Find your Early Career pathway
Find your career pathway with one of our early career programmes. Applications to our Trainee Management Programme are now open.
Experienced hires
We have lots of opportunities for people with experience. Whether you're an industry professional, have the transferrable skills we need, or returning after a break, get in touch.
We’re proud to be a sponsor of the Premiership Women’s Rugby.
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 look like in both industries.
Kelly Osborne
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."
Golden Iwuorie
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."
Riya Rathod
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."
Benoit Firmin
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."
Stuart Dixon
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!"
Ben Jowett
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."
Reward and benefits
We offer competitive pay, flexible benefits, 26 days' holiday and generous family leave.
Learning and development
We empower our colleagues to excel and thrive through comprehensive learning and development opportunities.
Flexible working
We provide an environment that encourages flexible working through working arrangements and benefits.
Our hiring process
Detailed information on the hiring process for both early careers and all other vacancies. Know what to expect, click here to find out more.
Disability confident
We're a Disability Confident Leader. If you need any adjustments to the application process, we'd be delighted to discuss this with you.
We have been awarded Disability Confident Leader status
At Wates, we have been awarded Level 3 – Disability Confident Leader status, recognising our dedication to supporting our people to thrive and succeed.
Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) and Wates Group announce official partnership
Together, Wates and PWR are looking to drive a powerful change, with the shared goal of redefining what inclusion and equal opportunity looks like in both rugby and the built environment industry.
We’ve enhanced our family leave policies
We’re enhancing our paternity leave policy. Effective immediately, we are increasing fully paid paternity leave from 8 weeks to 12 weeks, reinforcing our commitment to supporting employees and their families.
New parents share the positive impact of 12 weeks’ paternity leave at Wates
Our paternity/partner leave was extended in June 2024 from eight weeks’ full pay to twelve weeks.
Lauren, Design Management Trainee
Hear a few words from Lauren, a Design Management Trainee for Residential, about her experience on the Trainee programme so far.
Kian, Production Management Trainee
Hear a few words from Kian, a Production Management Trainee for Construction Northern Home Counties, about his experience on the Trainee programme so far.
