The newly established Major Projects Division stands as a testament to our commitment to ‘Empowering Tomorrow’, by seamlessly integrating the expertise of our people with cutting-edge technology and is poised to redefine the landscape of construction. It embodies a future where collaboration, technology, and ingenuity converge to shape groundbreaking solutions and transformative spaces.

Large-scale, impactful construction projects
Spearheading major, complex projects across the UK, including the impressive A1 development at British Land’s Canada Water site, this ambitious project encompasses the development of three office blocks and a striking 35-storey residential tower. We also commenced works last year on the £450m gigafactory project in Sunderland on behalf of AESC UK.
It showcases our commitment to pioneering large-scale, impactful construction projects.

A culture of continuous growth
Now, having created tomorrow, the focus shifts to the core element of this progress: people.
It’s about harnessing the collective power of individuals within the Wates business, nurturing talent, and fostering a culture of continuous growth.
This shift underscores Wates Group’s holistic approach, where people take centre stage in building not just structures, but a
legacy of excellence!
Discover our Major Projects: One Success Story at a Time

AESC UK – Car Battery Gigafactory, Sunderland
In December 2021, we were appointed alongside Turner & Townsend by AESC UK, to lead the construction of its advanced car battery gigafactory at the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP).
Industrial
Regenerating Canada Water
Our 53 acre Canada Water development will be the first new town centre in London for 50 years.
Retail and the high streetWorking across both public and private sectors
Major Projects services

Construction
We are passionate about building a better tomorrow for everybody, through the work we do and the social value we bring to projects.


Engineering
We provide high quality engineering services for the built environment sector including mechanical, electrical and plumbing.


Building Technology
We transform environments using technology, innovation and next level engineering to drive efficiency and sustainability.


Offsite Manufacturing
Using offsite manufacturing and modern methods of construction we can improve quality, productivity and efficiency.

Latest Major Projects insight
CAREERS IN CONSTRUCTION AT WATES
Want to be part of our team?

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
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
Senior Quantity Surveyor
Location: Newmarket
Job Type: Commercial
Application Deadline: 07-03-2025
Are you a forward-thinking Surveyor with a passion for challenging the norm and driving innovation in the construction industry? Wates invites you to become part of our team, where we deliver high-profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors. This is your opportunity to make a real impact, elevate your career, and work on groundbreaking projects with a supportive and diverse team.Why Choose Wates?At Wates, we reimagine places for people to thrive. We’re not just offering a job; we’re offering a platform for you to bring fresh ideas, redefine standards, and grow within a company that values talent and ambition. Our inclusive environment encourages collaboration and innovation, ensuring that your contributions will shape the future of construction.What You’ll Do:As a Senior Quantity Surveyor at Wates, you will play a pivotal role in the success of our projects by leading the commercial aspects and ensuring their seamless execution. Your responsibilities will include: Leadership & Strategy: Managing the project’s commercial team and taking accountability for all pre- and post-contract strategies, commercial functions, and contract reporting. Value Creation: Collaborating with clients and industry experts to deliver added value, ensure compliance, and uphold best practices while driving commercial viability. Key Deliverables: Oversee procurement strategies, sub-contract orders, and supply chain management. Handle measurements, valuations, contractual notices, and change valuations. Complete and submit monthly cost reports, progress updates, and both internal and external tender strategies. Financial Oversight: Maintain positive project cash flow through upstream/downstream valuations and deliver accurate final accounts for main and sub-contracts. What’s in It for You? · 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. Ready to Build the Future?If you’re ready to redefine what’s possible in construction and take your career to the next level, we want to hear from you. Join Wates, and together, let’s create tomorrow.Apply Now to Make Your Mark!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 Site Manager
Location: Newmarket
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 07-03-2025
Are you a hands-on leader with a background in civils and groundworks, ready to take charge of complex projects? Wates are looking for a Senior Site Manager to drive excellence, ensure smooth project delivery, and bring fresh thinking to our growing pipeline in Suffolk.Our Senior Site Managers are a valuable part of our business, overseeing project sites to ensure developments are completed on time. Creating budgets, liaising with clients, and supervising teams whilst maintaining quality control procedures and mitigating risks. This is your opportunity to lead from the front, take on technically challenging projects, and make a real impact in an area where skilled professionals are in high demand. If you’re looking for a fast-paced role where your expertise is valued and career progression is real, we want to hear from you!What You’ll Be Doing: Leading Site Operations – overseeing all civils, groundworks & infrastructure works, ensuring projects run on time & to budget Managing Data & Records – maintaining accurate site records, reporting progress, and handling all data requests efficiently Ensuring Safety & Compliance – driving H&S excellence and maintaining full regulatory compliance Resource & Team Management – ensuring operatives have the right training, skills, and resources to deliver quality workmanship Problem Solving & Risk Management – identifying challenges early and implementing solutions to keep projects on trackWhat we can 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 Security Check (eSC) 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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