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: London NW1

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 08-02-2026

Wates are looking for a Senior Quantity Surveyor 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 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.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

Technical Services Manager

Location: Enfield

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 27-02-2026

Technical Services ManagerLocation: EnfieldContract Type: PermanentSalary: Competitive + BenefitsAbout the RoleWe are seeking an experienced Technical Services Manager to join our team in Enfield.Managing a team of engineers and contract planning, this is a key leadership role responsible for delivering first-class M&E services, compliance, and projects, while driving operational excellence and sustainable solutions for our clients.Key Responsibilities Lead and manage the engineering workforce delivering M&E services, compliance, and operating framework requirements. Oversee and support the delivery of Extra Works and M&E/Fabric projects. Drive leadership and development of direct reports, ensuring mandatory training and robust succession planning. Manage the supply chain, negotiate best value, and ensure compliance with Avetta and Construction Line standards. Support account teams with MI reporting, KPI reviews, and stakeholder engagement to maintain high client satisfaction. Build strong relationships with clients and consultants, ensuring exceptional service delivery.About You Proven experience in delivering high-quality hard M&E services in a client-driven, multi-site environment. Strong technical background with a professional qualification and practical experience in Electrical, Mechanical, or Gas. Excellent knowledge of Health & Safety legislation. Highly effective management and communication skills, with a focus on diligence and ownership. Ability to lead teams and drive performance in a fast-paced environment.What We Offer Competitive salary and benefits package. Opportunities for professional development and career progression. A collaborative and supportive working environment.Ready to take the next step in your career?Apply today and join a company that values expertise, innovation, and customer service.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

Assistant Quantity Surveyor

Location: Manchester

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 24-01-2026

Wates are looking for an Assistant 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 Assistant Quantity Surveyors are a valuable part of our business, providing support to the Quantity Surveyors in the development and implementation of all pre and post contract strategies, commercial functions and contract reporting. Assistant Quantity Surveyors work collaboratively with our customers and industry specialists with a firm focus on added value, compliance, commercial viability, and best practice.As our Assistant Quantity Surveyor you will be involved in:· Procurement of materials, equipment and subcontract works – undertaking commercial assessment of quotes received and ensure the timely placement of orders to facilitate project delivery and ensure business objectives are met.· Commercial management of smaller sub-contract packages, ensuring all contractual processes are completed on time including measurement and valuation of sub-contract applications.· Complete agreed record keeping in relation to the project, whilst monitoring and handling payments in relation to plant, materials and labour.WHAT WE OFFER· Competitive salary & bonus· 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

Project Surveyor

Location: Yorkshire and Humberside

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 05-02-2026

🏗️ Project Surveyor – Social Housing 🌟 WPS Business📍 Location: Covering projects across Sheffield and Newcastle (regional travel)💷 Contract Values: Typically, around £10m Build great places. Grow your career. 🌱We’re looking for a Project Surveyor to join our WPS business, leading the commercial delivery of social housing projects across Sheffield and Newcastle. You’ll take accountability for the development and implementation of all pre‑ and post‑contract strategies, commercial functions and contract reporting, working closely with clients, consultants and delivery teams to maximise value, manage risk and deliver real impact in our communities.What you’ll be doing Commercial leadership & governance 💼 — Own pre‑ and post‑contract strategies across procurement, valuation, cost control and change; ensure robust commercial records and reporting. Financial performance & reporting 📈 — Produce monthly CVRs and commercial reports; manage external valuations and project cash flow; lead main and subcontract final accounts. Procurement & supply chain 🤝 — Let/administer subcontracts with clarity and fairness; drive supply chain performance and strong commercial behaviours. Contract administration 🧾 — Manage instructions, change and early warnings; NEC experience (preferred). Health, Safety & Quality 🛡️ — Champion SHE standards and ensure documentation compliance across all subcontract partners. Stakeholder engagement 🗣️ — Build strong relationships with clients, PQS, design teams and supply chain partners. Team development 👥 — Support colleagues, share best practice and contribute to a high‑performing commercial team within WPS.What you’ll bring Sector experience 🔧 — Proven commercial experience in social housing, including planned works and SHF. Technical knowledge 🧠 — Measurement & valuation, contract knowledge (NEC preferred). Commercial toolkit 💡 — Value recovery, cost control, cash management and confident financial reporting. Relationship skills 🤝 — Strong communication and collaboration with internal and external partners. Qualifications 🎓 — Degree (or working towards) in Quantity Surveying/Commercial Management or equivalent experience.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 Ready to apply? 🚀Hit Apply and upload your CV. We’ll be in touch quickly if your experience aligns with what we’re looking for.