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 TO 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!”
CAREERS IN COMMERCIAL
Site Surveyor
Location: East Anglia
Job Type: Commercial
Application Deadline: 10-09-2025
Are you ready to challenge the norm, bring bold ideas to the table, and elevate your career in a thriving, high-profile environment?Wates is on the lookout for a Quantity Surveyor to join our dynamic construction team, working on technically complex projects across multiple sectors. If you're passionate about the commercial side of construction and want to make a real impact, this is your moment.Why Wates? 🌟 Work on standout projects that push boundaries 🤝 Be part of a talented, diverse, and supportive team 📈 Progress your career with real opportunities for growthWhat You’ll Be DoingAs a Quantity Surveyor, you’ll take ownership of your own work packages and play a key role in shaping commercial strategies. You’ll work closely with customers and industry specialists to drive value, ensure compliance, and champion best practices.Your responsibilities will include: Leading subcontract packages and contributing to tender strategies Maximising project cashflow through effective management Supporting procurement strategies and final account agreementsWhat 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 Quantity Surveyor
Location: Market Harborough
Job Type: Commercial
Application Deadline: 05-09-2025
Wates are looking for a Senior Surveyor to join our construction team in Leicestershire 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 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. Senior 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 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 Standard 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: East Anglia
Job Type: Commercial
Application Deadline: 05-09-2025
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
Site Surveyor
Location: Finsbury Park
Job Type: Commercial
Application Deadline: 05-09-2025
📍 Site Surveyor – Retrofit Works (WPS)🗺️ Locations: Basingstoke, Islington, Newbury🏗️ Division: WPS – Retrofit Projects🕒 Full-Time ¦ PermanentAre you a commercially savvy Site Surveyor with a passion for delivering excellence in Retrofit works? 💡 We’re looking for a proactive and driven individual to join our WPS team, covering key sites across Basingstoke, Islington, and Newbury.🔧 Your RoleTake full accountability for the development and implementation of all pre- and post-contract strategies, commercial functions, and contract reporting across delegated projects and work packages.🛠️ What You’ll Be Doing 🦺 Health & Safety: Promote and ensure compliance with group SHE policies, conduct site safety samples, and review subcontractor safety performance. 👥 People & Leadership: Support team development through PDRs and training, seek growth opportunities beyond surveying, and drive performance through regular reviews. 🤝 Customer Relations: Build strong relationships with clients and consultants, understand their drivers, and enhance Wates’ service offering. 💰 Commercial Management: Manage subcontract packages, contribute to procurement strategies, issue tender enquiries, and ensure contractual obligations are met. 📈 Process & Performance: Make sound commercial decisions, maximise value recovery, and maintain high standards of quality and compliance.📋 Reporting LineYou’ll report to the Project Surveyor and/or Surveying Manager.🎯 What You’ll Bring📚 Knowledge: Construction methods and technology Measurement and valuation Contract administration Subcontract/materials orders and buying Claims, loss and expense Wates contractual obligations🧠 Skills: Strong commercial acumen and cost control Effective relationship-building with PQS, design teams, and supply chain Confident in financial reporting and final accounts Excellent interpersonal and team collaboration skills🎓 Qualifications: MSc or BA Hons in Quantity Surveying or similarReady to make a meaningful impact in Retrofit delivery and thrive in a dynamic, multi-site environment? 🌍This is your chance to grow your career in a supportive, forward-thinking environment. You’ll be part of a team that values innovation, quality, and continuous improvement—while working on meaningful projects that contribute to safer and greener communities.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 📩 Apply now Once you apply one of the Recruitment Team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps. 🏡🔋