The hiring process

Project Manager

Project ManagerLocation: CambridgeReports To: Head of ProjectsAbout the RoleWe are seeking an experienced and highly organised Project Manager to oversee a variety of critical projects for our client in Cambridge. This is a key role responsible for taking projects from feasibility through to successful completion, ensuring all work meets agreed timescales, quality standards, safety requirements, and contractual deliverables. You will be the central point of coordination for planning, monitoring, reporting, and driving project performance—working closely with operational teams, technical specialists, and senior stakeholders.The ideal candidate will bring strong project leadership, a proactive mindset, and the ability to manage multiple, complex workstreams in a business‑critical environment.Key Responsibilities Manage all aspects of project delivery from feasibility to completion, following our processes and documentation standards. Produce project plans, scheduling milestones, assigning responsibilities, and coordinating resources. Maintain and regularly review project programmes, identifying resource requirements early. Lead project monitoring, status meetings, and progress reporting to the FM Board. Identify and manage risks, issues, and constraints, ensuring early escalation and mitigation. Work closely with operational teams to support and coordinate change management activities. Define or support the creation of acceptance criteria for deliverables and ensure stakeholder approval. Prepare and maintain documentation including reports, schedules, agendas, minutes, and communication logs. Analyse and manage business disruption factors and operational impacts. Ensure project quality standards and compliance are met. Close out projects effectively, including lessons‑learned reviews and end‑of‑project reports. Use tools such as Gantt charts, spreadsheets, and project management systems to organise workflows. Communicate clearly and professionally with clients, contractors, and internal teams.Essential Qualifications Project Management qualification (Prince2). Membership with IOSH (or equivalent).Desirable Qualifications Experience with CAFM and reporting systems Technical training such as: City & Guilds (Electrical or Mechanical disciplines), or NVQ Level 2–3 (Electrical/Mechanical). 18th Edition Electrical qualification. Electrical or mechanical apprenticeship.Essential Experience Working in a managerial role with strong project management responsibility. Facilities Management background Strong competence in planning, forecasting, and change management procedures. Proven ability to produce clear, structured project plans and reports. Ability to identify, manage, and mitigate risks. Experience coordinating core engineering or technical projects. Ability to deliver against strict timescales and maintain high documentation standards. Skilled in leading focused, productive project meetings.Desirable Experience Practical experience with Microsoft Project and other Microsoft packages. Prior experience managing business systems, reporting tools, or CAFM platforms. Experience supporting business‑led transformations.Skills & Personal Attributes Strong verbal and written communication skills. Professional, client‑focused attitude. Ability to understand and interpret client requirements. Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills. Adaptable, flexible, and calm under pressure. Effective problem‑solver with attention to detail. Reliable, results‑driven and well‑presented.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

Project Manager

Project ManagerLocation: LeedsReports To: Head of ProjectsAbout the OpportunityWe are looking for a proactive and experienced Project Manager to support the delivery of key projects for one of our major clients in Leeds.In this role, you will lead projects from initial feasibility right through to final handover, ensuring all activities are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned to our quality and compliance standards. You will be at the heart of planning, coordination, communication, and governance—working closely with operational leaders, technical specialists, and client stakeholders.We are seeking someone with excellent organisational skills, a strong grasp of risk and change management, and the confidence to drive projects forward in a business‑critical environment.Key Responsibilities Develop and manage all project documentation, from initial scopes to completion records. Produce and maintain detailed project programmes, timelines, and resource schedules. Lead progress reporting, chair status meetings, and keep senior stakeholders informed. Identify risks, issues, and potential delays, implementing mitigation strategies early. Coordinate with operational teams on change management activities and business impacts. Ensure all project deliverables meet agreed quality, compliance, and acceptance standards. Support decision‑making by providing clear, structured reports, documentation, and forecasts. Manage project close‑out activities, including lessons‑learned reviews and final reporting. Use appropriate project management tools such as Gantt charts, spreadsheets, and system‑based workflows. Maintain clear, professional communication with clients, colleagues, and suppliers.Essential Qualifications Project Management qualification (Prince2). IOSH membership or equivalent safety qualification.Desirable Qualifications Experience using CAFM platforms and reporting systems. Relevant technical training such as: City & Guilds in Electrical/Electronic or Mechanical disciplines NVQ Level 2–3 (Electrical/Mechanical) 18th Edition Electrical qualification Engineering or technical apprenticeship background.Essential Experience Experience in a management‑level project role within a business‑critical environment. Strong capability in planning, forecasting, and coordinating complex project activity. Proven experience in risk management and producing clear, structured project documentation. Experience leading engineering‑related or technical projects. Ability to deliver to strict deadlines while maintaining high documentation standards. Confident chairing meetings and keeping discussions on track.Desirable Experience Experience in a critical or high‑stakes operational environment. Knowledge of Microsoft Project and wider Microsoft Office tools. Experience managing business systems and reporting processes. Exposure to transformation or change‑led programmes. CAFM/reporting system experience.Skills & Personal Attributes Strong communicator with excellent written and verbal skills. Client‑focused with a professional and confident manner. Highly organised with the ability to prioritise effectively. Adaptable, calm under pressure, and solutions‑driven. Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy. Reliable, results‑oriented, and committed to high standards.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 Land Manager

Wates Group have an opportunity for an Assistant Land Manager to join our Wates Developments team in Leatherhead.The Wates Developments land team identify land suitable for residential & mixed-use development and promote sites through the planning system with a view to securing a valuable planning consent. Our business holds a large and growing portfolio of potential residential development land and our team focuses on securing valuable planning consents in sustainable locations, throughout Southern England, South West and the Midlands.Reporting into the Land Director, you will help identify, investigate, appraise and secure interests in land navigating the legal, technical and financial process.ABOUT THE ROLEAs an Assistant Land Manager, you will: Establish and maintain good working relationships with land agents and landowners. Prepare initial planning appraisals, undertake due diligence enquiries and prepare viability assessments on new site opportunities. Assist the Land Team with preparing offers and bids. Negotiate and secure Option, Promotion or Hybrid agreements on competitive terms. Represent Wates Developments in a professional capacity to high standards at all times. Demonstrate a clear strategy for new opportunities collaborating with other members of the land team. Manage information flow between relevant parties internally and externally. Support the learning and development of other members of the land team where relevant.To be successful in the role you will have a good knowledge of land acquisition, the planning system, development and planning appraisals, financial viability assessments as well as the legal aspects of promotion, option and hybrid agreements as well as other aspects of land law relating to land rights.Alongside this you will be an active networker with effective communication skills and the ability to identify the right opportunities which will provide the necessary return on investment.WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Car Allowance/Company Car Flexible working 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… 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, 8 weeks fully paid paternity.To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/

Design Manager

Wates are looking for a Design Manager to join our Wales team, delivering high‑quality new homes for local communities.If you’re passionate about great design, enjoy working collaboratively, and have strong technical capability, this is an opportunity to challenge the norm, bring fresh ideas, and progress your career within a leading construction business. Join us and help create tomorrow, together.This is a fantastic opportunity to develop professionally as part of a talented, diverse and supportive team.ABOUT THE ROLEOur Design Managers are a valuable part of our business, driving quality outcomes, enhancing buildability and fostering innovation. Design Managers work collaboratively with our industry specialists and in-house technical experts to ensure that the design develops in accordance with the brief with a firm focus on added value, compliance, commercial viability, and best practice.As our Design Manager you will: Collaborate with all relevant internal and external stakeholders to produce and manage a realistic design programme and information requirements schedule that supports design, procurement, and construction activities. Support the delivery of Continuous Improvement initiatives and drive innovation across projects. Ensure designs are robustly reviewed and verified to achieve compliance and mitigate Health & Safety, design, and buildability risks prior to construction. Identify and manage key risks and opportunities at each stage of the design and delivery process. Promote quality, coordination, and buildability from concept through to delivery.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… 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.To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/