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?

Quantity Surveyor

Location: Sheffield

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 09-07-2025

Welcome to Wates Smartspace—a place where innovation meets impact. We’re the go-to experts in fit-out, refurbishment, and maintenance services across the UK. From modern office spaces to cutting-edge retail environments, we bring spaces to life with creativity, sustainability, and flair. Here, you’re not just part of a team; you’re part of a movement that’s reimagining places for people to thrive.ABOUT THE ROLEAs our Quantity Surveyor you will take the lead on exciting projects and help us deliver them to the highest standards. You’ll play a crucial role in managing costs, ensuring value for money, and supporting the overall project lifecycle from inception to completion. If you’re driven, detail-oriented, and passionate about making a difference in the construction industry, this role offers you the chance to grow and advance in a dynamic environment.Your Responsibilities will include: Cost Management: Prepare detailed cost estimates, budgets, and tender documents to ensure financial control throughout the project lifecycle. Subcontractor Liaison: Manage subcontractor accounts, including negotiating contracts, handling valuations, and processing payments. Financial Reporting: Provide accurate and timely financial reports, forecasts, and cost analysis to support project decision-making. Risk Management: Identify and mitigate potential financial risks, ensuring projects stay within budget and meet financial targets. Final Accounts: Lead the preparation of final accounts, including the resolution of contractual claims and the settlement of costs. Collaboration: Work closely with project managers, clients, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth and successful project delivery.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.

Technical Services Manager

Location: Leeds

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 15-07-2025

We are looking for a Technical Services Manager to provide leadership and excellence in managing the operations team for one of our accounts based in Leeds, Yorkshire. We are looking for this individual to support first-class compliance and maintenance services providing leadership, management and added value to our client.The key responsibilities of this role include. • Management of supervisors and overseeing of engineering workforce delivering M&E services, Compliance and Operating Framework delivery. Supporting with the management and delivery of Extra Works and M&E Projects. • Leadership, driving and development of direct reports ensuring all mandatory training is in place with a robust succession plan in place for all roles. • Management of the Supply Chain negotiating best value and procuring in line with stretch targets whilst driving standards ensuring Construction Line compliance. Holding annual Plan Rights and regular performance reviews. • Preparation and presentation of MI reports to clients at regular KPI meetings. Key stakeholder management and delivery of high standards of client satisfaction. Develop relationships with consultants working for our client. To be successful in this role you will have highly effective management skills and be able to communicate clearly and concisely. Alongside this, you will have excellent diligence and promote ownership through to closure. We are looking for an individual with a proven solid experience in delivering high quality hard M&E services in a client-driven multi-site environment, and good working knowledge of Health & Safety Legislation.You will have a robust technical background with a professional qualification and practical experience from an Electrical background.Desirable is a BIFM qualification or equivalent, IOSH or NEBOSH certificate and experience in computer PPM management systems (e.g. Concept) WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 5% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 22 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/ 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.

Project Surveyor

Location: Finsbury Park

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 11-07-2025

🏗️ Project Surveyor – WPS Housing Maintenance (Redditch Area)We’re looking for a driven and commercially minded Project Surveyor to join our WPS Planned Maintenance team, supporting our social housing contracts in the Redditch area.This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in delivering high-impact projects that improve homes and communities—while growing your career in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.🔍 What You’ll Be Doing:As a Project Surveyor, you’ll take ownership of both pre- and post-contract commercial activities, including: Driving project team performance and ensuring contractual obligations are met. Producing and submitting monthly CVRs and progress reports. Managing external valuations and cash flow to maximise project value. Supporting the Commercial Manager with final accounts and subcontractor agreements. Overseeing procurement, valuations, instructions, and ensuring compliance with H&S processes.💡 What You’ll Bring:We’re looking for someone who: Has strong commercial acumen and experience in cost control, value recovery, and cash management. Understands financial reporting and final accounts. Has experience in social housing retrofit—SHDF knowledge is a bonus, but not essential. Is a confident communicator who can build strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and the supply chain. Is passionate about leading and developing commercial site teams.🌱 Why Join Us?At Wates, we’re committed to creating places that work for everyone. You’ll be part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement—while making a real difference in the communities we serve.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 Interested?A member of the Recruitment Team will then be in touch to guide you through the next steps.

Quantity Surveyor (Schedule of Rates)

Location: Leeds

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 10-07-2025

Schedule of Rates SurveyorWe are looking for a Schedule of Rates Surveyor to join our team focussing on a high-profile hard services contract based in Leeds, Yorkshire.If you are passionate about the commercial aspects of Maintenance 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 Surveyor will play a key part of this account, taking ownership for the implementation of all commercial management of works undertaken in line with the National Schedule of Rates. Working closely with the Account Manager, you must be financially literate and bring a firm focus on commercial viability, compliance and best practice.As our Site Surveyor you will: Contribute to the project commercial strategies and take ownership for the commercial viability of works under the NSR Maximise project cashflow by effective commercial management. Contribute to relevant project procurement strategies with particular focus on the issuing of tender enquiries, supporting the Account Manager in achieving desired margin levelsWHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates) Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 6% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 22 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/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.