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.

YOU’LL FIND NO BETTER PLACE TO BUILD YOUR CAREER

Join a winning team…

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 TO THRIVE

Who we’re looking for…

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

Hear from our people

Emma Newbold

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!”

CAREERS IN COMMERCIAL

Want to be a part of our team?

Regional Commercial Director

Location: Finsbury Park

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 18-04-2025

The VacancyWe have a new opportunity for a Regional Commercial Director to join our Wates Living Space team based out of our London office.Reporting into the Commercial Director, you will provide strategic support as well as lead the commercial team on all matters relating to procurement, strategy, risk management, pre and post contract as well as margin improvement and people development.You will join an experienced team to cover all regional commercial activities across the South EastKey Accountabilities will include: Full responsibility for profitability of projects across the region Take responsibility for developing, leading and implementing the project commercial strategy Take responsibility for staff allocation and resource planning Ensure compliance with Wates governance Ensure all H&S strategies are effectively communicated to the Commercial Team To provide independent and effective challenge to the business, to focus on early warning and intervention, and to ensure that the Wates Property Services commercial objectives, Professional Standards and governance are always implemented Support the work winning team in growing the business, specifically validating costs, assessing risk and identifying win themes.To be successful in the role you will be an effective communicator with excellent leadership skills to influence at all levels and to deliver profitable results whilst also inspiring and developing the team to engage and deliver. You will also have previously managed housing maintenance projects across multiple sites.

Assistant Surveyor

Location: Enfield

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 03-04-2025

Wates have an opportunity for an Assistant Quantity Surveyor to join our Wates team within the Specialist division, carrying out Maintenance and Refurbishment works to commercial properties. You will be working out of our Enfield office on multiple contracts, including Hertfordshire County Council MTC, Barnet Council MTC, and local Adhoc works. You will be assisting the Quantity Surveyor and Commercial Manager in the development and implementation of all pre and post contract strategies, commercial functions, and contract reporting.Key Accountabilities will include:· To visit sites on an ad-hoc basis to survey potential works, alongside Supervisors or Commercial Lead.· Ensure the timely receipt of quotations for materials, equipment and Sub-contract works, undertake commercial assessment of quotes received and ensure the timely placement of orders.· Work closely with the operations team to monitor on-site progress and cost control.· Attending client meetings alongside the Quantity Surveyor.· Working alongside the Quantity Surveyor to procure supply chain.· Collation, updating and filing of compliance information, and managing trackers to monitor deadlines.· Reviewing subcontractor payment applications monthly and inputting them into the Coins system.· Develop an understanding of the internal/external commercial strategies about minor subcontract packages and on-site prelims.· Develop an understanding of Cost and Value Reconciliation (CVR) in order to support the production of monthly CVR reports.The ideal candidate will have a good work ethic, demonstrate good numeracy skills, be highly computer literate (Microsoft suite – Word, Excel etc), and have the ability to form relationships with Wates’ delivery team, Clients, and subcontractors. Basic commercial skills would be required as a minimum, however training, mentoring and further education (HNC/HND/Degree) will form part of the successful applicant’s development.WHAT WE OFFER· Competitive salary· Flexible working· 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.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 .

Assistant Quantity Surveyor

Location: Newmarket

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 31-03-2025

Welcome to Wates Construction—a company built on excellence, innovation, and a commitment to delivering high-quality projects. We specialise in constructing and transforming spaces that shape communities, from state-of-the-art commercial developments to essential public sector projects.Right now, we’re looking for talented individuals to join our team as an Assistant Surveyor, supporting our dynamic projects across the Northern Home Counties. If you’re ready to be part of a business that builds for the future, we’d love to hear from you.ABOUT THE ROLEAs our Assistant Quantity Surveyor, you’ll be diving into the heart of our projects, supporting our wider Commercial Team to keep everything on track— both in budget and quality. If you’re all about the details, love numbers, and are curious about how the built world works, this is the role for you.You will be responsible for Cost Estimation: Assist in preparing detailed cost estimates, budgets, and tender documents to ensure projects are financially viable. Subcontractor Management: Support the management of subcontractor accounts, including valuations, payments, and negotiations. Cost Monitoring: Track project costs, identifying any financial risks or opportunities to keep projects on budget. Reporting: Contribute to the preparation and analysis of cost reports and forecasts, ensuring accurate financial tracking. Site Visits: Participate in site visits to monitor progress and ensure compliance with contract requirements. Final Accounts: Assist in preparing final accounts, including cost reconciliation and settlement of any contractual claims. Collaboration: Work closely with project teams to ensure smooth project delivery, sharing insights and solutions as needed.WHAT WE OFFER 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 Baseline Personnel Security Standard Check (BPSS) 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