Procurement

We procure a range of products and services and spend over £1bn a year with our supply chain, helping local communities to thrive. Join us and we’ll help your career do the same.

The best place to develop your career

Join our family…

We are committed to responsible and ethical procurement. We only work with organisations which share our commitments to high quality and sustainability.

We have a huge range of opportunities in our team from Procurement Administrator, up to procurement and supply chain Directors.  Key roles include Procurement Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Category Manager, Data Analyst, Reporting Analyst and Compliance Manager. You can start as an apprentice or assistant and work your way up.

Wates is a friendly, family-owned, very successful business. How you progress is up to you – you can stay within your same area of expertise or move into other parts of the business. It’s an interesting, rewarding career.  We believe in promoting from within, and we’ll give you all the training and support you need to grow. There’s no better place to build your career.

Discover Our comprehensive range of services

People thrive at Wates

About you…

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

Ideally, we’d like you to have experience in the role in a similar business. A procurement or commercial background would be good too. Most importantly, it’s about the qualities you bring. We’re looking for people with a ‘can do’ attitude. Someone who’s friendly, open minded, engaging and prepared to work in a collective way.  

Regarding transferable skills, you should understand negotiation and contracts. Leading workshops and presenting skills would also be useful.

We have different roles within procurement, so we can range from people having experience to MSIPS chartered, CIOB qualification at a senior level.

Testimonials

Hear from our people

Sarah Kemp

Senior Buyer

"When I joined Wates, I had just left a decade long career in Fashion – a very different world to Construction! I had no industry experience and little knowledge of the sector, but right from the start, I could tell that this was a business that I wanted to work for. Everyone I spoke to before joining was friendly, professional and knowledgeable and this gave me confidence in my career move. There is a very supportive culture at Wates that has a true family feel. It is friendly but professional and everyone is approachable and helpful. The flexibility that Wates offer was something that, as a working mum of two, was attractive to me, as were the opportunities to develop and progress. All of this, together with their focus on looking after their employees and the numerous benefits they offer, makes it a great place to work. I feel very fortunate to work at Wates and would recommend it to anyone looking to advance their career in a company that values and challenges its employees.”

Careers in procurement

Want to be a part of our team?

Grow your career with us in procurement and supply chain. From entry-level to director roles, we offer strong support and growth opportunities

Assistant Framework Manager

Location: London NW1

Job Type: Bid

Application Deadline: 10-02-2026

Wates are offering an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious Assistant Framework Manager to play a key role in driving the success of our strategic frameworks. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, enjoys building strong relationships, and is energised by the challenge of delivering consistently high performance across multiple workstreams.As an integral part of our framework team, you’ll support the smooth day‑to‑day running of key frameworks — from governance and performance reporting through to client engagement and re‑bid activity. This is a role where curiosity, collaboration, and a proactive mindset will be genuinely valued.What You’ll Be Doing:In this role, you will contribute to shaping the success of our frameworks by: Developing smart, insightful performance tools Creating dashboards and reporting systems that track project and framework performance, spotlight opportunities for improvement, and support data‑driven decision‑making. Supporting strategic framework wins Getting involved in win plans, prequalification activity, and bid execution to help secure the frameworks that underpin our future growth. Driving sector and strategy insights Supporting research that strengthens our framework and sector strategies and ensures we’re always one step ahead. Building trusted relationships Working closely with framework teams and clients to maintain strong, dependable partnerships. Championing framework governance Helping ensure commitments, objectives, and delivery standards are met consistently and effectively. Contributing to marketing and PR efforts Supporting activities that enhance client retention and promote the strength of our offer. Sharing best practice across teams Bringing innovation, sector knowledge, and fresh thinking into our bid teams to elevate our collective performance. 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

Head of Sustainability – Construction

Location: Nationwide

Job Type: SHEQ

Application Deadline: 30-01-2026

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 or contact Nikki Reed – Nikki.reed@wates.co.uk

Site Manager

Location: Thetford

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 10-02-2026

Wates are looking for a Site Manager to join our Construction team, focussing on high profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors.If you are passionate about the construction 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 Site Managers are a valuable part of our business, driving quality outcomes and achieving the highest standards of safety, health, and environmental controls. Our Site Manager work collaboratively with our Project Managers to ensure the completion of the project to the highest standard.As our Site Manager you will:· Implement Wates Operating framework and be committed to achieving Zero Harm on our Construction sites· Undertake all Quality management in accordance with the Project Quality Plan.· Plan and manage the works to achieve the construction programme key milestones and completion dates with the use of collaborative planning sessions with the supply chain· Review and understand all design pertinent to the section of worksWHAT 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 Standard 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

Talent Acquisition Partnerships Manager

Location: Finsbury Park

Job Type: HR

Application Deadline: 10-02-2026

Are you passionate about driving performance through strategic partnerships? At WPS, we’re looking for a TA Partnerships Manager to lead our external recruitment partner strategy—overseeing our Temporary MSP and Permanent PSL. This is a high-impact role focused on driving commercial value, operational efficiency, and compliance across our recruitment supplier network.🔹 Own and optimise supplier relationships across MSP and PSL🔹 Lead contract governance, rate negotiations, and performance management🔹 Drive process transformation and cost efficiencies across contingent hiring🔹 Ensure compliance with AWR and mitigate status determination risks🔹 Influence senior stakeholders with data-led insights and market intelligenceWe’re looking for someone with a strong track record in Recruitment supplier partnership management—someone who can challenge, lead, and deliver measurable results.🎓 A degree in HR, Business, or related field is beneficial✅ Significant experience in managing recruitment suppliers, contracts, and compliance is essential💬 Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills📊 Commercially astute and confident with data, contracts, and supplier performance metricsAt WPS, we’re proud to be an inclusive employer with Investors in People Gold and Disability Confident Leader status. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.#SupplierManagement #RecruitmentStrategy #PartnershipLeadership #WPSCareers #HiringNow #ContractManagement #WorkforceSolutions