Health, safety & wellbeing

Head of Sustainability – Construction

Head of Sustainability – Construction DivisionLocation: UK – flexible national role • Contract: Permanent • Reports to: UK Operations DirectorCreate measurable environmental and social impact at scale.We’re looking for a strategic, commercially minded Head of Sustainability to shape and deliver an industry‑leading sustainability strategy for Wates Construction. You’ll put excellent environmental performance and social value at the heart of how we win and deliver work – helping us achieve our 2030 and 2045 ambitions while creating real value for customers, communities and our business.What you’ll do Set the direction & deliver outcomes. Lead the FY26 Certainty of Outcome plan across five themes -Climate, Nature, Responsible Construction, Circularity and Social Value -turning strategy into visible results on live projects. Lead and grow a high‑performing team. Inspire and develop a multi‑disciplinary sustainability & social value team (c. 26 colleagues) and champion inclusive, purpose‑driven leadership across the division. Win work with sustainability. Re‑set market perceptions with a compelling offer; equip business development and BU leadership with data, tools and stories that differentiate Wates and drive profitable growth. Raise the bar on compliance & data. Anticipate risk using leading indicators, strengthen lag‑indicator learning, and ensure sustainability data is robust, timely and decision‑ready. Advise at Board level. Provide sharp analysis, clear recommendations and thought leadership that steer investment, innovation and delivery across the Construction division. Engage and influence. Build momentum internally and externally -bringing customers, partners and the supply chain with us through evidence‑led storytelling and collaborative delivery.What you’ll bring Deep domain expertise in construction‑sector sustainability (environmental and social), ESG or environmental management -combining technical credibility with commercial acumen. Proven strategic leadership -setting vision, building capability, and delivering measurable outcomes across complex programmes. Hands‑on technical fluency (e.g., carbon management, resource efficiency/circularity, nature/biodiversity, responsible construction, social value). Excellent communication -from board‑level insight and tender presentations to mentoring and capability building across teams. Qualifications (ideal): Bachelor’s in a related field; a Master’s (e.g., Environmental Management/MBA/CISL) is an advantage. Professional credentials (e.g., ISO 14001, ISSP‑CSP) and familiarity with frameworks such as GRI, UK SRS, UK TOMS and carbon accounting tools are beneficial.Why Wates ConstructionYou’ll join a business committed to delivering places that are better for people and the planet -where sustainability is integral to strategy, not a side‑project. Expect the autonomy to innovate, the platform to influence, and the support of leaders who want to make a difference.What we offerCompetitive salary + car allowance/benefits + bonusFlexible/hybrid working and family‑friendly policiesOngoing professional development and chartership supportAn inclusive culture that values diversity, wellbeing and growthReady to lead real change?Apply now via our careers page.

Social Value Advisor

Wates are looking for a Social Value Advisor to join our team focussing on a high profile, technically complex project engaging with Furthest From Workforce audiences. If you are passionate about social value 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 ROLE Our Social Value Advisors are a valuable part of our business and has a focus on day-to-day engagement with community organisations and delivery against project targets. Working closely with the Social Value Manager the Social Value Advisor will support in the delivery of Social Value activity for each allocated site/contract within a region.  As our Social Value Advisor you will: Be responsible for coordinating and delivering Social Value activities in line with project KPIs, including managing discreet projects (e.g. careers fairs, work experience). Be responsible for sourcing and training Social Value / Social Enterprise / Work Experience / Safeguarding / D&I / Wellbeing / Charity champions and initiatives at project level Be responsible for data collection, including providing support to site based Social Value Champions, at the beginning and end of Social Value activities. Ensure that all data is recorded and GDPR compliant and support with KPI monitoring. Collate and develop content for social media and website, creating case studies to support the regional Comms plan. Work with the Social Value Manager and collaborate with the Comms team to produce content for internal and external publication. Be responsible for identifying community groups and associations. Work closely with these groups and lead engagement initiatives, empowering community groups to support with co-design. Ensure that stakeholder opinions are taken into consideration to drive or shape key decisions on community projects Communicate the value of engaging in Social Value related initiatives at project level to influence colleagues to participate. Communicate with external delivery partners to maintain and develop the Social Value programmes within the locations of allocated sites/contracts. Communicate with Group Social Value lead and Social Value colleagues across the Group to share and implement best practice in Social Value and to identify opportunities for collaboration when working in similar geographic areas. 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 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

SHE Advisor

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. Drive change actively engage with winning hearts and mindsOperational 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. Be approachable, build relations and strong trust with the operational management and project teamsStrategic 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. Identify improvement and potential opportunities around innovation🎓 Qualifications & SkillsEssential Minimum NEBOSH Construction Certificate and be working towards Dipploma or willing to progress to it NVQ Level 4 or equivalent in Health & Safety Minimum of 5 yrs experience in Construction, Property Maintenance and or FM Sector, Utilities. 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 & BSR Willingness to travel from central Midlands to South and South East- Norwich, Peterborough, Cambridge, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire. Over night stay may be required but this will not be every week.Desirable Membership of IOSH with a minimum of Cert IOSH and above professional accreditation 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) Knowledge of Building Safety Act- HRB’s and willingness to be trained and educated around general FRA of low risk buildings and propertiesIf you’re ready to make a real impact in a dynamic and supportive environment, we’d love to hear from you.