Commercial Graduate Management Trainee (site-based)

 

About the opportunity: 

As a Commercial Management Trainee, you will develop a broad understanding of the commercial function and the vital role it plays in the successful delivery of our projects. Working alongside experienced commercial professionals, you will gain hands-on experience in managing project costs, monitoring financial performance and supporting commercial decision-making throughout the project lifecycle. 

During the programme, you will learn how to balance cost, value and risk, helping to ensure projects are delivered profitably while meeting client expectations. You will work closely with a variety of teams across the business, building your commercial awareness and developing the skills needed for a successful career in commercial management. 

 

What you will do: 

Over the course of the programme, you will: 

• Build effective working relationships with colleagues, customers, subcontractors and supply chain partners. 

• Assist in the preparation, management and analysis of commercial reports, contracts and financial documentation to support project delivery. 

• Monitor project costs and performance, helping to ensure projects remain commercially successful and aligned with budget expectations. 

• Develop an understanding of contracts and commercial processes, helping to protect the financial interests of the business. 

• Support the management of subcontractor accounts, including reviewing applications, valuations and payments. 

• Learn how to identify, assess and manage commercial risks and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle. 

• Contribute to forecasting project costs, income and cash flow, helping teams make informed commercial decisions. 

• Gain an understanding of how changes to project scope, programme or design can impact costs and project outcomes. 

• Collaborate with stakeholders across the business to develop a well-rounded understanding of commercial management within the industry. 

• Gain the relevant technical and behavioural knowledge for your role, through the completion of a technical manual, behavioural workshops, short-term placements and relevant qualifications.  

 

About you: 

To be successful, you'll:  

• Be passionate about building a career in the built environment. 

• Be curious, eager to learn and committed to your personal development. 

• Build positive relationships and work collaboratively with others. 

• Take ownership of your work and act with integrity and professionalism. 

• Approach challenges with a positive, solution-focused mindset. 

• Be organised, adaptable and able to prioritise effectively. 

• Be committed to delivering high standards and making a positive impact.  

 

What's in it for you? 

At Wates, we're committed to helping you build a successful career in construction. Alongside hands-on experience in your chosen career pathway, graduates who do not hold a degree in a construction-related subject will be enrolled onto a relevant Level 4 apprenticeship, providing additional learning and development to help accelerate your career in the built environment. 

You'll also benefit from mentoring, structured training, behavioural workshops and support from experienced professionals throughout your programme. We encourage and support our trainees to continue their professional development through industry-recognised qualifications and, where applicable, work towards chartership. 

 

In addition, we offer: 

• Competitive salary 

• Private medical insurance 

• Car allowance  

• Health & wellness programme 

• 26 days holiday + bank holidays 

• Birthday Day off 

 

Entry Requirements 

To be eligible for this programme, you must: 

• By September 2027, you must have obtained a bachelor's degree with a predicted or achieved classification of 2:2 or above. 

• For some locations, a full UK driving licence and a degree related to this role are required. Please refer to the location requirements below for further details.

 

Locations:

• Birmingham, Leatherhead, Luton, Manchester, Hindley and Warrington:
  • Full UK driving licence required.
  • Relevant degree not required.

• Bedford and South Coast (Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth)
  • Full UK driving licence required
  • Relevant degree required

• London 
  •  Full UK driving licence not required.
  • Relevant degree required.
• Harrow:
  • Full UK driving licence not required.
  • Relevant degree not required

Please note that the location listed in this advert reflects your initial placement and may change throughout the programme depending on project and business requirements. 

 

Important: Travel Requirements 

As a project-based business, our teams work across a variety of locations. Depending on the role, you may be required to work from different project sites within the region or nationally throughout the programme.

Please carefully consider this requirement before applying, as travel and mobility are essential parts of the role. Successful candidates must be willing to travel in line with project and business need. 

 

Ready to apply?

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we'd love to hear from you! 

Applications close on 10th November 2026. 

 

A few things to consider before you apply: 

• Some vacancies might close earlier if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible 

• We value authenticity and encourage you to complete your application without the use of AI tools. This helps us gain a genuine understanding of your individual strengths, experiences and potential. 

• Only one application will be accepted per recruitment year. Any additional applications will be automatically withdrawn. 

 

About Wates 

Established in 1897, we are one of the UK's leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance companies. With 6,000 employees and now in our fourth generation of family ownership, we're committed to the long-term sustainability of the built environment and to making our industry more inclusive and representative of the communities we work in.  

With multiple businesses working across the built environment, we can offer a wide range of career opportunities. 

As part of our trainee programme, you'll join a network of around 200 peers, learning and working together as you build connections and develop your career at Wates. 

 

Our commitments: