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 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?

Quantity Surveyor Apprentice – Level 4

Location: Cardiff

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 10-03-2026

Ready to take the next step in your career and join a supportive, collaborative team where everyone can thrive.About the role As a Quantity Surveying Apprentice, you’ll gain practical experience and insight into the commercial aspects of built-environment projects. You’ll learn about processes and activities that support cost management, profitability, and risk control gaining technical skills in measurement, estimating, procurement, and contracts. Your Responsibilities Responsibilities include but are not limited to the below: Build positive, collaborative relationships with stakeholders at all levels, including customers and supply chain partners. Support the preparation, review, and analysis of commercial reports and documentation related to project finances. Assist in drafting and issuing subcontractor documents and payment notifications. Attend meetings with senior team members to support subcontractor payments and account reviews. Help negotiate rates and prices with subcontractors and suppliers. Help maintain the company’s financial and contractual position by understanding project progress and legal requirements. Develop knowledge and skills in forecasting, risk assessment, and cash flow management.About you To thrive on this programme, you’ll bring: An interest in building a career in the built environment Enthusiasm for learning and developing new skills A curious mindset and willingness to ask questions Dependable and professional in approach The ability to solve problems and think logically Strong communication, organisational and time management skills Prioritising tasks to meet agreed deadline Competent in use of computer software including Microsoft Excel Team working ethic both within commercial team and within whole organisationQualifications To be considered for this apprenticeship you will need to have achieved a Grade 4 or C and above in Maths and English BTEC Level 3 qualification in Construction and the Built Environment (or a related subject) Other related Level 3 qualificationsApplicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply.Roles may close before the deadline if we receive a high volume of applications.Our Commitment to inclusion We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.We're especially keen to hear from individuals who are underrepresented in the construction sector – including women, people from ethnic minority communities and people with disabilities. If you have a disability or require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know – we’re here to support you.

Quantity Surveyor Apprentice – Level 4

Location: Guildford

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 10-03-2026

Ready to take the next step in your career and join a supportive, collaborative team where everyone can thrive.About the roleAs a Quantity Surveying Apprentice, you’ll gain practical experience and insight into the commercial aspects of built-environment projects. You’ll learn about processes and activities that support cost management, profitability, and risk control. Your Responsibilities Responsibilities include but are not limited to the below: Build positive, collaborative relationships with stakeholders at all levels, including customers and supply chain partners Support the preparation, review, and analysis of commercial reports and documentation related to project finances Help maintain the company’s financial and contractual position by understanding project progress and legal requirements Develop knowledge and skills in forecasting, risk assessment, and cash flow managementAbout you To thrive on this programme, you’ll bring: An interest in building a career in the built environment Enthusiasm for learning and developing new skills A curious mindset and willingness to ask questions Dependable and professional in approach The ability to solve problems and think logically Strong organisational and time management skills Prioritising tasks to meet agreed deadlineQualifications To be considered for this apprenticeship you will need to have achieved a Grade 4 or C and above in Maths and English. A level 3 qualification (A-level, BTEC in any subject) grades A – D. You must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level than this apprenticeship in a similar subject.Roles may close before the deadline if we receive a high volume of applications. Our Commitment to inclusion We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.We're especially keen to hear from individuals who are underrepresented in the construction sector – including women, people from ethnic minority communities and people with disabilities. If you have a disability or require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know – we’re here to support you.

Site Surveyor

Location: London

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 24-02-2026

Are you looking to take the next step in your commercial career?We are seeking a committed and detail‑driven Site Surveyor to join our team and support the successful delivery of high‑value construction projects.This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in maximising value, controlling costs and driving commercial excellence across our projects.About the RoleAs a Site Surveyor, you will contribute to the development and implementation of pre‑ and post‑contract commercial strategies, supporting the Project Quantity Surveyor on large‑value or higher‑risk schemes.You will play a vital role in ensuring contractual obligations are met, commercial risks and opportunities are managed and profitability is maximised in a safe, compliant and ethical manner. The role typically involves commercial management responsibility for project values of £5m to £10m per annum and may include supervision of trainees or Assistant Quantity Surveyors.You will also proactively promote SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment & Quality) requirements, identifying both good practice and areas for improvement.As our Site Surveyor, you will:Commercial & Contract Management Ensure contractual obligations are understood, executed and regularly reviewed with the Project Surveyor. Take ownership of subcontract packages, including tender enquiries, reconciliations and producing subcontract orders. Manage procurement processes and support production of final accounts. Assess subcontract valuations, issue notices, administer payments and support day‑to‑day subcontractor management.Value & Cost Control Contribute to the submission of external valuations and cashflow forecasts. Support valuation of change, variations strategies, loss & expense claims and final accounts to maximise project value. Aid effective cost control across delegated work packages and projects.Reporting & Forecasting Collate site records including diaries, marked‑up drawings, measurements, surveys, photographs and QA documentation. Assist in preparing cost value reports, procurement schedules, liabilities reporting, reconciliations and audits.Relationship Building & Communication Build strong working relationships with subcontractors, customers, PQS teams, design partners and internal stakeholders. Communicate confidently with commercial leads and project teams, including influencing negotiations with third parties.Risk & SHEQ Awareness Demonstrate an understanding of contract risk and commercial opportunities. Uphold and actively promote company SHEQ policies and practices.Personal Development & Leadership Support and guide trainees or assistant surveyors when required. Take responsibility for your own professional development, including CPD and working toward professional qualifications.What We’re Looking For BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying (preferred) or relevant degree/equivalent experience. Junior member of RICS or equivalent, or working toward professional status.Knowledge & Skills Strong understanding of payments processes, cost reporting systems and basic construction technology. Demonstrable commercial skills including value recovery, cost control and cash management. Measurement, valuation and analytical capabilities. Basic legal and contractual administration knowledge. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to manage your own workload and support others where required.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/

Surveyor Apprentice – Level 3

Location: Swindon

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 10-03-2026

Ready to take the next step in your career and join a supportive, collaborative team where everyone can thrive.About the roleAs a Surveyor Technician apprentice you’ll play an important role in supporting site and project surveyors with tasks that contribute to the successful delivery of construction projects.Your Responsibilities Responsibilities include but are not limited to the below: Estimating quantities, costs, and time scales for material and labour Preparing tender and contract documents Helping ensure projects meet legal, safety, and quality standards Valuing completed work, managing budgets, and overseeing payments supplier/subcontractor payments Attending team meetings and contributing ideas Preparing and submitting regular budget reportsAbout you To thrive on this programme, you’ll bring: An interest in building a career in the built environment Enthusiasm for learning and developing new skills A curious mindset and willingness to ask questions Dependable and professional in approach The ability to solve problems and think logically Strong organisational and time management skills Prioritising tasks to meet agreed deadlinesQualifications: To be considered for this apprenticeship you will need to have achieved a Grade 4 or C and above in Maths and English You must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level than this apprenticeship in a similar subjectRoles may close before the deadline if we receive a high volume of applications.Our Commitment to inclusion We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.We're especially keen to hear from individuals who are underrepresented in the construction sector – including women, people from ethnic minority communities and people with disabilities. If you have a disability or require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know – we’re here to support you.