Reimagining places for people to thrive.
We are Wates, the UK’s leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance company. Founded over 125 years ago, we know about the built environment. We partner with a wide range of public and private sector customers and partners to create the places, communities and businesses of tomorrow.
Employees (2024)
Turnover (2024)
Social value generated (2024)
Reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions against a 2019 baseline (2024)

Reimagining places for people to thrive
Now in our fourth generation of family ownership, we are committed to the long-term sustainability of the built environment and to making our industry more inclusive and representative of the communities we work in.
Our goals are to be more sustainable, trusted and progressive, and our people are driven by our behaviours of ‘we care’, ‘we are fair’, and ‘we look for a better way’.

Long term financial resilience
As a multi generational, family-owned business we are not driven by short term shareholder demands, but by decisions which are in the long term interest of the business.
Our owners, the Wates Family, are committed to handing over to the next generation, an even stronger, more sustainable business. This approach drives all our investment decisions and allows us to achieve progressive earnings growth and to partner with customers to deliver products and services that offer the best value for money possible.

Health and safety
Our safety strategy: Zero Harm: We’re Safer Together, has produced better results every year since it was first introduced in 2016.
It is aimed at eliminating physical and psychological harm entirely from all our workplaces. In 2022, we led the industry across all key health and safety metrics, while continuing to search for new ways to make us even safer still.

Quality
We are committed to eliminating the practical and economic impacts of any quality failures from each of our businesses, while also achieving full compliance with all relevant regulatory and legislative standards.
Our commitment to quality across the industry was demonstrated through our role in helping draft the Government’s Construction Playbook best practice guide in 2022.

Inclusion and diversity
Our ambition is to have a more diverse workforce and to be recognised as a leader in promoting diversity and inclusion in our own business and in the wider industry.
We are developing a more inclusive culture by establishing clear, non-negotiable expectations about colleagues’ behaviour and language.
We have developed award-winning inclusivity programmes to help change our culture, and we are always looking to build on that work further.

Environment
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon company and we’re working to eliminate Scope 1 and 2 carbon and waste from our business operations.
We are also collaborating with customers and suppliers to achieve reductions in Scope 3 emissions in response to rapidly developing customer demands as the net zero agenda becomes ever more important.

Innovation
We have always looked for new and better ways of meeting our customers’ needs and we are committed to developing and embracing the best new ideas that generate value and help us to tackle shared challenges.
Whether we’re cutting operating costs with optimised construction or saving energy with Passivhaus technology, we can connect you with the right answers.
Latest career opportunities
Manufacturing Director – Offsite Construction
Location: Nationwide
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 13-02-2026
SES Engineering Services (part of Wates Construction) are seeking an experienced strategic leader with a manufacturing background to take control of our expanding Offsite Manufacturing Division, a highly acclaimed specialist business that provides a wide range of offsite products to support Mechanical and Electrical installations on a range of high profile construction projects across the UK. As a key division within the SES business, we are committed to driving innovation and excellence in offsite construction methods, ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and superior service delivery. Our offsite manufacturing facilities are at the forefront of transforming how we approach complex projects, delivering state-of-the-art solutions that make a real impact. ABOUT THE ROLE The Manufacturing and Assembly Director will be responsible for overseeing the full scope of operations within the SES Manufacturing division. This strategic leadership role is focused on improving operational efficiency, driving profitability, and ensuring the production of high-quality products.The Director will lead a diverse team, implement best practices, and cultivate a culture of innovation, high performance, and continuous improvement. The role will have ownership and accountability for collaborating with cross-functional teams across SES, the wider Wates Group, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment with business objectives and the successful execution of key initiatives. We are looking for an experienced and visionary leader with a track record of driving manufacturing business growth, optimising operational efficiency, and fostering a high-performance team culture. As our Manufacturing Director some of your key responsibilities will include: Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the business strategy for the Offsite Manufacturing Division in alignment with SES's overall vision and objectives, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability. Operational Oversight: Oversee daily operations through the existing and highly capable management team, ensuring efficient resource allocation, adherence to company policies, and the achievement of divisional targets. Business Growth and Development: Take a strategic lead in identifying developing new markets as well as increasing the product range and business capabilities. Financial Management: Manage the division’s budget and financial performance, including forecasting, expense management, and identifying opportunities for cost optimisation. Team Development: Lead, mentor, and build a high-performing team, nurturing a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Client Relationships: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key clients, stakeholders, and partners to enhance customer satisfaction and drive business opportunities. Market Insights: Monitor market trends and the competitive landscape, adapting strategies to meet evolving customer needs and identifying areas for growth. Risk Management: Identify operational risks and develop effective mitigation strategies to ensure compliance with all regulatory frameworks and company policies. Board Reporting: Provide regular updates to the SES Board on divisional performance, including key metrics, challenges, and strategic initiatives. Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with other Divisional leaders and functions to ensure alignment and synergy across the organisation. What We’re Looking For: Exceptional Leadership: Proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire teams to achieve exceptional results, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture within a manufacturing environment. Financial Acumen: Strong experience managing budgets, financial reporting, and cost optimisation. Strategic Thinking: Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to drive business growth and operational efficiency. Communication: Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and across departments. Risk Management: Experience identifying operational risks and developing strategies to mitigate them, ensuring smooth operations within the division. WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates) Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 6% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more… Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression. Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 8 weeks fully paid paternity. To find out more about LIFE AT SES Engineering Services please click on the following link https://www.ses-ltd.co.uk/careers/working-at-ses/ If you would like clarity on any of our vacancies, discuss career opportunities in strict confidence or need anything to make our recruitment process easier, please contact our In-House Recruitment Team directly or via recruitment@wates.co.uk and one of us will get in touch as soon as possible. As a responsible and inclusive employer, we are committed to equality and are proud to have been recognised for this through a range of accolades including gold accreditation with Investors in People, we are also a Disability Confident employer. Being a family owned, business means we understand and value long term relationships.
Project Manager
Location: Daventry
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 13-02-2026
Are you an experienced Project Manager with a background in Decent Homes and Planned Works? We’re looking for a confident leader to oversee a major social housing programme, ensuring quality delivery and team performance across multiple sites.🏗️ Key Responsibilities: Oversee the delivery of planned works within social housing stock Lead and manage a team of 6–7 direct employees, ensuring high performance and accountability Manage a £6 million per annum account, ensuring budget control and value for money Liaise with clients, residents, and internal teams to ensure smooth project execution Monitor progress, quality, and compliance with Decent Homes standards Report on KPIs, risks, and milestones to senior stakeholders✅ Requirements: Proven experience in managing social housing projects, ideally within Decent Homes frameworks Strong leadership and team management skills Financial acumen with experience managing multi-million-pound budgets Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities Local knowledge of Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, or Milton Keynes is highly desirableGiven the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting
Project Surveyor
Location: Cambridge
Job Type: Commercial
Application Deadline: 13-02-2026
Wates have an opportunity for a Project Surveyor to join our WPS team within our WPS Housing Maintenance division. You will be working in the Cambridgeshire area on our social housing contracts. You will be expected to take accountability for the development and implementation of all pre and post contract strategies, commercial functions and contract reporting. Key Accountabilities will include: Develop and encourage project team performance encouraging and ensuring that Wates’ main contractual obligations and or strategies are executed and regularly reviewed Complete and submit monthly Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR) and progress reports Demonstrate understanding of internal and external tender strategies / build up Agree external valuations / cash flow to maximise project value Work with the Commercial Manager to agree and produce main and subcontract final accounts Ensure all Wates subcontract management / process obligations are complete with particular reference to Procurement, Measurement and valuation, Contractual instructions / notices / orders as well as Health and SafetyTo be successful in the role you will already have relevant commercial skills and experience including the ability to maximise value recovery, cost control and cash management as well as effectively use / understand financial reports and final accounts. Social housing retrofit experience is essential and SHDF is preferable but not a deal breaker.Alongside this you will be a confident communicator, able to demonstrate the ability to form and develop relationships with the client, Project Surveyors, design team and supply chain. You will also be committed to leading and developing commercial site teams.Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting One of the Recruitment Team will be in contact to discuss the role in more detail and advise of the next step.
Scheduler
Location: Skelmersdale
Job Type: Clerical & Administration
Application Deadline: 13-02-2026
🔧 About the Role:12 MONTH FIXED TERM CONTRACT WPS are looking for a highly organised and proactive Scheduler to join our responsive repairs and social housing works team. Based in our Skelmersdale office, you’ll be responsible for coordinating repair appointments, ensuring efficient service delivery, and supporting our commitment to excellent customer care.This is a full-time, office-based role working Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.💼 Key Responsibilities: Schedule and allocate repair jobs to operatives based on availability and location Liaise with tenants, contractors, and internal teams to confirm appointments Monitor job progress and update systems accordingly Handle queries and resolve scheduling conflicts efficiently Maintain accurate records and support reporting requirements🎯 What We’re Looking For: Experience in scheduling, ideally within social housing or property maintenance Excellent organisational and communication skills Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage competing priorities Proficiency in scheduling software and Microsoft Office A customer-focused approach with a commitment to service excellence🌟 Benefits: Competitive salary Pension scheme Opportunities for training and development Supportive and collaborative team environmentGiven the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting
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