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

Bid Manager
Location: London NW1
Job Type: Bid
Application Deadline: 31-10-2025
Wates are seeking a talented Bid Manager to join our dynamic team. As a key part of the Pre-Construction Team, you will be responsible for managing the entire bid process, ensuring that proposals are well-organized, professional, and competitive. If you are passionate about the construction industry with proven skills and looking for an opportunity to challenge the norm, bring fresh new ideas and elevate yourself within the industry then join us and help to create tomorrow together. This is a great opportunity to progress your career as part of a talented, diverse, and supportive team. ABOUT THE ROLE Our Bid Managers are a valuable part of our business, and you will work closely with internal stakeholders, clients, and consultants to secure contracts that align with Wates' vision and business objectives. AS OUR BID MANAGER YOU WILL: Manage and coordinate the end-to-end bid process, including PQQs, ITTs, and tender submissions. Develop win strategies and bid themes that align with client requirements. Lead bid planning, ensuring timelines and deadlines are met. Collaborate with key stakeholders such as Estimators, Planners, and Design Managers to ensure a comprehensive and competitive bid. Produce high-quality written content for bids and presentations. Ensure bids reflect Wates’ commitment to quality, sustainability, and health and safety standards. WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: To excel in this role, you need to have a comprehensive understanding of bid management and production, along with a solid grasp of the construction industry, pricing, and costing. You should be well-versed in best practices within the field. Your skills in project management, bid strategy, production, and process are crucial. You must be an excellent communicator, capable of effectively engaging both internal and external stakeholders. Strong negotiation and presentation skills are essential, as is the ability to conduct thorough risk analysis. Additionally, you should possess strong people and team management abilities to lead and coordinate effectively. WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade) Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates) Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% 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, 12 weeks fully paid paternity. To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/ We are always looking for a variety of new talent to join our teams, to help us grow and innovate as a business. Although you may not have all of the skills listed, many of them may be transferable to other roles within the WATES Group. 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. 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
HR Business Partner
Location: Finsbury Park
Job Type: HR
Application Deadline: 31-10-2025
💬 Are you the kind of HR pro who thrives on variety, loves a challenge, and enjoys being where the action is?If so, WPS wants you on board!We’re on the lookout for a dynamic HR Business Partner to help us shape the future of our people strategy. This is your chance to make a real impact in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment where no two days are the same.🎯 What’s the Role All About?You’ll be the go-to HR expert across our national operations, working closely with teams in Finsbury Park, Redditch, and Manchester. Expect to be on-site at least 3 days a week—because great HR happens where the people are.You’ll partner with operational leaders to: Coach and empower managers to lead with confidence 💪 Drive performance through smart, consistent HR practices 📈 Spot and grow talent like a pro 🌱 Lead change with heart and strategy 🔄 Navigate employee relations with empathy and clarity 💬 Support reward and performance cycles with precision 🎁And you won’t be doing it alone—you’ll have the full support of our central HR teams, including Shared Services and Centres of Excellence. Think of it as your HR toolkit, fully stocked and ready to go.🧠 What We’re Looking ForYou’ll shine in this role if you’re: A graduate (CIPD Level 5 preferred) 🎓 Experienced in generalist HR, especially in multi-site or operational settings 🏭 Well-versed in employment law and HR best practice 📚 A confident communicator and coach 🗣️ Commercially savvy and people-focused 💼❤️ Proactive, hands-on, and solutions-driven 🔧 Bonus points if you’ve worked in facilities management, housing, or field-based ops 🏘️🌈 Why WPS?We’re proud of our inclusive, forward-thinking culture. At WPS, your voice matters, your ideas count, and your career can truly flourish. This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to grow, lead, and make a difference.🚀 Ready to Apply?If you’re ready to bring your HR expertise to a team that values impact, energy, and people-first thinking—apply now (please inform your hiring manager before you apply) and let’s shape the future together.
Project Surveyor
Location: Manchester
Job Type: Commercial
Application Deadline: 31-10-2025
WPS are seeking a skilled and motivated Project Surveyor to join our team delivering planned social housing works across the North West. This is a hybrid role combining office (Manchester), home, and site-based work.Key Responsibilities: Manage planned works on high-rise tower blocks including EWI, rendering, and FRA upgrades Support delivery of projects through two-stage Design & Build (D&B) procurement Conduct site visits across the North West to monitor progress and ensure compliance Collaborate with contractors, consultants, and internal teams to ensure successful project outcomes Maintain accurate cost tracking, valuations, and reporting throughout the project lifecycleCandidate Requirements: Proven experience in two-stage D&B procurement Background in social housing projects preferred Experience with high-rise flats, student accommodation, or similar schemes will be considered Strong understanding of building safety, fire risk assessments, and external wall systems Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills Willingness to travel to sites across the North WestWhat We Offer: Hybrid working model: office, home, and site-based Opportunity to work on high-profile HRB schemes Supportive team environment with career development opportunities Competitive salary and benefits packageGiven 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
Quantity Surveyor
Location: Nationwide, London
Job Type: Commercial
Application Deadline: 31-10-2025
Welcome to Wates Smartspace—a place where innovation meets impact. We’re the go-to experts in fit-out, refurbishment, and maintenance services across the UK. From modern office spaces to cutting-edge retail environments, we bring spaces to life with creativity, sustainability, and flair. Here, you’re not just part of a team; you’re part of a movement that’s reimagining places for people to thrive.Right now we are looking for talented individuals to join our team as a Quantity Surveyor. Whilst based out of our Leatherhead office, you will be responsible for projects Nationwide so you must have a flexible approach to work location.ABOUT THE ROLEAs our Quantity Surveyor you will take the lead on exciting projects and help us deliver them to the highest standards. You’ll play a crucial role in managing costs, ensuring value for money, and supporting the overall project lifecycle from inception to completion. If you’re driven, detail-oriented, and passionate about making a difference in the construction industry, this role offers you the chance to grow and advance in a dynamic environment.Your Responsibilities will include: Cost Management: Prepare detailed cost estimates, budgets, and tender documents to ensure financial control throughout the project lifecycle. Subcontractor Liaison: Manage subcontractor accounts, including negotiating contracts, handling valuations, and processing payments. Financial Reporting: Provide accurate and timely financial reports, forecasts, and cost analysis to support project decision-making. Risk Management: Identify and mitigate potential financial risks, ensuring projects stay within budget and meet financial targets. Final Accounts: Lead the preparation of final accounts, including the resolution of contractual claims and the settlement of costs. Collaboration: Work closely with project managers, clients, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth and successful project delivery.WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car * Travel covered to any of our sites* Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more… One of the best learning and development programmes which is customizable to support your career progression goals. (c.7000 training sessions delivered year to date across the WATES Group) Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity.(*Subject to role…….)To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/We are always looking for a variety of new talent to join our teams, to help us grow and innovate as a business. Although you may not have all of the skills listed, many of them may be transferable to other roles within the WATES Group.If you would like clarity on any of our vacancies or to discuss career opportunities in strict confidence, please contact our In-House Recruitment Team directly 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.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
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