Health, safety & wellbeing
Health, safety, and wellbeing is at the core of what we do, and our zero-harm approach, means our sites are some of the safest in the sector. In our SHE team, you and your career will thrive.
Health, safety, and wellbeing is at the core of what we do, and our zero-harm approach, means our sites are some of the safest in the sector. In our SHE team, you and your career will thrive.
THE BEST PLACE TO DEVELOP YOUR CAREER
We’re successful, profitable, and have one of the most impressive safety records in the industry. When it comes to health, safety, and wellbeing, we’re proud to ‘walk the talk’.
There are a huge range of opportunities within our SHE team, from SHE advisors, to SHE Manager, Head of Health and Wellbeing and Director of Health, Safety and Wellbeing. Whatever level you come in at, there are no limits to how far you can go. Provided you think of your development and grab the opportunities, you’ll get all the support you need to succeed. If you have a particular interest, we’ll help you make it happen.
As part of the SHE team, you’ll have access to every other function across the business. It will give you real exposure to most other roles and excellent networking opportunities. It’s one of the areas that has the most transferrable skills and because the business is so diverse, there are opportunities to expand into other areas. Whatever your ambitions, you’ll find many paths to achieve them.
PEOPLE THRIVE AT WATES
Whether you have sector experience, fancy a career change, or are returning to work after a break, we’d love to hear from you.
Ideally, from a technical perspective, you’ll be a Chartered Safety and Health Practitioner or working towards that goal. We have also taken on safety trainees in some parts of the business. Above all, it’s about having the right qualities – determination to learn, an understanding of risk, enthusiasm, and an inquisitive mind. Someone who asks, ‘can we do this a better way?’
People skills are a must, alongside the ability to simplify complex problems, an open mindset, and someone who can work independently. You should also have excellent influencing skills at all levels and be comfortable modelling the right behaviours. These roles are not about enforcing legislation. Instead, we want people who understand the issue and can work collaboratively to address it.
We’re keen to broaden our talent pool and are open to people from outside construction.
TESTIMONIALS
Head of Health and Wellbeing
"I joined Wates in 2003, with no experience in the industry. During this time, I have been fortunate enough to work with some great supportive colleagues and managers, all of whom have helped me reach my potential, supported me during my studies and presented me with challenges and opportunities to grow and develop. I have been able to work in several of the businesses and at a group level during my career and have taken on various roles and projects that have allowed me to be myself, use my skills and led to invaluable connections both internally and externally. When I look back, I realise how varied and dynamic my career has been with opportunities for growth, change and promotion. If I was to go back and start all over again, I would choose Wates, without a doubt.”
CAREERS IN HEALTH, SAFETY & WELLBEING
Sustainability Manager
Location: London
Job Type: SHEQ
Application Deadline: 07-09-2025
Wates are looking for a Sustainability Manager to join our Wates Fit Out team in London focussing on supporting the newly established Wates Fit Out team to deliver the Wates Group sustainability targets and deliver high profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors.If you are passionate about the Fit Out industry with proven skills and 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 Sustainability Managers are a valuable part of our business, driving improvements in resource efficiency, carbon reduction and increasing biodiversity whilst achieving the highest standards of safety, health, and environmental controls. Our Sustainability Managers work collaboratively with our regional Senior Leadership teams and Project Managers to ensure the sustainability requirements of our clients are met to the highest standards.As our Sustainability Manager you will: Lead the sustainability agenda in your area of responsibility and provide technical advice, guidance and support to Leadership and Project Teams. Promote environmental best practice to current standards (ISO 14001, BREEAM, Well, NABERS, PAS 2080 or similar), establish best practice and implement strategies, plans, processes and standards by working closely with the design, procurement, delivery and customer teams. Manage the external environmental consultants. Hold regular Principals Calls/Meetings with our digital consultants to track progress and any issues. Measure, share and seek improvements in performance using our Key Performance Indicator (KPI) outputs.
Quality Manager
Location: Manchester
Job Type: SHEQ
Application Deadline: 04-09-2025
Wates are looking for a Quality Manager to join our team focussing on high profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors.If you are passionate about Quality with proven technical skills 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 Quality Managers are a valuable part of our business, driving quality outcomes, enhancing buildability and fostering innovation. Quality Managers work collaboratively with our project teams, industry specialists and in-house technical experts to ensure projects are delivered ‘Right First Time’ in accordance with drawings and specification with a firm focus on added value, compliance, commercial viability, and best practice. As our Quality Manager you will: Regularly visit projects to support and develop people’s skills on the practical application of the Operating Framework, Delivering the Promise and quality management. Positively influence Wates team and key supply chain members behaviours so they actively deliver customer satisfaction and strive to reduce mistakes, rework / recalls and defects Undertake a review of works on site to check the quality of installation is in line with specification and drawings and that records have been maintained to the relevant standard. Support projects to resolve any issues which have been identified Carry out compliance reviews (internal audits) in accordance with ISO 19011:2011 on a range of projects, activities and key supply chain members. Provide accurate reports and publish to relevant parties. Ensure corrections are recorded with and closed out by the project team. Review construction practice and actively promote understanding of quality management to help ensure compliance with statutory and client requirementsWHAT 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.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 SHE Advisor
Location: London
Job Type: SHEQ
Application Deadline: 04-09-2025
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 London 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.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
Risk and Assurance Manager
Location: Finsbury Park
Job Type: SHEQ
Application Deadline: 03-09-2025
Risk and Assurance Manager – WPSAre you ready to shape the future of risk management in a dynamic and evolving organisation?WPS Housing Maintenance is looking for a talented Risk and Assurance Manager to help lead our business toward a mature, robust, and forward-thinking risk management framework.At WPS, we’re building for the future—driving innovation and embracing challenges. As our operations grow in scale and complexity, and as legislative demands evolve, we recognise the need for a holistic view of risk. This role is essential and impactful, offering the opportunity to make a real difference.This is a fantastic opportunity to progress your career as part of a talented, diverse, and supportive team.ABOUT THE ROLEAs the Risk Manager for WPS, you’ll report directly to the Commercial Director and work closely with key stakeholders, including senior leadership and cross-functional partners, to: Develop and implement a comprehensive risk management framework in collaboration with the Finance Director and Group Senior Risk Manager. Establish governance procedures for effective risk reporting, board governance processes, and risk appetite assessment. Provide insight and analysis to the Group Head of Assurance and Risk Committee Chair through dashboards, reports, and presentations. Maintain and manage risk registers, mapping key project risks into a consolidated business unit view. Partner with the Finance Director to design and embed governance frameworks for board agendas and related forums. Lead proactive stakeholder engagement to develop a mature risk culture within the business. Promote best practices by integrating lessons learned into risk methodologies and tools.WHAT YOU WILL BRING Proven experience in risk management within a complex business environment. Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess risks, define mitigation strategies, and communicate effectively with senior stakeholders. A collaborative mindset and ability to foster relationships across cross-functional teams. Confidence in governance design and the ability to deliver robust documentation and reporting tools.OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU Be at the forefront of risk transformation for a growing and evolving business unit. Collaborate with senior leaders to shape and embed a world-class risk management culture. Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits, and career development opportunities.Location: While location is flexible, the role can be based in Finsbury Park.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 One of the Recruitment Team will then be in contact to discuss the role in more detail and advise of next steps.