Operations
Operations covers everything from site management to planning and managing the processes required to ensure our construction projects run well. It’s key to all that we do.
Operations covers everything from site management to planning and managing the processes required to ensure our construction projects run well. It’s key to all that we do.

Build a thriving career
Join Wates, and you’ll be joining a highly successful family firm with over 125 years under its belt. One with a proven track record, a bulging order book worth £2.2bn, and an annual turnover of £322.7m.
We have high-energy, high-performing teams throughout the business, and are proud to have such a good, diverse mix of people working for us. We also take care of our employees and believe that everyone at Wates should have the chance to progress their career. It’s one reason so many of our employees choose to stay with us.
Whatever level you come in at, you’ll get all the training and CPD you need to succeed. We’ll do all we can to help you achieve your ambitions, including extra support should you want it. We set out a clear career path for everyone who joins us and encourage internal promotion. Once you’re here, you can access all the opportunities across the Wates Group too. There’s no better place to build your career.

Join a thriving team
We offer a wide range of operational roles across our business. These include skilled tradespeople, project, logistics, section, and site managers, all the way up to project and operations directors. You’ll need industry experience for many of these roles.
We’re also looking for people who have the transferrable skills that we need. For example, being tech savvy, project management, and comms skills. We want people who can think practically and take a logical approach to solving problems. Someone happy to roll their sleeves up and be ‘hands-on’ when required.
Of course, the experience and qualifications will depend on the specific role. So, for a project director, we’d like 6-8 years as a project lead, and ideally, a professional qualification. For all roles, it would be great if you had some contracting and development experience.
Data Analyst Apprentice – Level 3
Location: Birmingham
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 10-03-2026
Ready to take the next step in your career and join a supportive, collaborative team where everyone can thrive.About UsSES Engineering Services (SES) is recognised as one of the leading M&E partners in the UK. Specialising in the design and installation of building services and infrastructure solutions, SES covers all aspects of M&E engineering.About the roleAs a Data Analyst Apprentice you’ll gain practical, hands-on experience, learn from supportive professionals, and work towards a nationally recognised qualification. This role is ideal for anyone curious about data, enjoys problem-solving, and wants to turn insights into meaningful action.Your Responsibilities Responsibilities include but are not limited to the below: Collecting, organising, and analysing data to help inform business decisions Learning to use tools such as Excel, SQL, and data visualisation software Preparing reports and dashboards that present insights in a clear and accessible way Collaborating with different teams to understand their data needs Ensuring data accuracy and following best practices for data security Supporting projects by providing timely and reliable analysisAbout you To thrive on this programme, you’ll bring: An interest in building a career in the built environment Enthusiasm for learning and developing new skills A curious mindset and willingness to ask questions Dependable and professional in approach The ability to solve problems and think logically Strong organisational and time management skills Prioritising tasks to meet agreed deadlinesQualifications To be considered for this apprenticeship you will need to have achieved a Grade 4 or C and above in Maths and English You must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level than this apprenticeship in a similar subject.Roles may close before the deadline if we receive a high volume of applications.Our Commitment to inclusion We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.We're especially keen to hear from individuals who are underrepresented in the construction sector – including women, people from ethnic minority communities and people with disabilities. If you have a disability or require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know – we’re here to support you.
Site Supervisor Apprentice – Level 4
Location: South East
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 10-03-2026
Ready to take the next step in your career and join a supportive, collaborative team where everyone can thrive.About the roleAs a Site Supervisor Apprentice based in Wokingham, you will play a vital role in ensuring that projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget. You will be at the heart of the action and support on various subcontractor and operator activities, working across several workstreams within the business Your Responsibilities Responsibilities include but are not limited to the below: Champion safe working practices and help maintain high standards of health, welfare, and environmental protection on site. Collaborate with the supply chain and surveyors to support commercial goals and build strong, lasting partnerships. Foster positive relationships with clients, design teams, and suppliers by promoting best practice throughout the construction process. Learn and apply technical practices and project sequences to develop your skills. Contribute to delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Work closely with subcontractors to ensure high-quality outcomes. Build your understanding of programme and works management. Gain experience using innovative construction software and technology to enhance project delivery. About you To thrive on this programme, you’ll bring: An interest in building a career in the built environment Enthusiasm for learning and developing new skills A curious mindset and willingness to ask questions Dependable and professional in approach The ability to solve problems and think logically Strong organisational and time management skills Prioritising tasks to meet agreed deadlineQualifications To be considered for this apprenticeship you will need to have achieved a Grade 4 or C and above in Maths and English A level 3 qualification (A-level, BTEC in any subject) grades A – D You must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level than this apprenticeship in a similar subject.Roles may close before the deadline if we receive a high volume of applications. Our Commitment to inclusion We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.We're especially keen to hear from individuals who are underrepresented in the construction sector – including women, people from ethnic minority communities and people with disabilities. If you have a disability or require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know – we’re here to support you.
Senior Project Manager
Location: London NW1
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 20-02-2026
Wates are looking for a Senior Project Manager to join our construction team in London working on a high-profile project for Cannon Bridge House.If you have proven technical skills and are looking for an opportunity to challenge the norm, bring fresh new ideas and elevate yourself within the industry then join us.ABOUT THE ROLEOur Senior Project Managers are a valuable part of our business, the focus of this role will be to provide visible leadership, direction and foresight in the safe and profitable delivery of schemes, while also providing excellent customer satisfaction and successfully develop a team.As our Senior Project Manager, you will: Work with the Project Director and Project leadership team, lead in the development and execution of the project execution, business and profit plans. Develop bid strategies and support pre-contract teams into the successful project delivery with the design team and supply chain, ensuring efficient and forward thinking construction options, whilst supporting timely delivery of design information. Set clear objectives for all operational staff reporting into you, having clear lines of responsibility and accountability such that you develop the teams capabilities in line with the requirements of the project. Work with the Project Director and project leadership team to create a culture in line with Wates purpose and policies, demonstrated through your leadership behaviours and motivational skills. Manage supply chain selection, nurture customer relationships, uphold brand values, and address customer concerns. Focus on successful project outcomes, manage H.S.E&Q performance using the Wates Operating Framework as the basis for all workstreams that will support clear delivery strategies, and ensure efficient project completion in line with KPI targets using project metrics and data to drive performance and compliance. Understand and drive the successful and progressive digital handover of the project with the professional team and design team and Wates Supply Chain in line with the customer handover requirementsWHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: The successful candidate must be enthusiastic and be driven in the shared goal of successful project delivery and continuous improvement and always looking for a better way. You will possess strong construction knowledge base and skillset following a successful period in the management of Projects and teams in excess of £50m, being central in the development and implementation of complex delivery and handover strategies. Experience of working on live City Centre cut and carve Projects with existing tenants and live services is essential due to the nature of the Cannonbridge House project. The candidate should therefore be confident in communicating with external stakeholders at all levels with the ability of presenting plans and strategies to key customer groups through the preconstruction and delivery periods.Leadership and motivational skills are key to the success of the role, as you will need to set clear objectives, develop team capabilities and implement complex construction delivery plans in line with the requirements of the project. Expertise in managing supply chain selection and their onsite delivery and performance is critical to the requirements of the role. Time, Cost Quality and Programme are all equally important in the delivery of our projects, as we look to develop and strengthen customer relationships, uphold brand values, and prioritising our responses to any potential customer concerns or feedback.WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & Bonus 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/
Site Manager
Location: Leamington Spa
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 25-02-2026
WPS Planned Division 📍 Leamington SpaAbout the ProjectWPS Planned Division is delivering a significant programme of works for one of our existing social housing partners focused on retrofit, energy efficiency, and decarbonisation.The project includes insulation upgrades, new roofs, windows, and doors, alongside innovative digital and renewable technologies such as smart thermostats, heat pumps, and solar panels. These works are designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and lower energy costs for residents, aligned with SHDF and similar funding frameworks.The RoleWe are seeking an experienced and hands-on Site Manager to oversee planned works across the Leamington Spa area. You will take full responsibility for day-to-day site operations, leading teams to deliver works safely, on programme, and to the highest quality standards, while maintaining excellent client and resident relationships.Key ResponsibilitiesAs Site Manager, you will: Programme Management: Plan, coordinate, and monitor short-term programmes of work to ensure timely and efficient delivery Team Leadership: Manage direct labour and subcontractors, ensuring performance targets, quality standards, and specifications are met Health & Safety: Ensure full compliance with H&S legislation, company procedures, and site documentation requirements Site Standards: Maintain high standards of attendance, conduct, housekeeping, and PPE compliance Resource Management: Ensure all operatives and subcontractors are correctly qualified, inducted, and equipped Quality Control: Monitor workmanship, manage defects, and respond to client variations Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Attend inspections and meetings, providing clear and regular progress updates Reporting: Produce accurate reports covering health & safety, programming, and labour attendance Commercial Awareness: Work closely with the commercial team to support cost control and overall project successWho You’ll Work With Directly employed workforce Subcontractors and suppliers Internal operational and commercial teams Clients, residents, and key stakeholdersAbout YouYou will be a proactive and organised Site Manager with proven experience delivering SHDF-funded or similar retrofit, energy efficiency, or decarbonisation projects, ideally within social housing or occupied environments. You’ll be a confident leader with strong communication skills and a commitment to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.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