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?

Senior Quantity Surveyor

Location: Southampton

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 27-03-2026

We are looking for a Senior Quantity Surveyor to join our team on a new build housing scheme in Eastleigh. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious commercial professional who is passionate about construction, motivated to challenge the norm, and keen to progress within a supportive and high performing team.As a Senior Quantity Surveyor, you will take commercial ownership of a project or defined package of works, leading the commercial team and ensuring robust pre‑ and post‑contract delivery. You will work closely with internal teams, clients and supply chain partners to maximise value, maintain compliance and protect commercial viability.As a 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 accounts.WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car 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.

Assistant Quantity Surveyor

Location: Birmingham

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 26-03-2026

⭐ Assistant Quantity Surveyor 📍 West Midlands🏢 WPSWe’re looking for an Assistant Quantity Surveyor to join our WPS team in the West Midlands — supporting our Site and Project Surveyors across pre‑ and post‑contract activities, commercial functions and contract reporting. If you’re eager to grow your commercial career and love working as part of a supportive team, this role is for you! 💼✨What you’ll be doing 💡 🔐 Carry out regular site safety samples and build confidence reviewing subcontractor safety checks. 👥 Take ownership of your PDRs, training, and personal development. 🎯 Review objectives with your line manager and keep your action plans up to date. 📏 Complete on‑site measurements/take‑offs and maintain accurate commercial records. 🧾 Support with valuation, cost tracking, day works, and understanding contract obligations. 🤝 Communicate professionally with customers and colleagues, helping us deliver a great Wates experience. 📊 Learn how our commercial processes and M&V cycles work to support monthly CVRs.What we’re looking for 🌱 🎓 Working towards or already holding an industry‑accredited construction/commercial degree. 📚 Basic knowledge of construction methods, measurement & valuation, cost control, contract records and procurement. 🤝 Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across site, supply chain and PQS/design teams. 📈 A genuine interest in developing commercial skills and growing within WPS.Why join WPS?At Wates, people are at the heart of what we do. You’ll join a friendly, community‑minded business with real opportunities to learn, grow and shape your career. 🌟📩 Apply todayReady to take the next step? Apply today and help us deliver a safe, efficient and customer‑first repairs service. ✉️🔗

Divisional Commercial Manager

Location: Birmingham

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 26-03-2026

About the RoleWe are seeking an experienced Divisional Commercial Manager to lead the commercial function on a high‑profile responsive social housing contract across the West Midlands. This senior role will have full commercial responsibility for multiple workstreams, including kitchens, bathrooms, roofing and heating, ensuring financial performance, compliance, and strong commercial governance across the division.You will play a key role in supporting operational teams, managing and developing commercial staff, and driving value and performance across a fast‑paced, high‑volume responsive works environment.Key Responsibilities Full commercial management of a large, high‑profile responsive social housing contract Overseeing multiple workstreams including kitchens, bathrooms, roofing and heating Leading, managing and developing the commercial team across the division Managing cost control, valuations, applications for payment and final accounts Ensuring accurate forecasting, budgeting and financial reporting Working closely with operational and client teams to drive performance and margin Managing subcontractor procurement, payments and commercial compliance Identifying and mitigating commercial risks and opportunities Ensuring contract adherence and best practice commercial governanceAbout You Proven experience as a Commercial Manager or Senior Quantity Surveyor within responsive social housing works Strong background managing multiple workstreams in a high‑volume environment Demonstrable experience leading and managing commercial teams Excellent knowledge of social housing contracts and commercial frameworks Commercially astute with strong financial and analytical skills Confident stakeholder manager, able to work with clients, internal teams and supply chain Willing to travel across the West Midlands to sites and offices as requiredWhat We Offer Opportunity to lead the commercial delivery of a high‑profile social housing contract Senior leadership role with real influence across the division Long‑term, stable workload within responsive housing maintenance Competitive salary and benefits package Career progression within a growing and well‑established organisationThis role would suit a commercially driven leader with strong experience in responsive social housing, looking to take ownership of a major contract and lead a high‑performing commercial team.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: Birmingham

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 25-03-2026

WPS has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Commercial Manager to join our Responsive Maintenance team, supporting the delivery of high‑volume social housing repairs and maintenance contracts across the West Midlands.This role is critical to the commercial success of the business, with responsibility for commercial performance, governance and team leadership across a diverse portfolio of responsive works. You will work closely with operational and client teams to ensure contracts are delivered safely, compliantly and profitably while maintaining excellent client relationships.Scope of Works Includes: Internal responsive repairs and maintenance External responsive works Heating, gas and compliance-related worksKey Responsibilities: Provide strong commercial leadership across responsive maintenance contracts Full responsibility for cost control, forecasting, valuations, variations and final accounts Manage and develop a team of commercial professionals / direct reports Work closely with Operations to support efficient and profitable service delivery Ensure robust commercial governance and adherence to company procedures Support the management of risk, change control and margin protection Build and maintain effective working relationships with social housing clients Contribute to contract reviews, client meetings and performance reporting Drive continuous improvement across commercial processes and performanceAbout You: Proven experience in a Commercial Manager role within social housing Strong background in responsive repairs and maintenance Experience covering internal, external, heating and compliance workstreams Demonstrable experience managing and developing a commercial team High level of commercial acumen with strong understanding of cost, risk and value Ideally from a Tier 1 contractor environment Confident communicator, comfortable working with senior stakeholders and clientsWhat We Offer: Competitive salary and benefits package Opportunity to work on high‑volume, long‑term social housing contracts Exposure to complex, fast‑paced responsive maintenance environments Clear career progression within a leading property services business Supportive team culture with a strong focus on developmentWhy WPS?WPS is a trusted partner to social housing providers, delivering essential responsive maintenance services at scale. This role offers the opportunity to play a key part in the commercial leadership of a major regional operation within a respected Tier 1 organisation.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