The Wates Group was established in 1897 and is one of the leading privately-owned construction, development and property services companies in the UK. We employ almost 6,000 people, working with a range of clients and partners from across the public and private sectors.
Also, we strive to continue our DEI efforts to ensure a supportive workplace through our initiatives and employee networks. We are proud to sponsor Premiership Women's Rugby, driving impactful change to redefine what inclusion and equal opportunity look like in rugby and the built environment industry.
Rating Reviews
Rating is calculated based on
106
reviews and is evolving.
Pros: I've genuinely valued the career growth and development opportunities at Wates Group. As a Quantity Surveyor, I've been involved in significant construction projects right here in London, gaining invaluable experience and responsibility quickly. The senior management and project leads are incredibly supportive, offering mentorship and pushing for continuous learning, which is vital in our industry. There's a strong emphasis on professional development, and the team environment is very
Cons: While the opportunities are excellent, the workload for a Quantity Surveyor can become quite demanding, especially during critical project deadlines, which sometimes impacts work-life balance. Improving internal communication between different project sites and departments, particularly across our London operations, could help streamline processes and reduce potential bottlenecks. These are minor points, but something to be aware of when joining the construction sector.
Advice to Management: Continue focusing on strong mentorship programs for Quantity Surveyors and project staff. Explore further automation in project reporting to ease workload during peak times. Consistent communication across various London project sites would also enhance efficiency and collaboration, ultimately
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Pros: I've gained so much practical experience in the construction industry here. Wates Group really focuses on training; as a JoinerMultitrade, I've had fantastic opportunities to learn new techniques and expand my skillset, which is a huge boost for my career growth. The team in Barnsley is solid, everyone helps each other out and the site managers are usually fair. It's a stable company, a large contractor, with consistent local projects offering good job security for trades professionals.
Cons: Sometimes the project deadlines can be quite intense, leading to a heavy workload, which can impact work-life balance during peak periods. Communication flow from some parts of upper management down to the site level isn't always as smooth as it could be, sometimes leading to last-minute changes that affect scheduling. Also, the approval process for new tools or specific materials can be a bit slow at times.
Advice to Management: Continue investing in local trades training programs and ensure career pathways for JoinerMultitrade roles are clear and well-communicated. Improving internal communication channels and streamlining procurement processes would further enhance project efficiency and employee satisfaction across all
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Pros: Wates Group does a good job promoting sustainability and social value initiatives. As a Project Manager, I appreciated the structured approach to site safety and the opportunities to work on significant projects. The company culture encourages teamwork, and there's a sense of pride in delivering quality builds. It's a stable employer within the UK construction sector, offering a clear career path for dedicated individuals willing to put in the effort.
Cons: While there are flexible working options, balancing demanding project schedules with personal life can still be a challenge, especially during critical phases. Communication from senior leadership could sometimes be more transparent, and there's room to improve how project wins and losses are communicated to the wider team. The pace can be intense, which is common in construction, but sometimes feels like it impacts resources.
Advice to Management: Continue fostering a culture of transparency and proactive communication, especially regarding project pipelines and strategic direction. More emphasis on workload management during peak periods would be beneficial for employee well-being.
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What is it like working in category management at Wates Group, a large construction company?
My experience in category management at Wates Group, a major construction employer, has been focused on strategic sourcing and supplier relationships. It’s a dynamic role within a large, established company.
What's the career progression like for category managers at Wates Group, a large construction company?
I started as a Category Assistant and within two years, I was promoted to Category Manager. The opportunities for growth in category management roles within Wates, a major player in the UK construction industry, are really strong.
I'm a site manager in a smaller construction firm, what's it like moving to a large housebuilder like Wates Group?
As a site manager at Wates Group, I found the scale of projects in residential construction to be much larger than my previous role, offering more complex challenges and opportunities for career growth within the UK housebuilding sector.
Does Wates Group offer a good retirement plan for their employees in the construction industry?
Yes, Wates Group provides a competitive pension scheme as part of their benefits package, which is a significant plus for long-term financial planning in roles like site management or engineering.
What kind of background checks does Wates Group do for construction roles in the UK?
As a large UK construction company, Wates Group typically conducts standard background checks, including referencing and potentially DBS checks for certain site-based roles, to ensure safety and compliance.
How does Wates Group handle disagreements between team members on construction projects?
In my experience at Wates Group, a large construction company, disagreements are usually resolved through open-door policies and team huddles, especially on-site. Project managers encourage constructive feedback, which helps address issues quickly for roles like site engineers and quantity surveyors.
What's the dress code like for office jobs at Wates Group, especially on casual days?
At Wates Group, a leading UK construction and facilities management company, the office dress code is generally smart casual, with specific casual dress days allowing for more relaxed attire. It's good to know for roles in construction management or project delivery roles across their various UK locations.
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