Overview
Join to apply for the Graduate Developments Management role at Wates Smartspace.
The Vacancy
As a Developments Management Trainee at Wates, you’ll support the Projects and Land functions of the business and gain hands-on experience collaborating with a wide range of professionals, including architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, solicitors and subcontractors. You’ll be involved in a wide range of activities including land appraisals, site investigations, market research, supporting with bids and interviews on new land opportunities.
What You Will Do
* Produce regular reports of appraisals for new land opportunities.
* Briefing, appointing, instructing and managing external consultant teams both pre- and post-planning.
* Support with the preparation and submission of planning applications. This will include pre-application consultation with the local authority and other key partners.
* Liaise with and support the management of key stakeholders, which could include Wates and partnership boards, senior members of the Wates business and partner businesses, and the local communities in which we operate.
* Support with relevant representations to local authorities regarding the promotion of sites.
* Undertake land management reviews on a periodic basis and action required physical works or legal actions.
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 towards or have achieved a minimum 2:2 classification.
* Hold a full UK driving license.
Location
* Bristol
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.
Applications for this role close at midday on Tuesday 25 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.
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