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: Newmarket

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 05-01-2025

Are you ready to elevate your career in construction? At Wates, we don’t just build projects – we create legacies. We’re on the hunt for a Quantity Surveyor to join our dynamic team, where you’ll work on high-profile, technically complex projects that shape the future across multiple sectors.If you’re passionate about the commercial side of construction, driven to challenge the status quo, and eager to bring bold, fresh ideas to the table, Wates is the place for you. Join us in redefining industry standards and creating tomorrow, together.Why Choose Wates?At Wates, we believe in doing things differently. Here, you’ll find: Innovative Projects: Be part of transformative initiatives that push boundaries and set new benchmarks in construction. Supportive Culture: Thrive in a team that values diversity, collaboration, and shared success. Career Progression: We invest in your growth with tailored development opportunities to help you reach new heights. About the RoleAs a Quantity Surveyor at Wates, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the financial success of our projects. You’ll own the commercial strategies and contribute to all stages of the construction lifecycle, from pre-contract planning to final accounts. With autonomy over your work packages, you’ll collaborate with industry specialists and customers to deliver best-in-class results.What You’ll Do: Develop and implement pre- and post-contract strategies with a focus on added value, compliance, and commercial viability. Take ownership of subcontract packages, including tender strategies, reconciliations, and final account agreements. Maximise project cashflow through effective management of subcontract packages. Collaborate with the Commercial Lead to drive procurement strategies and negotiate successful outcomes. What's in it for you?· 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.Ready to redefine your career? Join Wates and be part of something extraordinary. Apply today and help us build a brighter tomorrow.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

Senior Quantity Surveyor

Location: Newmarket

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 05-01-2025

Are you a forward-thinking Surveyor with a passion for challenging the norm and driving innovation in the construction industry? Wates invites you to become part of our team, where we deliver high-profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors. This is your opportunity to make a real impact, elevate your career, and work on groundbreaking projects with a supportive and diverse team.Why Choose Wates?At Wates, we reimagine places for people to thrive. We’re not just offering a job; we’re offering a platform for you to bring fresh ideas, redefine standards, and grow within a company that values talent and ambition. Our inclusive environment encourages collaboration and innovation, ensuring that your contributions will shape the future of construction.What You’ll Do:As a Senior Quantity Surveyor at Wates, you will play a pivotal role in the success of our projects by leading the commercial aspects and ensuring their seamless execution. Your responsibilities will include: Leadership & Strategy: Managing the project’s commercial team and taking accountability for all pre- and post-contract strategies, commercial functions, and contract reporting. Value Creation: Collaborating with clients and industry experts to deliver added value, ensure compliance, and uphold best practices while driving commercial viability. Key Deliverables: Oversee procurement strategies, sub-contract orders, and supply chain management. Handle measurements, valuations, contractual notices, and change valuations. Complete and submit monthly cost reports, progress updates, and both internal and external tender strategies. Financial Oversight: Maintain positive project cash flow through upstream/downstream valuations and deliver accurate final accounts for main and sub-contracts. What’s in It for You? · 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. Ready to Build the Future?If you’re ready to redefine what’s possible in construction and take your career to the next level, we want to hear from you. Join Wates, and together, let’s create tomorrow.Apply Now to Make Your Mark!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

Assistant Quantity Surveyor

Location: Newmarket

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 31-12-2024

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 & 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

Section Manager

Location: Reading

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 30-12-2024

Wates have an opportunity for a Section Manager/Assistant Site Manager to join our property services team within our Planned Works division on a 2 year fixed term contract.Working in the Reading area on one of our social housing contracts whereby the primary focus of this role will be to ensure the project is built safely, economically to the agreed timescales and quality standards. Key Accountabilities will include: Responsible for input into and Programming the works/short-term programming of works. Manage Operatives, Sub-Contractors and Suppliers to ensure quality control is maintained along with Health and safety at all times. Attend pre and post-inspection works and advise on appropriate action and job requirements, and assist with design solutions. This resulting in the successful delivery and handover of schemes. Carry out Weekly Site Progress reports per scheme that will be file electronically as well as submitting to Project Manager. Ensure that once works are completed, the full and completed job packs are sent to the Project Manager at the office along with completion details to guarantee a swift invoicing procedure to eliminate WIP (work In Progress) & certify cash flow. You must have: Must have full accreditation in asbestos awareness, scaffold inspections. SMSTS required. Full UK Driving License Must hold a valid first aid certificate.We are looking for a Section Manager/Assistant Manager ideally from a social housing /tier 1 contractor background who is willing to learn and develop within the business. Ideally having worked on planned maintenance projects (internal or external packages) kitchen refurbishment projects for decent homes would be ideal. To be successful in the role you will be an effective communicator with a positive and engaging approach to providing site leadership. You will have strong IT skills (including: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) with the ability to prioritise a wide range of tasks to set deadlines.