Commercial
From identifying new opportunities, to delivering the best service for our clients, our Commercial team is at the heart of what we do. It’s an interesting, varied, and rewarding career.
From identifying new opportunities, to delivering the best service for our clients, our Commercial team is at the heart of what we do. It’s an interesting, varied, and rewarding career.

You’ll find no better place to build your career
Business is booming at Wates, and we have the best reputation in the industry, bar none. Twenty years ago, we were worth £200m. Today, it’s £2.5bn. The Commercial team has played a vital role in enabling that success, as well as supporting our response to the Building Safety Act and journey toward Carbon Zero.
If you’d like to join our winning team, there are a huge range of opportunities available, from admin roles to commercial directors and everything in between. There is something for every stage of your career. Most importantly, once you’re here, we’ll support you at your pace, with individually tailored training based on your specific role.
At Wates, we aim to support our internal talent first, rather than recruit externally. This approach ensures our people get opportunities to develop and take the next step on the ladder.

Help your career thrive
Whether you’re an experienced commercial person, looking to change career, or returning to work after a break, get in touch. The Commercial team is a dynamic place to be at Wates especially as our sectors and the world are evolving rapidly.
You don’t need experience in the built environment. It’s more about having the right qualities. For commercial roles, things like integrity and fairness are crucial. We value commitment, curiosity and open-mindedness, and we encourage bringing forward good ideas. Numeracy and literacy are essential transferrable skills.
You’ll also need to be organised, methodical, and able to follow instructions. Since you’ll be dealing with lots of different people daily, excellent people skills, relationship management, stakeholder management and communication skills are vital. It truly is an exciting team to be part of and we welcome everyone from all backgrounds to come and join us.
Testimonials
Head of Procurement and Fleet
“Over the 20years (so far) working at Wates I have been able to experience a breadth of different projects and areas within the Commercial function and alongside other functions within the business. The variety of opportunities offered to me at various stages of my career has allowed me to develop a wide range of skills, knowledge and expertise that has really supported the growth and change throughout my path to date. Having supportive, trusted colleagues and leaders has been a massive part of my journey so far and I look forward to seeing what the next 20 or so years of adventure at Wates has to offer!”
Project Surveyor
Location: Birmingham
Job Type: Commercial
Application Deadline: 13-03-2026
Wates are looking for a Senior Quantity Surveyor to join our Construction Team in the West focussing on high profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors.If you are passionate about the commercial aspects of Construction 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 ROLEOur Senior Quantity Surveyors are a valuable part of our business, where they lead the team on a project or cluster of packages having full accountability for the development and implementation of all pre and post contract strategies, commercial functions and contract reporting. Project Surveyors take the lead; working collaboratively with our customers and industry specialists with a firm focus on added value, compliance, commercial viability, and best practice.As our Senior Quantity Surveyor you will:· Manage the project commercial team ensuring all Wates Main Contract obligations are met and process obligations are complete with particular reference to Procurement, Sub-contract orders, Managing Supply Chain, Measurements and Valuations, Contractual Notices and Valuing Change· Complete and submit Monthly Cost Reports, Procurement Strategy Updates and Internal/External Progress Reports alongside developing and implementing internal and external tender stage and delivery strategies· Agree external valuations upstream/downstream to maintain a positive project cashflow and produce and agree main and subcontract final accountsWHAT 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
Quantity Surveyor
Location: Manchester
Job Type: Commercial
Application Deadline: 13-03-2026
Wates are looking for a Quantity Surveyor to join our Construction Team in the West focussing on high profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors.If you are passionate about the commercial aspects of Construction 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 ROLEOur Quantity Surveyors are a valuable part of our business, where they take ownership for the development and implementation of all pre and post contract strategies, commercial functions and contract reporting. Quantity Surveyors will have full accountability for their own work packages or projects and continue to work collaboratively with our customers and industry specialists with a firm focus on added value, compliance, commercial viability, and best practice.As our Quantity Surveyor you will:· Contribute to the project commercial strategies and take ownership for your own subcontract packages, whilst demonstrating an understanding of the implementation of internal and external tender strategies· Maximise project cashflow by effective management of subcontract packages· Contribute to relevant project procurement strategies with particular focus on the issuing of tender enquiries, package reconciliations and production of subcontract orders, whilst working with the Commercial Lead to agree main and subcontract final accounts.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
Commercial Manager
Location: Redditch
Job Type: Commercial
Application Deadline: 12-03-2026
The OpportunityHere at Wates Property Services (WPS) – Planned, we have an exciting opportunity for a Commercial Manager to join our growing Planned Maintenance business, delivering large-scale social housing programmes across the East and West Midlands, with exposure to diverse projects outside the immediate area, offering added variety and development opportunities.This is a senior, hands-on role within a high-volume, high-turnover environment, responsible for managing both the commercial function and a team of Quantity Surveyors, while overseeing multiple projects concurrently.The role would suit an experienced Commercial Manager, or a Senior Quantity Surveyor ready to step up, with a strong background in social housing / planned maintenance.Key Responsibilities Full commercial leadership of multiple planned maintenance social housing projects across the region Line management, mentoring and development of a team of Quantity Surveyors and commercial staff Overall responsibility for commercial performance, cost control, forecasting and reporting across a high turnover portfolio Management of subcontract procurement, valuation, variations and final accounts Ensure robust commercial governance, compliance with contract requirements and WPS procedures Work closely with Operations, Project Managers and Clients to support successful project delivery Contribute to business planning, risk management and continuous improvement initiatives Build and maintain strong client relationships across local authority and housing association partnersAbout You Proven experience in a commercial role within social housing planned maintenance (essential) Currently operating as a Commercial Manager, or a Senior Quantity Surveyor looking to progress Experienced in managing multiple projects within a fast-paced, high-volume environment Previous line management or mentoring experience (or ready to take this next step) Strong contractual knowledge and commercial acumen Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills Ideally based in the East Midlands, West Midlands, Northampton or Cambridge, with flexibility to travel across the region as requiredWhy Join WPS Planned? Work on long-term, secure social housing frameworks Join a well-established and growing Planned Maintenance division Opportunity to influence and shape the commercial function across a large regional portfolio Clear career progression within a leading UK construction and property services groupIf you’re an experienced commercial professional within social housing, or a Senior QS ready to step into a Commercial Manager role, we’d love to hear from you.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
Commercial Manager
Location: Cardiff
Job Type: Commercial
Application Deadline: 12-03-2026
Wates Group looking for an experienced Commercial Manager to join our Residential division and play a pivotal role in driving commercial excellence across multiple housing developments. Reporting to the Regional Commercial Director, you’ll lead a portfolio of schemes, ensuring robust cost control, accurate forecasting, and strategic procurement to deliver high-quality homes on time and within budget.As a Commercial Manager, you will: Oversee all commercial activities across a portfolio of schemes, including cost planning, tendering, and contract management. Develop a team of Quantity Surveyors, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Ensure accurate financial reporting, forecasting, and budgetary control for all projects. Negotiate and manage supplier and subcontractor relationships to achieve best value. Drive compliance with company policies, health & safety standards, and legal requirements. Contribute to regional strategy, supporting growth and profitability targets.ABOUT YOU Proven experience in a senior commercial role within the residential sector. Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams. Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills. Commercially astute with a strategic mindset and attention to detail. Degree-qualified in Quantity Surveying or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).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… 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.To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/