Environment

Join our Environmental Sustainability team and help us create a cleaner, circular and more resilient world for future generations to thrive in.

Image of nature in a built environment: "Enhancing spaces for nature while maintaining resource efficiency and sustainability"

A sustainable career

Join the best in the business…

Creating and maintaining places for people to thrive can make heavy demands on resources. As a major player in the built environment sector, we have a sharp focus on sustainability. We are also committed to enhancing spaces for nature and being net zero by 2045. Join our team and you can help us meet our ambitious targets.


We know that the sustainability challenges are getting tougher by the day. There’s more to be done in an ever-tighter timeframe. With your help, we believe we can rise to these challenges, to create both thriving places and a thriving planet.


We believe working collaboratively gets the best results. We work on everything from biodiversity to resource efficiency, water to energy, carbon to compliance and sustainable procurement to data analysis and reporting. Our projects also cover many industry standards including Passivhaus, BREEAM, NABERS, PAS2035, RIBA and LETI.

We’re an Employer Champion and are recognised by SocEnv as an advocate for Chartered Environmentalists. We’ll support you all the way through to your chartership. We’ll also give you the training and development you need to take that next step on the ladder. There really is no better place to build a sustainable career.

Thriving people

All about you…

Whether you already work in the field, fancy a career change, or are returning to work after a break, you’ll find opportunities here.

We have lots of different roles, but above all, we’re looking for people who can translate policy into practical action on the ground. People who understand the shifting landscape and can identify opportunities and drive change to meet those requirements.

Ideally you will be a real ‘people person’ who can support and collaborate with customers, our supply chain, design community, delivery and Bid teams. We want people who can take a problem and find practical solutions to support our customers on their journeys.

Working for us is fast paced, interesting, and no two days are the same. You’re constantly exposed to new challenges and there’s always something fresh to think about.

Testimonials

Hear from our people

Laurence Cummins

Sustainability Manager

"I joined Wates as a visiting PhD student, with the company funding my research into environmental policy. I was welcomed with open arms by colleagues in the group Environment team and was able to learn and take on responsibilities in the team alongside my studies. I didn’t initially have a career focus on the built environment sector. However, once I became embedded within the team, and had exposure to the variety of exciting projects Wates are involved in, I wanted to stay in this industry. In October 2023, I took up a permanent role as a Sustainability Manager. I'm excited to keep helping Wates progress towards meeting their ambitions around biodiversity, resource efficiency, and net zero.”

Careers in environment

Want to be a part of our team?

Senior SHE Advisor

Location: Newmarket

Job Type: SHEQ

Application Deadline: 04-12-2025

Shape the future. Drive change. Build safer.Are you passionate about safety, health, and environmental excellence?At Wates Construction, we’re on the lookout for a forward-thinking Senior SHE Advisor to join our dynamic team. We work across multiple sectors, pushing boundaries in design, delivery, and sustainability — and we’re looking for someone just as passionate about excellence and innovation in health, safety, and environmental leadership.ABOUT THE ROLEAs a key member of our SHE (Safety, Health & Environment) function, you’ll provide expert support, advice, and coaching at a regional business level. You’ll work closely with Business Unit Directors, Operations Directors, and supply chain peers to ensure our SHE policy is not only understood—but actively embedded in everything we do.As our Senior SHE Advisor you will: Championing SHE standards across multiple projects and regions. Coaching project leads and regional leadership on risk identification and mitigation. Leading investigations into incidents and guiding teams on best-practice techniques. Reviewing project RAMS and plans to ensure they’re robust and fit for purpose. Promoting the use of Airsweb for incident reporting and action tracking. Supporting bids and pre-construction planning with a strong focus on risk awareness. Building a network within the regional supply chain to influence SHE deployment. Presenting SHE dashboards and incident analysis at regional board meetings. 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.

SHE Advisor

Location: Redditch

Job Type: SHEQ

Application Deadline: 15-12-2025

WPS are seeking an experienced SHE Advisor!Are you passionate about safety, health, and the environment? We’re looking for a proactive and knowledgeable SHE Advisor to join our team and help drive excellence across our regional operations. in the Midlands (travel is a must for this role) 🔍 Key ResponsibilitiesCompliance & Governance Ensure full compliance with SHE legislation, CDM regulations, and internal policies. Maintain and enhance SHE Management Systems (ISO 14001, 45001). Conduct audits, inspections, and risk assessments. Lead incident investigations and produce root cause analysis reports.Operational Support Provide expert SHE coaching to project teams, directors, and supply chain partners. Monitor site safety and environmental performance. Review RAMS and project plans for SHE compliance. Champion behavioural safety initiatives and deliver toolbox talks.Strategic Engagement Contribute SHE expertise to bids and pre-construction planning. Promote a positive SHE culture through campaigns and training. Liaise with HSE and other regulatory bodies as required.🎓 Qualifications & SkillsEssential NEBOSH General or Construction Certificate NVQ Level 4 or equivalent in Health & Safety Strong understanding of SHE legislation and construction practices Proficiency in Microsoft Office and SHE platforms (e.g. Airsweb) Excellent communication and coaching skills Willingness to develop knowledge around the Building Safety Act 2022 & BSRDesirable Membership of IOSH or IIRSM (Tech IOSH or higher) ISO 9001/14001/45001 Internal Auditor qualification Experience in social housing, refurbishment, or high-rise retrofit projects Familiarity with PASMA, IPAF Knowledge of asbestos regulations (Control of Asbestos at Work, HSG 264)If you’re ready to make a real impact in a dynamic and supportive environment, we’d love to hear from you.