Graduate Commercial Management

As a Commercial Management Trainee at Wates, you’ll develop an understanding of the commercial function within a built‑environment project. This will include understanding the processes and activities in relation to cost, profit and risk management. What You Will Do 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 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. Be a problem solver with the ability to think logically. Possess good time management skills. Prioritise your work to meet agreed deadlines. Eligibility Criteria Be on track to graduate in 2026 or earlier with a degree in any discipline. Be working toward or have achieved a minimum 2:2 classification. Hold a full UK driving licence – location specific (details below). Locations The following hiring locations do not require a full UK driving licence: Leatherhead Luton Redditch The following locations do require a UK driving licence: Newbury Cambridge / Milton Keynes Thetford Redditch Important Note Some roles require travel between sites. A UK driving licence may not be required at application stage, but Trainees are expected to obtain one if needed for their role. Most roles involve travel to project sites nationwide, so flexibility around travel is essential. Programme Duration This is a 2‑year graduate programme offering hands‑on experience, structured development, and placements across different teams. 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. For cognate degree trainees: Opportunity to work towards chartered status with a recognised professional body. For non‑cognate degree trainees: Completion of a construction‑related Level 4 qualification. 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 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. Applications for this role close at midday on Wednesday 26 November 2025. This date may be brought forward or extended in line with the number of applications we receive. We’re only able to accept the first application we receive. Any additional applications will be automatically withdrawn. Apply now Work for Wates Wates is one of the UK’s leading family‑owned development, building and property maintenance companies. Founded over 125 years ago, we have a proud legacy in the built environment. We are driven by our purpose, ‘reimagining places for people to thrive’ and our three promises: Thriving places – working with customers, partners and communities to create places that are more sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity. Thriving planet – protecting nature and taking action on climate change by collaborating and innovating with our partners. Thriving people – creating opportunities and relationships so that everyone who works for and with us feels included, invested in and treated with care. We are proud to be recognised as Gold Investors in People and as a Disability Confident employer. We also ensure that our recruitment processes do not treat anyone less favourably due to an offending background. #J-18808-Ljbffr