Design

Help us to shape a better future by influencing, guiding, and managing the design process from start to finish. As part of our Design team, we’ll make sure your career thrives.

People thrive at Wates

It’s all about you…

You could have design experience, be looking for a career change, or be returning to work after a break. Above all, you need the right attributes to succeed in our Design team.

We’re looking for inquisitive people, who are great problem solvers, and able to think laterally. Someone who is good at interacting with and managing people, both internally and externally. Perhaps the key thing to remember is that we don’t author design, we shape it. That means our ability to influence what someone else does with a pen is vital.

In terms of transferrable skills, the most important are to be analytical and creative. If you have a creative background, you’ll fit in very well.

No better place to develop your career

Join the best in the business…

We’re innovative, agile, and entrepreneurial. We also know what we’re good at. As part of our Design team, you’ll play a key role in helping to create the thriving places of tomorrow. You’ll get to work on a huge range of projects too, in terms of building typology, complexity, geography, and scale. The variety we can offer you is unrivalled.

There are a range of roles in terms of a career path and a job family within Design. If you come in as a trainee, or assistant, you’ll join a team contributing and learning with others on a smaller project. As you progress, the opportunities and challenges increase. You’ll be expected to focus more on leadership strategy and contribute to the direction of the business you work in too.

At Wates, you’ll get every opportunity to develop your career in a timely fashion. We like to make the most of our in-house talent and promote from within. If we believe that someone is 80% ready for the next step, we’ll progress them.

Careers in design

Want to be a part of our team?

Senior Quantity Surveyor

Location: East Anglia

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 17-12-2025

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.

Site Manager

Location: Dartford

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 28-11-2025

👷‍♂️ Site Manager – Planned WorksLocation: DartfordDivision: Planned WorksCompany: WPSWates is looking for a Site Manager to join our Planned Works team in Dartford. You’ll help deliver high-quality social housing projects, ensuring work is completed safely, on time, and to the highest standards.Key Responsibilities Plan and manage works and schedules Oversee operatives, subcontractors, and suppliers Ensure quality control and health & safety compliance Attend inspections and produce progress reports What We’re Looking For SMSTS certification (essential) Full UK Driving Licence Experience in social housing and planned maintenance Strong leadership and communication skillsWhy Join Wates?Be part of a supportive team that values collaboration and community impact.Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Standard 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: East Anglia

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 17-12-2025

Are you ready to challenge the norm, bring bold ideas to the table, and elevate your career in a thriving, high-profile environment?Wates is on the lookout for a Quantity Surveyor to join our dynamic construction team, working on technically complex projects across multiple sectors. If you're passionate about the commercial side of construction and want to make a real impact, this is your moment.Why Wates? 🌟 Work on standout projects that push boundaries 🤝 Be part of a talented, diverse, and supportive team 📈 Progress your career with real opportunities for growthWhat You’ll Be DoingAs a Quantity Surveyor, you’ll take ownership of your own work packages and play a key role in shaping commercial strategies. You’ll work closely with customers and industry specialists to drive value, ensure compliance, and champion best practices.Your responsibilities will include: Leading subcontract packages and contributing to tender strategies Maximising project cashflow through effective management Supporting procurement strategies and final account agreementsWhat 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 #QS

Social Value Advisor

Location: Manchester

Job Type: SHEQ

Application Deadline: 03-12-2025

We exist to create opportunities, strengthen communities, and deliver positive impact through every project we undertake. Social Value is central to how we work, ensuring that our projects leave a lasting legacy for people and places.As a Social Value Advisor, you will work closely with the Regional Social Value Manager and wider Social Value Team to deliver social value activities across allocated sites/contracts within the region. This role focuses on day-to-day engagement with community organisations and ensuring delivery against project targets.Key Responsibilities Coordinate and deliver Social Value activities in line with project KPIs, including managing initiatives such as employability programmes and work experience placements. Collect and manage data to support KPI monitoring, ensuring GDPR compliance. Gather evidence to demonstrate delivery of Social Value programmes and maintain accurate records. Develop content for social media and internal/external publications, including case studies. Identify and engage with community groups, leading initiatives and supporting co-design of projects. Source and train champions for Social Value, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, Wellbeing, and Safeguarding at project level. Ensure health and safety compliance and risk assessments for all initiativesRequired Skills & Experience Knowledge: Understanding of Social Value principles and delivery mechanisms. Awareness of relevant acts, policies, and community development practices. Qualifications (Desirable): Degree or qualification in Social Value, Sustainability, Community Development, Youth Work, or Urban Regeneration. Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Engaging presentation and influencing ability. Excellent project management and organisational skills. Ability to build lasting relationships with stakeholders and community groups. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook). Additional Information Travel: Regular travel across the region to attend sites and community events is required.Why Join Us?We’re committed to creating opportunities and delivering meaningful impact in the communities where we work. If you’re passionate about making a difference and have the skills to drive positive change, we’d love to hear from you.