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

Painter & Decorator
Location: Croydon
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 20-07-2025
We are looking for a skilled and reliable Painter & Decorator to join our WPS Housing Maintenance team in Croydon. This role is essential to maintaining the quality and appearance of our housing stock, ensuring residents live in safe, well-presented homes.Key Responsibilities Carry out all aspects of internal and external painting and decorating. Prepare surfaces for painting and wallpapering, including filling, sanding, and priming. Ensure all work is completed to a high standard and in line with health and safety regulations. Work independently or as part of a team to meet deadlines and quality expectations. Maintain accurate records of work completed and materials used.What We’re Looking For Proven experience in painting and decorating, ideally in a housing or maintenance setting. NVQ Level 2 in Painting & Decorating or equivalent (desirable). Strong attention to detail and pride in delivering high-quality finishes. Good communication and customer service skills. Full UK driving licence (preferred).What We Offer A supportive and inclusive team environment. Opportunities for training and career development. Access to a range of employee benefits and wellbeing support.
Project Manager (M&E)
Location: Finsbury Park
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 08-08-2025
Wates Property Services is seeking a skilled and motivated Project Manager (M&E) to lead delivery of planned works across our North London social housing contracts. You’ll be responsible for managing technically complex mechanical and electrical projects, ensuring they are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.Key Responsibilities• Oversee M&E project delivery from pre-construction through to handover.• Manage subcontractors and site teams to ensure quality and compliance.• Liaise with clients, residents, and internal stakeholders to maintain strong relationships.• Monitor project progress, budgets, and health & safety performance.• Ensure all works meet Wates’ high standards and client expectations.What We’re Looking For• Proven experience in M&E project management, ideally within social housing or property services.• Strong knowledge of building services, compliance, and CDM regulations.• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.• SMSTS, CSCS, and First Aid certifications preferred.Why Join Wates?• Be part of a purpose-driven team improving homes and communities.• Access to structured career development and training.• Competitive salary, car allowance, and comprehensive benefits.• 26 days annual leave plus BH plus your birthday off• Market leading maternity & paternity leave 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
Social Value Managers
Location: Finsbury Park
Job Type: Customer Service
Application Deadline: 08-08-2025
We are looking for a passionate and experienced Social Value Manager to join our Wates Property Services team in North London. Based out of our Harringay office, you will lead the development and delivery of social value initiatives across our planned works contracts, ensuring meaningful impact in the communities we serve.You’ll work closely with project teams, local authorities, and community stakeholders to embed social value into every stage of our operations—from pre-construction through to handover. Key Responsibilities• Design and implement social value strategies aligned with client and community needs.• Monitor and report on social value outcomes, including employment, training, and community engagement.• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to deliver measurable impact.• Represent Wates at community forums, stakeholder meetings, and social value networks.• Support bid teams with social value input for tenders and proposals. What We’re Looking For• Proven experience in social value delivery, ideally within housing or property services.• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.• Ability to manage multiple projects and travel across sites.• Knowledge of social value frameworks and reporting tools (e.g. TOMs, Social Value Portal).• Passion for community development and inclusive growth.Wates Property Services Benefits PackageWe offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, development, and work-life balance:• Annual Leave: 26 days + bank holidays + your birthday off• Family Leave: Up to 26 weeks fully paid maternity/adoption/surrogacy leave; 8–12 weeks fully paid paternity/partner leave• Health & Wellbeing: Private healthcare, death-in-service benefit, mental health support• Learning & Development: Award-winning training and career progression supportGiven the nature of this position, you will need to undergo an Enhanced and Barred Lists 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
Contract Support Lead
Location: Leeds
Job Type: Clerical & Administration
Application Deadline: 07-08-2025
About the RoleAre you an organised, proactive, and detail-oriented professional with a passion for delivering exceptional support services? WPS is looking for a Contract Support Lead to join our team in Leeds, supporting our client.This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in ensuring the smooth financial and administrative operation of a high-profile facilities management contract.What You’ll Be Doing Managing financial processes including invoicing, WIP, debt, and accounts payable Procuring materials and services through internal and client systems Preparing and collating management reports (KPI, monthly, traffic light reports) Supporting holiday and overtime administration Acting as a vital communication link between management, staff, and the clientWhat We’re Looking For Proven experience in a Contract Support or similar administrative role Strong communication and interpersonal skills Excellent organisational and multitasking abilities Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CAFM systems (e.g., Concept) A positive, professional, and collaborative attitudePreferred Qualifications: NVQ/SVQ in Customer Services (Level 1–4)To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/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
Get in touch
To get in touch with us, simply fill in the form below and we’ll get right back to you.