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.
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/
Section Manager
Location: Nationwide
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 26-02-2026
Section Manager – SmartspaceWates Smartspace are looking for a Section Manager to join our growing team, supporting a range of interesting commercial fit out projects. If you are passionate about the operational aspects of fit-out construction, and you are looking for career growth and development opportunities as part of a top-class team, we would like to hear from you – This could be the perfect opportunity!ABOUT THE ROLEOur Section Managers are a valuable part of our business, playing a key role ensuring the delivery of the project is achieved within time, budget and to the highest quality. You will be directing the on-site execution of interior finishes within the scope of the projects you are working on.As our Section Manager you will: Keep and maintain records, for area of responsibility i.e. Labour Returns, Daily Diaries, Quality Inspections, As Built Programmes, and Weekly Project Report. Be accountable for the planning, managing and safe delivery of works. Be familiar with the Construction Phase Plan and ensure that the works in the section/subcontract package comply with the plan, with approved Risk Assessments and Method statements suitable for the task. Coordinating multiple trades packages, reviewing design outputs and maintaining progress reports and look-ahead schedules. Ensure work meets high-end finishing standards and overseeing snagging/defects. Be familiar with technology used to track and maintain records on construction sites.
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
Divisional Commercial Manager
Location: Finsbury Park
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 23-02-2026
📢 We're Hiring: Divisional Commercial ManagerLocation: Various sites across the West and East Midlands, with key offices in Redditch, Tamworth, and WalsallBusiness Unit: WPSAre you a commercially driven leader with a passion for delivering high-quality housing solutions? We’re looking for a Divisional Commercial Manager to join our WPS Business, overseeing a diverse portfolio of contracts across Planned Works, High-Rise Refurbishments, and Decarbonisation/Net Zero Retrofit projects.This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership in driving commercial performance and strategic growth across a range of long- and short-term contracts.🔧 What You’ll Be Doing: Leading the commercial strategy across multiple social housing contracts, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. Managing project P&L, forecasts, valuations, and reporting to ensure financial targets are met or exceeded. Collaborating with operational teams to optimise contract performance and client satisfaction. Supporting contract mobilisation, implementation, and continuous improvement. Driving innovation and identifying new opportunities for growth and efficiency.✅ What We’re Looking For: Proven experience in commercial management within the social housing, construction, or maintenance sector. Strong financial and commercial acumen, with a track record of delivering profitable outcomes. Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Experience working across varied contract types and durations.🎓 Ideal Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying or equivalent. RICS accreditation (preferred).If you're ready to lead with impact and help shape the future of social housing delivery, 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 Interested?Once you apply a member of the Recruitment Team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.