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?

Site Surveyor

Location: Wolverhampton

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 26-01-2026

Here at Wates, we have a opportunity for an experienced Site Surveyor to join our WPS Planned Maintenance team in the Wolverhampton area.You will be working with an experienced team and helping to deliver projects for one of our long standing social housing partners so ideally we are looking for someone with experience in this field. The role is split between the office and travelling to our clients sites so a driving license is a must.The focus of this role will be to produce the commercial outputs and effectively monitor/exercise cost control, as well as to liaise with client representative/s to ensure compliance with contractual service standards ensuring the company operates efficiently and profitably. Key Accountabilities will include: Producing Applications, Accounts & Invoices in the appropriate format in a timely manner To ensure all costs incurred in the delivery of the service are appropriately coded, recorded authorised and recovered To assist in the production of management information and performance reports (internal and external) monthly in approved formats To keep commercial WIP and debt to an absolute minimum and in line with targets set by management To ensure the timely production of valuations leading to invoice production within 9 calendar days of works completion To provide support and enhance communication between WPS and the client. We are looking for someone with financial and commercial awareness with a clear commitment to a customer-centres service. Ideally you will already be in a similar position and have experience within the social housing sector. To be successful in this role you will be an excellent written and verbal communicator with an understanding of legislation in maintenance and property management. 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: Redditch

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 26-01-2026

WPS are seeking an experienced Site Surveyor to join our team delivering planned works across multiple sites between Redditch and Milton Keynes. This role involves working closely with a social housing provider to ensure projects are delivered efficiently, on time, and within budget.Key Responsibilities Conduct site surveys and prepare accurate reports for planned works. Submit quotations based on Schedule of Rates (SOR) and analyse costs effectively. Ensure compliance with NHF SOR versions 6, 7 or 8. Engage with clients to maintain strong working relationships (preferred but not essential). Manage and mentor Assistant Quantity Surveyors (AQS) and trainees as required.Essential Skills & Experience 2–3 years’ experience at AQS and/or QS level. Proven experience with SOR and NHF versions 6, 7 or 8. Strong ability to submit quotations and analyse costs against SOR rates. Excellent organisational and communication skills. Ability to work independently and manage multiple sites.Desirable Previous experience in client engagement. Leadership skills for managing junior team members.Benefits Competitive salary package. Opportunities for career progression. Supportive team environment.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: London NW1

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 13-01-2026

Wates are looking for a Commercial Manager to join our Construction Team in London 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 Commercial Managers are a valuable part of our business, and their role will encompass both work winning and the delivery of live projects whilst providing strong functional leadership, management, governance and excellence for all commercial activities pre and post contract, across either a single large project or portfolio of projects.As our Commercial Manager you will:· Drive clear strategy on commercial delivery, customer engagement and repeat business whilst managing, training and developing the wider Commercial Teams.· Use sound planning and project management skills to deliver multiple and complex commitments and objectives whilst consistently using financial levers to grow profitability for the portfolio and business unit· Actively engage with all internal and external stakeholders and ensure that the commercial function within the business unit effectively supports the other functions such as, Design, Operations and Pre-Construction as requiredWHAT 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 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 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

Senior Quantity Surveyor

Location: East Anglia

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 13-01-2026

Wates are looking for a Senior Quantity Surveyor to join our Construction Team 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. Senior Quantity 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.Please note that candidates represented by Agencies will not be considered at this time.