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 Quantity Surveyor

Location: North West

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 27-02-2026

Wates are looking for an Assistant Quantity Surveyor to join our Construction Team focussing on high profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors.If you are passionate about the commercial aspects of Construction and are 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 Assistant Quantity Surveyors are a valuable part of our business, providing support to the Quantity Surveyors in the development and implementation of all pre and post contract strategies, commercial functions and contract reporting. Assistant Quantity Surveyors work collaboratively with our customers and industry specialists with a firm focus on added value, compliance, commercial viability, and best practice.As our Assistant Quantity Surveyor you will be involved in:· Procurement of materials, equipment and subcontract works – undertaking commercial assessment of quotes received and ensure the timely placement of orders to facilitate project delivery and ensure business objectives are met.· Commercial management of smaller sub-contract packages, ensuring all contractual processes are completed on time including measurement and valuation of sub-contract applications.· Complete agreed record keeping in relation to the project, whilst monitoring and handling payments in relation to plant, materials and labour.WHAT WE OFFER· Competitive salary & bonus· 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

Assistant Quantity Surveyor

Location: London, South East, South West

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 27-02-2026

Welcome to Wates Smartspace—a place where innovation meets impact. We’re the go-to experts in fit-out, refurbishment, and maintenance services across the UK. From modern office spaces to cutting-edge retail environments, we bring spaces to life with creativity, sustainability, and flair. Here, you’re not just part of a team; you’re part of a movement that’s reimagining places for people to thrive.Right now we are looking for talented individuals to join our team as an Assistant Surveyor, to support our projects across the Southern region.ABOUT THE ROLEAs our Assistant Quantity Surveyor, you’ll be diving into the heart of our projects, supporting our wider Commercial Team to keep everything on track— both in budget and quality. If you’re all about the details, love numbers, and are curious about how the built world works, this is the role for you.You will be responsible for Cost Estimation: Assist in preparing detailed cost estimates, budgets, and tender documents to ensure projects are financially viable. Subcontractor Management: Support the management of subcontractor accounts, including valuations, payments, and negotiations. Cost Monitoring: Track project costs, identifying any financial risks or opportunities to keep projects on budget. Reporting: Contribute to the preparation and analysis of cost reports and forecasts, ensuring accurate financial tracking. Site Visits: Participate in site visits to monitor progress and ensure compliance with contract requirements. Final Accounts: Assist in preparing final accounts, including cost reconciliation and settlement of any contractual claims. Collaboration: Work closely with project teams to ensure smooth project delivery, sharing insights and solutions as needed.WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car * Travel covered to any of our sites* Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more… One of the best learning and development programmes which is customizable to support your career progression goals. (c.7000 training sessions delivered year to date across the WATES Group) Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity.(*Subject to role…….)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

Commercial Administrator

Location: Luton

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 27-02-2026

Be at the heart of the action. Learn, grow, and build something that matters.We’re looking for a proactive, organised, and curious Commercial Administrator to join our Smartspace Team. This role puts you right where it counts: on-site with our project and commercial teams, supporting the smooth running of construction projects from the ground up.You’ll gain hands-on experience, real-time insight, and a close connection to the people and processes that make our projects happen.ABOUT THE ROLEOur Administrators are a valuable part of our team playing a pivotal role in supporting our day-to-day operations. Ensuring seamless communication between various departments and providing exceptional support to our team members and clients. This role offers an exciting opportunity to be at the heart of our operations, contributing to the smooth running of our projects.As our Commercial Administrator you will: Supporting site teams with records, documentation, drawings and H&S files Preparing valuations, pricing documents and subcontractor communications Attending site meetings, taking minutes, and capturing progress Learning directly from experienced professionals across disciplinesWHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car * Travel covered to any of our sites* Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more… One of the best learning and development programmes which is customizable to support your career progression goals. (c.7000 training sessions delivered year to date across the WATES Group) Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity.(*Subject to role…….)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

Document Controller

Location: Newmarket

Job Type: Document Control

Application Deadline: 27-02-2026

Wates are looking for a Document Controller to join our team focussing on high profile projects across multiple sectors. If you are passionate about supporting our onsite teams 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 ROLE Our Document Controllers are a valuable part of our onsite teams, working collaboratively to support Project teams with the management of different forms of Digital Information, such as Drawings, including the use of Common Data Environments (CDE) and related digital platforms. This includes control of project information throughout all project stages in accordance with the required Information standards and, where applicable, industry standards such as ISO 19650. The role will ensure that projects deliver and maintain an accurate set of Digital Information. As our Document Controller you will: Configure and maintain project status reports using reportable data such as Information Compliance, RFI’s Technical Submissions and other aspects of Information Management to inform project performance and dashboards. Information Quality Assurance – including Information Validation, Receipt, Classification, Distribution, Workflow and Retrieval Be the point of contact for ongoing CDE and Information Management project support including third parties such as suppliers, consultants and clients. Provide training and troubleshooting support on the use of CDE-related systems. 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