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

Project Manager

Location: Manchester

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 07-05-2026

WPS are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead planned maintenance and refurbishment programmes across high-rise buildings in the North West. The role will focus on cladding remediation, as well as associated fire and building safety works. You will ensure compliance with the Building Safety Act for Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs). You’ll be working in live environments, ensuring safety, quality, and resident engagement throughout.Key Responsibilities Manage end-to-end delivery of planned works and retrofit projects in occupied HRBs. Oversee remediation cladding programmes and ensure compliance with HRB regulations. Lead planning, budgeting, and risk management activities. Coordinate with internal teams, contractors, and residents to maintain programme and quality standards. Produce detailed reports and programmes using Power BI and Asta Powerproject. Ensure alignment with PAS 2035 and sustainability targets.Qualifications Degree in Construction Management or a related field. CSCS Black Card, SMSTS, and strong knowledge of HRB compliance. APM or PRINCE2 certification (desirable).Skills Strong understanding of live building environments and resident engagement. Excellent planning, budgeting, and risk management capabilities. Knowledge of Building Safety Act and Building Safety Regulator Gateway process. Proficiency in digital reporting tools such as Power BI and Asta Powerproject. Ability to create and manage detailed programmes and reporting outputs.Experience Proven track record delivering HRB projects under the Building Safety Act. Experience managing planned maintenance and cladding remediation programmes in occupied buildings. Demonstrated ability to maintain safety, quality, and programme in challenging environments.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

Resident Liaison Officer

Location: Carlisle

Job Type: Customer Service

Application Deadline: 07-05-2026

🏘️ Resident Liaison Officer – Retrofit Projects (Carlisle)📍 Location: Carlisle🏢 Business Unit: WPS📄 Contract Type: Full-time, PermanentAre you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives and communities? Do you thrive on building trust, solving problems, and ensuring smooth communication between residents and project teams? If so, we want you on our team!WPS is delivering a series of exciting retrofit projects across Carlisle, and we’re looking for a dedicated Resident Liaison Officer to be the friendly face and reliable point of contact for tenants throughout the works. Your role will be key in ensuring tenants are informed, supported, and satisfied throughout the delivery of these improvements.👥 What You’ll Be Doing Liaising daily with residents and leaseholders to arrange access, surveys, and appointments Acting as the first point of contact for tenant queries, concerns, and complaints Ensuring all communications are honest, clear, and empathetic Supporting site teams with Health & Safety checks and compliance Maintaining accurate records of inspections, complaints, and meeting actions Collaborating with subcontractors, surveyors, project managers, and clients to ensure works meet specifications and resident expectations Helping resolve disputes and damage claims professionally Carrying out audits and site safety checks Ensuring the business remains compliant with OF and Health & Safety regulations🧠 What You’ll Bring Strong communication and listening skills Confidence dealing with complaints and resolving issues A proactive, supportive, and organised approach Cultural awareness and empathy for diverse tenant needs IT proficiency (Excel, Word, Outlook) Asbestos Awareness (desirable) Full UK Driving Licence (essential) Bilingual skills (a bonus!)🚀 Why Join WPS?At WPS, we’re committed to improving homes and lives through sustainable retrofit solutions. You’ll be part of a supportive team that values your contribution and offers opportunities for growth and 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 If successful one of the Recruitment Team will then be in contact to discuss the role in more detail and advise of next steps.

Account Manager

Location: Manchester

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 20-04-2026

Account Manager Location: North West / MidlandsContract Type: Full-time, Permanent About the RoleWe are seeking an experienced Account Manager to join our Facilities Management team within WPS. This is an exciting opportunity to oversee a mixed portfolio of clients within the Managing Agent sector, providing exceptional service delivery while driving commercial performance and organic growth across established contracts.This role is ideal for someone who thrives on building strong client relationships, delivering operational excellence, and proactively identifying new business opportunities.Key Responsibilities Manage a varied FM client portfolio across the North West and Midlands, ensuring high-quality service delivery and contract compliance. Act as the primary point of contact for Managing Agent clients, fostering strong and trusted relationships. Drive work winning and organic growth, identifying opportunities to expand services within existing accounts. Oversee contract performance, budgets, forecasting, and KPI achievement. Collaborate with operational teams to ensure safe, efficient and customer-focused delivery. Prepare and present monthly account reviews, performance updates, and growth proposals. Lead on contract improvements, mobilisation of additional works, and continuous service enhancement.About YouWe’re looking for someone who brings: Experience working with Managing Agents (preferred but not essential). A strong track record of growing and developing FM contracts. Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills. Commercial awareness with the ability to identify and convert opportunities. Proven experience managing multi-site or mixed FM portfolios. A proactive, solutions-focused mindset and a passion for delivering outstanding customer outcomes.Why Join Us? Opportunity to shape and grow a strategic FM portfolio. Work within an established, collaborative, and respected business unit. Supportive leadership with a strong focus on career development. Competitive salary and benefits package.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.

Supervisor

Location: Ealing

Job Type: Trades and Labour

Application Deadline: 05-05-2026

🌟 We're Hiring: Supervisor 🌟📍 Location: Ealing💰 Salary: Competitive🏢 Contract Type: Full-timeAre you a natural leader with solid experience in responsive repairs, roofing, and scaffolding? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment and know how to motivate and manage a team effectively? If so, we’d love to hear from you!🔧 About the RoleWe’re seeking a Supervisor with hands-on knowledge of roofing and scaffolding, alongside a strong background in responsive repairs. You’ll manage a team of 6 operatives and support the Project Lead across workstreams including Voids, Disrepair, Day-to-Day Repairs, and Planned Works.A background in social housing is highly desirable, as you’ll ensure service excellence, high-quality workmanship, and strong customer satisfaction. You’ll also have opportunities to step up and lead the contract when required—ideal for someone aiming to progress into senior management.🗂️ Key Responsibilities• Lead, motivate, and manage a team of 6 operatives• Oversee scheduling, inspections, and quality control• Conduct 1-2-1s, toolbox talks, and team meetings• Liaise with clients and prepare performance reports• Ensure full Health & Safety compliance across all activities• Support onboarding, training, and development of staff• Oversee works involving roofing and scaffolding, ensuring safety and quality standards• Drive performance to meet KPIs and service targets🎯 What We’re Looking For• Proven experience in responsive repairs• Roofing and scaffolding knowledge is essential• Background in social housing maintenance (preferred)• Experience managing a team of operatives (minimum 6)• Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills• Solid understanding of Health & Safety requirements• SSSTS/SMSTS – Preferred (or IOSH desirable)• Trade-related certifications (e.g., Asbestos Awareness, Scaffold Inspections)• Commercial awareness and ability to manage budgets• Confident in Microsoft Office and report writing• Proactive, supportive, and assertive approach• Full UK driving licence🚀 Why Join Us?• Be part of a dynamic and supportive team• Clear progression opportunities: Senior Supervisor, Contract/Operations Manager• Make an impact in your local community• Work in a collaborative environment where your ideas are valued📩 Ready to Apply?If you're ready to take the next step in your career and lead with confidence, apply today and help us continue providing high-quality services to our communities.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