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Join our sought-after Commercial Management Trainee Programme, where you’ll develop an understanding of the commercial function within a built-environment project.  You will develop your understanding of the processes and activity relating to cost, profit and risk management.  

Using the knowledge and skills you’ve learnt on the programme, you’ll:

  • Build effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels, including our customers and supply chain
  • Manage, produce and analyse commercial reports, and documentation, relating to the financial status of projects
  • Safeguard the financial and contractual position of the company, understanding the progress of works and legal obligations
  • Develop your understanding in forecasting, risk assessment and cash flow

About you

To be successful on the programme you’ll:

  • Be passionate about a career in the built environment.
  • Be excited to learn and develop new skills.
  • Have a curious nature.
  • Be reliable and professional.
  • A problem solver with the ability to think logically.
  • Possess good time management skills.
  • Prioritise your work to meet agreed deadlines.

Eligibility

To join our Trainee Management Programme via the Graduate route, you will have a motivation to learn and develop within the industry. For the role in Central London, you will need you’ll have obtained or be working towards a 2:2 degree in a Cognate subject. For all other locations, your degree can be in any subject area.

In some instances, you will be required to have a full UK driving license (Leicester, Dartford, Leatherhead, Leeds, Luton, Manchester, Warrington and South London) and some locations will require travel, stays away from home which will be fully expensed by Wates and advanced security checks.

We have roles where you will initially be based in our Castle Donington office and required to work on one of our large projects in Gartree, which requires you to undergo advanced security clearance.

Location travel requirements

  • Leatherhead – specific office location, regular travel between multiple project locations nationally. Includes periods of staying away from home. Flexibility and commitment to travelling is key.
  • Leeds – you will be based from a specific location but with projects widespread across the Yorkshire and North East region, must be able to travel between projects in this area. Similarly, for our second opportunity in Leeds, regular travel will be required to projects across the region, including Pocklington and Wakefield. Time will be spent away from home, so flexibility is key as is the commitment to travelling. Advanced security clearance is required.
  • Luton – specific office location. Requires regular travel between multiple project locations nationally. May involve stays away from home; need to be flexible and committed to travelling.
  • Manchester – based from a specific location, regular travel across the North West project portfolio required.
  • Warrington – regular travel required across the region and nationally. Periods of staying away from home so it’s important for you to be flexible and committed to travelling.

What's in it for you?

Our Trainee Management Programme offers placement opportunities across various departments, technical and behavioural development, including support through relevant qualifications and a host of additional benefits. We provide the foundation skills, knowledge and experience you’ll need to build a long-term, successful career.

In addition, we offer

  • Mentoring, support, and training by industry experts
  • Structured learning plan (a combination of technical and behavioural development)
  • Competitive salary
  • Private medical insurance
  • Car allowance / company car scheme
  • Health & wellness programme
  • 26 days holiday + bank holidays

About Wates

Wates is the UK’s leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance company. Founded in 1897, we’re experts when it comes to the built environment.

Today, we deliver complex projects in several sectors. For example, education, healthcare, residential. commercial, and emergency services. We employ over 4,500 employees who work with a range of clients and partners from across the public and private sectors.

Our divisions include Wates Construction, Wates Developments, Wates Property Services and Wates Residential. We also have specialist engineering and offsite manufacturing, and flexible workspaces businesses. As part of our Trainee Management Programme, you will be working for any one of these exciting divisions.

As one Wates, we work together to build a better tomorrow. We want to create a future where people, places, and our planet can thrive.

We have nearly 200 talented Trainees currently completing our Trainee Management Programme, providing amazing opportunities to build a network, collaborate and share learning with your peers. Kickstart your journey and apply now!