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
Offsite Manufacturing
Using offsite manufacturing and modern methods of construction we can improve quality, productivity and efficiency.
Social value
Social value is all about making a positive change in our communities, something we've been committed to from the start.
Building Technology
We transform environments using technology, innovation and next level engineering to drive efficiency and sustainability.
Adapt Zero
Our innovative ‘Adapt Zero’ model of school construction is changing the way we build schools.
Major Projects
The newly established Major Projects Division stands as a testament to our commitment to ‘Empowering Tomorrow’
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.
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 LeisureMarks & 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 streetLife 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 Technology11 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.
CommercialImperial College London
We recently transformed the Sir Michael Uren building at Imperial College London (ICL) over an 11-week programme.
EducationKey contacts
Bradley Ashcroft
Business Development South (SE / SW)
Nicola George
Business Development South (Oxford / Cambridge)
Steve Yates
Business Development (London)
Freddie Whitehead
Business Development (North East and Yorkshire)
Kate Wyatt
Business Development (Healthcare)
Ekaterina Sidyakova
Fit out and Refurbishment
CAREERS IN CONSTRUCTION AT WATES
Want to be part of our team?
Bid Manager
Location: Birmingham
Job Type: Bid
Application Deadline: 07-02-2025
Wates are seeking a talented Work Winning Bid Manager to join our dynamic West Regional team based out of either our Birmingham OR Manchester office.As a key part of the pre-construction team, you will be responsible for managing the, work winning, ITT / 1st stage bids, ensuring that proposals are well-organized, professional, and competitive.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 Work Winning Bid Managers are a valuable part of our business, and you will work closely with internal stakeholders, clients, and consultants to secure contracts that align with Wates' vision and business objectives.AS OUR BID MANAGER YOU WILL: Manage and coordinate the work winning, ITT / 1st stage bid process, including PQQs, and ITTs submissions. Develop win strategies and bid themes that align with client requirements. Lead first stage bid planning, ensuring timelines and deadlines are met. Collaborate with key internal support functions such as Estimators, Planners, Proposals Managers and Design Managers to ensure a comprehensive and competitive bid. Produce high-quality written content and lead on bids and interview presentations. Ensure bids reflect Wates’ commitment to quality, sustainability, and health and safety standards.WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:To excel in this role, you need to have a comprehensive understanding of work winning, win strategies and themes. You should be well-versed in best practices within the field. Your skills in managing a team, bid strategy, bid production, and process are crucial. You must be an excellent communicator, capable of effectively engaging both internal and external stakeholders. Strong management, motivational, client facing and presentation skills are essential. Additionally, you should possess strong people and team management abilities to lead and coordinate the work winning process effectively.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
Compliance Administrator
Location: Newmarket
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 06-02-2025
Are you ready to take on a role where your skills in organization, compliance, and security truly shine? If you’re a tech-savvy Administrator or Compliance Specialist looking to elevate your career, this is your opportunity to join Wates and play a vital role in delivering safe, secure, and successful construction projects.At Wates, we’re not just about construction; we’re about building futures. And right now, we’re looking for a Compliance Administrator to join our team and help us deliver projects with precision, professionalism, and a focus on safety and compliance.Why This Role?This isn’t your everyday compliance role. As our Compliance Administrator, you’ll be an integral part of the team, ensuring our projects stay on track, secure, and compliant from the ground up. You’ll work with talented people, solve complex challenges, and play a critical role in making sure our sites are safe and secure for everyone who steps onto them.Your Mission:In this role, you’ll become the go-to expert for all things security, working with project teams and subcontractors to ensure strict adherence to protocols. Here’s what you’ll be diving into:📄 Security Vetting: Make sure every subcontractor is cleared and compliant before they step foot on site.🎤 Security Induction: Design and deliver inductions that keep everyone informed and aligned with security requirements.📋 Order Compliance Champion: Double-check that all subcontractor orders meet security requirements to the letter.🚨 Incident Troubleshooting: Partner with our Construction Incident Manager to handle security issues with efficiency and professionalism.🕵️♂️ Auditing: Lead monthly audits with the Wates and client teams, showcasing your meticulous organizational skills.What’s In It for You?This is your chance to elevate your career and join a company that thrives on innovation, teamwork, and delivering excellence. At Wates, you’ll:✅ Be part of a diverse and supportive team that values your skills and fresh ideas.✅ Gain the chance to work on high-profile projects that shape London’s skyline and beyond.✅ Have access to top-notch development opportunities to grow your expertise and leadership skills.✅ Join a company that’s not afraid to challenge the norm and find smarter ways to work.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. 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
Senior Planner
Location: Bury St Edmunds
Job Type: Planning
Application Deadline: 05-02-2025
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
Bid Manager
Location: Manchester
Job Type: Bid
Application Deadline: 04-02-2025
Wates are seeking a talented Work Winning Bid Manager to join our dynamic West Regional team.As a key part of the pre-construction team, you will be responsible for managing the, work winning, ITT / 1st stage bids, ensuring that proposals are well-organized, professional, and competitive.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 Work Winning Bid Managers are a valuable part of our business, and you will work closely with internal stakeholders, clients, and consultants to secure contracts that align with Wates' vision and business objectives.AS OUR BID MANAGER YOU WILL: Manage and coordinate the work winning, ITT / 1st stage bid process, including PQQs, and ITTs submissions. Develop win strategies and bid themes that align with client requirements. Lead first stage bid planning, ensuring timelines and deadlines are met. Collaborate with key internal support functions such as Estimators, Planners, Proposals Managers and Design Managers to ensure a comprehensive and competitive bid. Produce high-quality written content and lead on bids and interview presentations. Ensure bids reflect Wates’ commitment to quality, sustainability, and health and safety standards.WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:To excel in this role, you need to have a comprehensive understanding of work winning, win strategies and themes. You should be well-versed in best practices within the field. Your skills in managing a team, bid strategy, bid production, and process are crucial. You must be an excellent communicator, capable of effectively engaging both internal and external stakeholders. Strong management, motivational, client facing and presentation skills are essential. Additionally, you should possess strong people and team management abilities to lead and coordinate the work winning process effectively.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
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