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

HR Business Partner
Location: London
Job Type: HR
Application Deadline: 30-08-2025
We have an exciting opportunity for a HR Business Partner / Professional with a proven track record in business partnering and building strong working relationships at a Senior leadership level to work with/in our Fit Out business based in our London office on a full time basis.Together we inspire better ways of creating the places, communities and businesses of tomorrow. This is our purpose, and we will only achieve our strategic objectives if we recruit and retain the best people, operating in an environment underpinned by inclusivity, diversity and opportunity.Being part of our team as a HR Business Partner, you will play a pivotal role in planning and leading the process and activities to ensure that the Talent objectives are delivered and the KPI of talent retention is met.This role requires the confidence and integrity to support business partners and where required hold them to account to ensure the consistent application of our company processes and that we are managing people the right way. There will be a requirement to develop an excellent understanding of the business needs through strong interaction with the business.We are looking for someone who has experience of working in a complex and demanding environment and can challenge the status quo and drive change in a constructive and pragmatic manner.Ideally you will bring your experience of creating an inclusive workplace and demonstrating how feedback from employee surveys has been used to drive action plans to increase engagement.Alongside this, you will be organised, an excellent communicator capable of building relationships across the business and operate fairly and consistently.
Ground Worker
Location: Brixton
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 11-08-2025
We are currently seeking a skilled and reliable Groundworker to join our team on the WPS Lambeth Contract, delivering high-quality responsive maintenance services across the borough.🔧 Key Responsibilities: Carry out groundworks including paving, kerbing, drainage, and reinstatement. Respond to maintenance requests efficiently and professionally. Work collaboratively with other trades and contractors on-site. Ensure all work is completed to a high standard and in line with health and safety regulations.✅ Requirements: Full UK Driving Licence – essential for travel between sites. NVQ Level 2 in Groundworks or equivalent – minimum qualification required. Proven experience in responsive maintenance or similar environments. Strong understanding of site safety and compliance.🌟 What We Offer: A supportive team environment. Opportunities for training and career development.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
Senior Framework Manager
Location: London NW1
Job Type: Bid
Application Deadline: 15-08-2025
About the RoleAre you a strategic thinker with a passion for public sector frameworks? We're looking for a Senior Framework Manager to lead high-impact bidding strategies and drive performance across strategic public sector frameworks. This is a pivotal role within our specialist Public Sector Team, offering the opportunity to shape national infrastructure and build lasting client relationships.Key Responsibilities Framework Strategy & Bidding : Lead framework strategy and support bids for national and regional frameworks, crafting win plans and executing submissions to secure placements. Framework Management: lead engagement with Frameworks to gain early identification of pipeline opportunities and support operational divisions to select suitable projects. Client Engagement: Build and maintain trusted relationships with framework teams and participating clients, ensuring consistent delivery and satisfaction. Governance & Performance: Oversee framework governance, monitor KPIs, and act on trends to drive continuous improvement. Collaboration & Leadership: Work closely with operational divisions and lead cross-functional teams to deliver framework objectives. Thought Leadership: Represent the business at regional and national levels, contributing to presentations, briefings, and published articles.What You’ll Bring Proven experience in public sector bidding and framework management, ideally within the construction or property sector. Degree-level qualification or equivalent vocational experience. Exceptional communication, influencing, and problem-solving skills. A collaborative mindset with a drive for innovation and continuous improvement. Strong understanding of government departments and sector-specific policy issues (e.g. MOJ, MOD, HMRC, GPA, DFE, DOH).Financial & People Leadership Contribute to annual revenue targets and maintain accurate pipeline reporting. Lead and develop team members, ensuring clarity of roles and accountability. Influence resourcing across bidding and work-winning teams. Contribute to the business activity of the Public Sector TeamOur Values Care: For performance, the environment, and communities. Fairness: Inclusive, respectful, and transparent. Innovation: Always looking for a better way to deliver excellence.Why Join Us?This is more than a management role—it's a chance to shape the future of public sector delivery. You'll be part of a dynamic team, with opportunities to support other sectors and frameworks, and make a real impact at local, regional, and national levels.This role can be based nationally but there will be a requirement to be in the London Office 2/3 days a week.WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share Flexible working 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/
Site Manager
Location: East Midlands
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 29-08-2025
We are looking for an experienced and proactive Site Manager to join our growing team across WPS Planned Maintenance contracts. This is an exciting opportunity to lead planned maintenance projects across the East Midlands region, with a focus on delivering high-quality work in the social housing sector.🔨 Key Responsibilities: Oversee day-to-day site operations across multiple planned maintenance projects. Ensure works are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. Manage subcontractors and site teams effectively. Maintain strong relationships with clients, residents, and stakeholders. Uphold health and safety compliance and quality assurance procedures.✅ Requirements: Proven experience as a Site Manager in planned social housing maintenance. Strong leadership and organisational skills. Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities. Full UK Driving Licence. Relevant construction qualifications (e.g. SMSTS, CSCS, First Aid).🌟 What We Offer: A dynamic and expanding workload. Supportive team environment. Competitive salary and benefits. Career development opportunities.Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Standard 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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