with advice from the site team and key supply chain partners Demonstrate a full understanding of the project, Wates and client needs and propose and assess viable alternatives that could improve and benefit the projects successful completion Must be able to use P6 planning software with knowledge of NEC contracts an advantage but not essential. **Wider business uses ASTA powerproject. 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 Project Manager
Location: Thetford
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 13-03-2025
Wates are looking for a Senior Project Manager to join our construction team in Northern Home Counties. If you are Senior Project Manager 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 Senior Project Managers are a valuable part of our business. The focus of this role will be to provide visible leadership, insight, direction and foresight in the safe and profitable delivery of schemes, while also providing excellent customer satisfaction and successfully develop a team. As our Senior Project Manager you will: Provide cost-effective solutions, lead commercial strategies, and manage project business and profit plans. Develop bid strategies, support pre-contract teams, review construction options, and ensure timely delivery of design information. Set clear objectives, develop team capabilities, implement HR policies, and demonstrate leadership and motivational skills. Manage supply chain selection, nurture customer relationships, uphold brand values, and address customer concerns. Focus on successful project outcomes, manage H.S.&E performance, develop clear delivery strategies, and ensure efficient project completion. WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: We are looking for an experience Senior Project Manager who can demonstrate experience working on high value, complex projects. You will possess strong commercial acumen, with the ability to provide cost-effective solutions, lead commercial strategies, and manage project business and profit plans. Leadership and motivational skills are essential, as you will need to set clear objectives, develop team capabilities, and implement HR policies effectively. Additionally, expertise in managing supply chain selection, nurturing customer relationships, upholding brand values, and addressing customer concerns is required. You will also focus on achieving successful project outcomes, managing Health, Safety, and Environmental (H.S.&E) performance, developing clear delivery strategies, and ensuring efficient project completion. 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
Social Value Manager
Location: London NW1
Job Type: SHEQ
Application Deadline: 13-03-2025
Wates are looking for a Social Value Manager to join our London Construction team focussing on high profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors.If you are passionate about social value 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 ROLEOur Social Value Managers are a valuable part of our business and have the responsibility to manage the delivery of Social Value activity for each allocated site/contract within the region. Ensuring project specific social value plans are in place for delivery on each site/contract and in line with the Wates Social Value Strategy & client requirements, enhancing the brand for our customers and leaving a lasting legacy.AS OUR SOCIAL VALUE MANAGER YOU WILL: Be responsible for the delivery of SV KPIs and section 106 requirements in line with the social value plan. Raise any concerns regarding failure to achieve targets within the allotted timescales to the RSVM. Day to day supervision of the regional Social Value Advisors (SVAs). Working closely with the SVAs to support KPI delivery. To motivate and support the development and progression of SVAs Work closely with bid and proposal managers to ensure that the submission has met the requirements, working within the required timescales Manage SV data and evidence for reporting and audit purposes Produce reports for clients (and frameworks where relevant) and ensuring that all data is recorded with any client, framework or partner portals as requested. Manage event and initiative budgets Work closely with Communications and Marketing Business Partner to help drive positive local media and trade news, helping demonstrate our approach to creating social value and legacy. Create comms plans for each site/contract and produce regular social media content.WHAT WE LOOKING FOR:You should have a strong understanding of Social Value within a complex corporate organization, along with a broader knowledge of Social Value drivers, relevant acts, policies, and delivery mechanisms. An awareness of safeguarding principles is essential, as well as familiarity with non-financial reporting frameworks and economic valuation models such as TOMS. A qualification in Social Value, Sustainability, or Community Development is desirable, with relevant experience in areas such as youth work, urban regeneration, or other Social Value initiatives.Additionally, you must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to deliver engaging presentations and produce high-quality bid writing, reports, and evaluations. Strong project management capabilities are essential, along with the ability to build and maintain long-term professional relationships.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 include 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 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
Business Development Director
Location: Manchester
Job Type: Business Development
Application Deadline: 12-03-2025
Wates Group are recruiting for a Business Development Director to join our Construction West team to develop strategies to grow our Western Region business unit in line with overall objectives set by construction strategy boards.If you are passionate about the construction industry with proven skills and 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 Business Development Directors are a valuable part of our business, leading the way to manage the Business Development teams within the region to delivery profitable work winning opportunities in line with the overall objectives of the Construction Group.AS OUR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR YOU WILL: Develop and execute regional business development strategies in line with company objectives. Manage the business development function, ensuring compliance with internal governance and project selection processes. Conduct research and engage with clients, stakeholders, and consultants to identify growth opportunities by sector or geography. Align Business Development Manager activities with regional strategies. Develop and maintain relationship plans with key clients and consultant teams. Influence bid strategies by communicating client/project drivers to the bid team. Ensure Salesforce data is up-to-date and accessible to senior leaders. Develop digital and hardcopy media plans to communicate the company’s core purpose and support key bids. Oversee the submission of high-quality PQQs/EOIs. Formulate and manage a targeted client marketing plan within budget. Lead the regional Customer Satisfaction Programme and address key areas of client concern.WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FORYou should have a comprehensive understanding of the construction industry, including commercial and design aspects, and possess strong market intelligence regarding supply chains, consultants, competitors, and technologies. An understanding of how public sector procurement evolves is also necessary. Key skills include excellent communication abilities both internally and externally, proficiency in bid strategy, production, and process, strong negotiation and presentation skills, effective people, team, and time management, and the ability to think strategically. You will also have a willingness to travel.WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & bonus 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
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