Social Value Manager

Wates Smartspace; Stretford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus options

Travel covered

Private medical

8% pension

Wellbeing support

Holiday allowance 26 days

Family leave

Job summary

Wates Smartspace is seeking a Social Value Manager to lead social value on bids and drive delivery across the Northwest and West Midlands. You will shape bid strategies, engage stakeholders, and embed social value from pre-construction through delivery.

Deliver KPIs, manage data and reporting, collaborate with bid teams and partners, and promote outcomes through case studies and communications. A background in social value or sustainability is desirable with strong writing and PM skills.

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering social value within construction, infrastructure, or a complex organisation.
• Strong bid writing and stakeholder engagement skills, able to influence and win work.
• Knowledge of social value frameworks, policy, and reporting (e.g. TOMS).
• Experience managing KPIs, data and evidence for reporting and audit.
• Ability to work across multiple projects and stakeholders regionally.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritise and deliver quickly.

Responsibilities

• Lead social value on bids and pre-construction activity to win work.
• Shape project-specific social value strategies aligned to client priorities.
• Collaborate with bid teams and partners to embed social value early.
• Own and track KPIs with robust delivery plans and measurable outcomes.
• Manage data, evidence and reporting for audits and client reporting.
• Promote social value successes with marketing and case studies.
• Manage budgets for social value initiatives and programmes.

Skills

Bid writing

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Data & reporting

Cross-functional collaboration

Social value frameworks

Education

Social Value / Sustainability background

Tools

TOMS

Job description

Social Value Manager – New Projects / Work Winning (Northwest & West Midlands).

At Wates, we don't just deliver projects — we create lasting social value in the communities we serve. We're now looking for a Social Value Manager to play a key role in securing and delivering new work across the region, spanning the West Midlands and the Northwest West region.

This is a high-impact, outward-facing role focused on winning work, shaping bids, and embedding meaningful social value into new projects from day one. If you're passionate about community impact, thrive in a fast-paced bid environment, and want to influence how major projects leave a legacy — we want to hear from you.

What you'll be doing

As our Social Value Manager, you'll sit at the heart of new project activity — driving social value strategy from bid to delivery:

• Lead social value on bids and pre-construction activity, ensuring compelling, high-quality submissions that win work
• Shape project-specific social value strategies aligned to client priorities, Section 106 requirements, and Wates' Social Value Strategy
• Collaborate with bid teams, operational leads, and partners across the region to embed social value early in the project lifecycle
• Own and track social value KPIs, ensuring robust delivery plans and measurable outcomes
• Manage data, evidence and reporting, supporting audits and client reporting requirements (including TOMS where applicable)
• Work closely with Social Value Advisors, driving performance, engagement, and development
• Promote social value success, working with Marketing & Communications to showcase impact through case studies, media, and social content
• Manage budgets for social value initiatives and programmes

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone commercially aware, credible in a bid environment, and passionate about making a difference:

• Proven experience delivering social value within construction, infrastructure, or a complex organisation
• Strong bid writing and stakeholder engagement skills — able to influence and win work
• Knowledge of social value frameworks, policy, and reporting (e.g. TOMS, non-financial reporting)
• Experience managing KPIs, data and evidence for reporting and audit
• Confidence to work across multiple projects and stakeholders in a regional role
• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritise and deliver at pace
• A background or qualification in Social Value, Sustainability, Community Development (or similar) is desirable
• Experience in areas such as youth work, employment & skills, or community engagement is highly beneficial

What's in it for you

Competitive salary + Bonus options

Travel covered (HMRCadvisory rates)

Private medical, 8% pension contribution, wellbeing support

26 days holiday + bank holidays + birthday + option for additional holiday purchase.

Industry-leading family leave (26 weeks full pay maternity, 12 weeks full pay paternity)

Ongoing learning and development to support your career growth

Why Wates?

We're committed to creating places that matter — and that starts with people. You'll join a supportive, forward-thinking team where your ideas are valued and your impact is visible.