The Vacancy
Wates is delivering the new, modernised prison facility at HMP Gartree, a major UK justice sector project designed to create a safer, more efficient, and sustainable environment. The build will incorporate advanced security systems, high‑quality accommodation, and industry‑leading construction standards.
The project is currently underway and will run until late 2028, offering a rare opportunity to work on a long-term, complex and high-profile programme through to completion.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Site Manager to oversee day‑to‑day site activities and help drive the successful delivery of this major secure-environment scheme. You will form a key part of the project leadership team, ensuring safe, efficient and high-quality progress across all work packages.
Key Responsibilities
1. Oversee daily site operations to ensure work is delivered safely, on time and to the required quality.
2. Manage subcontractor teams, providing clear direction, coordination and motivation.
3. Support short‑term and medium‑term planning aligned with the overall project programme through to 2028.
4. Conduct site inspections, ensuring full compliance with H&S standards, RAMS, CDM regulations and project-specific security protocols.
5. Maintain accurate and timely site records, including diaries, progress checks and quality inspections.
6. Coordinate site logistics, plant, materials and deliveries within a secure environment.
7. Work collaboratively with client representatives, stakeholders and the wider Wates project team.
8. Identify potential issues early and support the resolution of buildability, sequencing and resource challenges.
9. Promote Wates values, foster a positive site culture, and contribute to continuous improvement.
About You – Requirements
We’re looking for someone who brings:
10. Demonstrable experience in a Site Manager role on large-scale construction projects.
11. Strong technical understanding of construction sequencing, logistics and H&S requirements.
12. SMSTS (essential).
13. CSCS card – Manager level.
14. First Aid at Work certification.
15. Ability to lead, influence and build strong working relationships with subcontractors and stakeholders.
16. Excellent organisational and problem‑solving skills.
17. A collaborative working style and commitment to maintaining exceptional safety and quality standards.
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.
Awards
BEST PROJECT
Inside Housing Development Awards
WINNER
2022 Construction News Awards Winner
GOLD AWARD
Investors in People 2022
GOLD AWARD
Considerate Constructors Schemes (CCS) National Site Awards
TOP 50 EMPLOYERS
2022 Top 50 Employers for Women
WINNER
2022 Working Families Best Practice Awards