Land promotion

Our team works hard to find new ways to bring major residential and commercial schemes forward through planning, providing vital new homes and jobs. Come help us create the thriving places of tomorrow.

Career opportunities in land promotion

The best place to develop your career

Join our family…

We’re one of the largest and most experienced land promotion businesses in the sector. You’ll be joining a brilliant team, in a successful company with a proven track record in acquiring land and delivering valuable planning consents.  We’ve been running for over 125 years and have the values of the Wates family behind us. It’s a big factor in why we have the best reputation in the business.

We offer lots of opportunities across different roles in a wide range of areas, such as land specialists, who find sites for the business. Other roles include land and planning managers who secure allocations and planning consent once the site is secured. There are also commercial land managers who acquire sites for the logistics sector, technical managers, and accountants.  

We have strong development paths for those joining as a graduate and want to support people who are keen to progress. If you’re interested in a particular area, we’ll give you all the help you need to become a specialist. Whatever your ambitions, there are lots of different ways to achieve them. Join us, and we’ll make sure you and your career thrive.

Our people thrive

About you…

Whether you have sector experience, fancy a career change, or are returning to work after a break, we’d love to hear from you.

In Land, ideally, we’d like you to have a relevant degree in property, planning, business or geography. Above all, you should have a keen interest in land, planning, and development.

In terms of experience, you might have worked with a property agency, as a consultant, housebuilder, or property developer. The most important thing is you need to be very personable, as it’s all about relationships and contacts. Someone who is externally presentable and can embody what Wates is all about.

Testimonials

Hear from our people

Holly Rush

Development Management Trainee

"I joined Wates with no prior industry experience, and it has been an incredible journey. Through the graduate scheme I worked in the Project team supporting the promotion of land through planning. I am also an active member of the Wates Women and Allies Steering Committee which I’ve gained invaluable insights from. Wates' dedication to excellence and innovative solutions have accelerated my learning curve while allowing me to expand my professional network. Their supportive culture and emphasis on development have made each challenge manageable and rewarding. I wholeheartedly recommend Wates for anyone seeking a dynamic career path with growth and opportunity.”

Careers in land

Want to be a part of our team?

Career opportunities in land promotion

Commercial Manager

Location: Redditch

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 12-03-2026

The OpportunityHere at Wates Property Services (WPS) – Planned, we have an exciting opportunity for a Commercial Manager to join our growing Planned Maintenance business, delivering large-scale social housing programmes across the East and West Midlands, with exposure to diverse projects outside the immediate area, offering added variety and development opportunities.This is a senior, hands-on role within a high-volume, high-turnover environment, responsible for managing both the commercial function and a team of Quantity Surveyors, while overseeing multiple projects concurrently.The role would suit an experienced Commercial Manager, or a Senior Quantity Surveyor ready to step up, with a strong background in social housing / planned maintenance.Key Responsibilities Full commercial leadership of multiple planned maintenance social housing projects across the region Line management, mentoring and development of a team of Quantity Surveyors and commercial staff Overall responsibility for commercial performance, cost control, forecasting and reporting across a high turnover portfolio Management of subcontract procurement, valuation, variations and final accounts Ensure robust commercial governance, compliance with contract requirements and WPS procedures Work closely with Operations, Project Managers and Clients to support successful project delivery Contribute to business planning, risk management and continuous improvement initiatives Build and maintain strong client relationships across local authority and housing association partnersAbout You Proven experience in a commercial role within social housing planned maintenance (essential) Currently operating as a Commercial Manager, or a Senior Quantity Surveyor looking to progress Experienced in managing multiple projects within a fast-paced, high-volume environment Previous line management or mentoring experience (or ready to take this next step) Strong contractual knowledge and commercial acumen Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills Ideally based in the East Midlands, West Midlands, Northampton or Cambridge, with flexibility to travel across the region as requiredWhy Join WPS Planned? Work on long-term, secure social housing frameworks Join a well-established and growing Planned Maintenance division Opportunity to influence and shape the commercial function across a large regional portfolio Clear career progression within a leading UK construction and property services groupIf you’re an experienced commercial professional within social housing, or a Senior QS ready to step into a Commercial Manager role, we’d love to hear from you.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

Scheduler

Location: Manchester

Job Type: Engineering

Application Deadline: 27-03-2026

Scheduler Location: ManchesterContract: Full-time, PermanentWPS is looking for a proactive and organised Scheduler to join our team in Manchester. In this key role, you’ll be responsible for efficiently planning and allocating work to our operational teams, ensuring responsive repairs and maintenance activities are delivered on time and to a high standard.Key Responsibilities: Schedule and coordinate engineers’ workloads to meet service level agreements Communicate effectively with customers, engineers, and supervisors Monitor job progress, rearranging appointments where needed Maintain accurate records and update systems in real time Support the wider team to deliver excellent customer serviceAbout You: Strong organisational and time-management skills Confident communicator with a customer-focused approach Experience in scheduling, coordination, or a similar fast-paced role (housing/repairs sector experience desirable) Comfortable using scheduling or CRM systemsIf you thrive in a busy environment and enjoy problem-solving, we’d love to hear from you.Apply today to join WPS and help us deliver great service to our customers.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

Site Surveyor

Location: South West

Job Type: Estimating

Application Deadline: 26-02-2026

Are you looking to take the next step in your commercial career?We are seeking a committed and detail‑driven Site Surveyor to join our team and support the successful delivery of high‑value construction projects.This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in maximising value, controlling costs and driving commercial excellence across our projects.About the RoleAs a Site Surveyor, you will contribute to the development and implementation of pre‑ and post‑contract commercial strategies, supporting the Project Quantity Surveyor on large‑value or higher‑risk schemes.You will play a vital role in ensuring contractual obligations are met, commercial risks and opportunities are managed and profitability is maximised in a safe, compliant and ethical manner. The role typically involves commercial management responsibility for project values of up to £120m and may include supervision of trainees or Assistant Quantity Surveyors.You will also proactively promote SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment & Quality) requirements, identifying both good practice and areas for improvement.As our Site Surveyor, you will:Commercial & Contract Management Ensure contractual obligations are understood, executed and regularly reviewed with the Project Surveyor. Take ownership of subcontract packages, including tender enquiries, reconciliations and producing subcontract orders. Manage procurement processes and support production of final accounts. Assess subcontract valuations, issue notices, administer payments and support day‑to‑day subcontractor management.Value & Cost Control Contribute to the submission of external valuations and cashflow forecasts. Support valuation of change, variations strategies, loss & expense claims and final accounts to maximise project value. Aid effective cost control across delegated work packages and projects.Reporting & Forecasting Collate site records including diaries, marked‑up drawings, measurements, surveys, photographs and QA documentation. Assist in preparing cost value reports, procurement schedules, liabilities reporting, reconciliations and audits.Relationship Building & Communication Build strong working relationships with subcontractors, customers, PQS teams, design partners and internal stakeholders. Communicate confidently with commercial leads and project teams, including influencing negotiations with third parties.Risk & SHEQ Awareness Demonstrate an understanding of contract risk and commercial opportunities. Uphold and actively promote company SHEQ policies and practices.Personal Development & Leadership Support and guide trainees or assistant surveyors when required. Take responsibility for your own professional development, including CPD and working toward professional qualifications.What We’re Looking For BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying (preferred) or relevant degree/equivalent experience. Junior member of RICS or equivalent, or working toward professional status.Knowledge & Skills Strong understanding of payments processes, cost reporting systems and basic construction technology. Demonstrable commercial skills including value recovery, cost control and cash management. Measurement, valuation and analytical capabilities. Basic legal and contractual administration knowledge. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to manage your own workload and support others where required.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) Private medical cover 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/

Administrator

Location: Swadlincote

Job Type: Clerical & Administration

Application Deadline: 25-02-2026

WPS Responsive is looking for an Administrator to join our team based in Swadlincote. This is an office‑based role supporting the delivery of responsive maintenance services within the social housing sector.You will provide essential administrative support to the wider operational team, helping ensure the smooth day‑to‑day running of the contract and maintaining accurate records and systems.Key responsibilities Provide general administrative support to the Responsive Maintenance team Manage and maintain trackers, spreadsheets, and contract documentation Update internal systems and databases accurately and in a timely manner Support site teams and management with day‑to‑day administration Handle incoming calls, emails, and queries professionally Assist with reporting, data input, and document control Carry out general office administration duties as requiredEssential requirements Previous administration experience – essential Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Word Good organisational skills with strong attention to detail Confident communicator, both written and verbal Ability to manage workload and prioritise tasks effectivelyDesirable experience Previous experience working within social housing Experience in construction, maintenance, or property services environmentsWhat we offer Permanent, stable role within an established responsive maintenance business Office‑based role with consistent working hours Supportive team environment Competitive salary and benefits package Opportunity to develop within WPS and the wider Wates GroupGiven 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