About Us

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.

6,000

Employees (2024)

£2.4bn

Turnover (2024)

£395m

Social value generated (2024)

33%

Reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions against a 2019 baseline (2024)

Wates family 2022

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’.

London business school atrium

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. 

Zero harm, we're safer together safety campaign

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. 

we are committed to quality and sustainability

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.

Our industry leading women in construction recruitment programme

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. 

University of Portsmouth sustainability

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. 

Using offsite manufacturing we can improve productivity, efficiency and safety in construction

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: Finsbury Park

Job Type: Bid

Application Deadline: 06-08-2025

🌟 Join Our Team as a Bid Manager – WPS, LondonAre you a strategic thinker with a passion for winning work? We’re looking for a Bid Manager to join our dynamic team at WPS in London. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead and shape high-quality bids that make a real impact.📌 About the RoleAs a Bid Manager, you’ll take ownership of the full bid lifecycle—from initial tender through to adjudication and second-stage negotiations. You’ll coordinate cross-functional teams, develop winning strategies, and ensure every submission is compelling, compliant, and competitive.🛠️ Key Responsibilities Lead the end-to-end bid process, including strategy, planning, and submission. Manage second-stage bids and post-tender negotiations. Coordinate internal and external stakeholders, including subcontractors and suppliers. Organise site visits, risk assessments, and design team meetings. Ensure all bid documentation is accurate, timely, and aligned with client expectations. Maintain accurate records and reporting through RIMS.🎯 What We’re Looking For Proven experience in bid management within the construction industry. Strong knowledge of pricing, costing, and best practice in tendering. Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills. Ability to manage teams and drive collaborative success. Familiarity with risk analysis and value management.If you’re ready to take the lead on exciting projects and help shape the future of WPS, we’d love to hear from you.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 📩 Once you apply one of the Recruitment Team will then be in contact to discuss the role in more detail and advise of next steps.

Client Support Advisor

Location: Manchester

Job Type: Clerical & Administration

Application Deadline: 06-08-2025

The VacancyCLIENT SUPPORT ADVISOR Are you providing amazing customer service in your current role but ready for the next step? We are currently recruiting for a Client Support Advisor to join our fabulous team on a full time, permanent basis based in Manchester. We’re looking for someone who has a passion for delivering outstanding customer service whilst being professional and friendly at all times! It’d be amazing (but not essential) if you have previous experience of working on an FM Helpdesk in a busy environment because this is what you’ll be doing: • Delivering great customer service to our clients and contractors • Building outstanding working relationships with our clients, contractors and other functions within the business • Managing emails and phone calls • Dealing with enquiries from clients and contractors • Supporting clients and contractors with any queries • Assigning jobs to contractors within an agreed time frame • Chasing up jobs that have not been accepted/attended to • Managing and updating business-critical issues daily • Updating systems to ensure complete transparency • Ensuring that maintenance work is processed in a timely manner • Communicating with contractors daily, to minimise overdue work • Challenging unnecessary call-outs and response times • Working closely with site managers and engineers to ensure a one-team approach to management of maintenance issues • Operating and being measured against business KPIs • Demonstrating professionalism at all times This particular position will involve the raising and administration of a high volume of quoted works so if that is a process you are familiar with then please apply! To be successful you’ll need to be: • Tenacious and results orientated • IT literate • Confident, efficient and reassuring on the phone • Great at prioritising and multi-tasking • Friendly and professional • Looking for ways we can do things better • Ambitious and keen to progress We’ll give you full training as part of your induction as well as the opportunity to make the role your own. You’ll be part of a close, fun team and be fundamental to shaping the future success of Customer Care within Wates FM and of course your own career aspirations! WPS Facilities Management successfully provides Facilities Management services in technically demanding environments, and our portfolio includes some of the UK’s best-known companies, providing stand-alone hard services, planned and reactive maintenance and technically led FM solutions to single and multi-site operations. This is an office based position. WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 5% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 22 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/ 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

Client Support Advisor

Location: Manchester

Job Type: Clerical & Administration

Application Deadline: 06-08-2025

The VacancyCLIENT SUPPORT ADVISOR Are you providing amazing customer service in your current role but ready for the next step? We are currently recruiting for a Client Support Advisor to join our fabulous team on a full time, permanent basis based in Manchester. We’re looking for someone who has a passion for delivering outstanding customer service whilst being professional and friendly at all times! It’d be amazing (but not essential) if you have previous experience of working on an FM Helpdesk in a busy environment because this is what you’ll be doing: • Delivering great customer service to our clients and contractors • Building outstanding working relationships with our clients, contractors and other functions within the business • Managing emails and phone calls • Dealing with enquiries from clients and contractors • Supporting clients and contractors with any queries • Assigning jobs to contractors within an agreed time frame • Chasing up jobs that have not been accepted/attended to • Managing and updating business-critical issues daily • Updating systems to ensure complete transparency • Ensuring that maintenance work is processed in a timely manner • Communicating with contractors daily, to minimise overdue work • Challenging unnecessary call-outs and response times • Working closely with site managers and engineers to ensure a one-team approach to management of maintenance issues • Operating and being measured against business KPIs • Demonstrating professionalism at all times This particular position will involve the raising and administration of a high volume of quoted works so if that is a process you are familiar with then please apply! To be successful you’ll need to be: • Tenacious and results orientated • IT literate • Confident, efficient and reassuring on the phone • Great at prioritising and multi-tasking • Friendly and professional • Looking for ways we can do things better • Ambitious and keen to progress We’ll give you full training as part of your induction as well as the opportunity to make the role your own. You’ll be part of a close, fun team and be fundamental to shaping the future success of Customer Care within Wates FM and of course your own career aspirations! WPS Facilities Management successfully provides Facilities Management services in technically demanding environments, and our portfolio includes some of the UK’s best-known companies, providing stand-alone hard services, planned and reactive maintenance and technically led FM solutions to single and multi-site operations. This is an office based position. WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 5% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 22 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/ 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

Document Controller

Location: Newbury

Job Type: Digital Engineering

Application Deadline: 06-08-2025

Wates are on the lookout for a Document Controller to join our team in Newbury, working on exciting, high-impact projects across a range of sectors.If you’re someone who loves bringing order, thrives on structure and digital innovation, and is ready to support site teams with energy, expertise, and a fresh perspective—we want to hear from you.This is more than just document control. It's about making a real impact, growing your career in a supportive, forward-thinking team, and helping us build a better tomorrow.Why this role matters:Our Document Controllers are the heartbeat of digital information on our sites -ensuring every drawing, submission, and technical detail is right where it needs to be, when it needs to be.You'll collaborate closely with our project teams, consultants, and supply chain partners to manage, validate, and maintain digital project information throughout the lifecycle of a build.Your responsibilities will include: Own and manage the Common Data Environment (CDE) – from configuration and user support to ongoing improvements Drive information quality control, including validation, classification, workflow management, and distribution Lead on reporting, turning data like information compliance, RFIs, and technical submissions into clear performance dashboards Provide training and troubleshooting to keep everyone working efficiently with our digital tools Be the key contact for CDE-related support with clients, consultants, and suppliers 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/ 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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