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

Account Manager

Location: Southampton

Job Type: Engineering

Application Deadline: 30-04-2026

ACCOUNT MANAGER Wates have excellent opportunity for a technically strong Account Manager to provide operational leadership, technical management, added value and development of our unique client based in Southampton. ABOUT THE ROLE We are looking for an Account Manager with experience of working in transferable environment, with strong demonstrable experience of in leading people with experience of managing a multi-diverse team. With a recognised technical qualification and membership to the Institute of Safety and Health (IOSH) or equivalent, coupled with solid financial / commercial acumen with experience of running a P&L and ensuring budget is achieved. To be successful in the role you will have strong interpersonal, problem solving and change management skills, and be someone who can demonstrate the ability to balance the integration of the requirements and terms of policies and procedures with those of the client and make effective and persuasive presentations on complex topics to employees, clients, Senior management. This is a terrific opportunity to progress your career as part of a talented, diverse, and supportive team. Some of the other Key Accountabilities as Account Manager include: Lead and motivate the WPS team by example and deliver excellence and first class sustainable hard M&E and Fabric service provisions. Provide visible leadership and liase effectively and nurture the relationships with the key client stakeholders. To ensure compliance with all statutory, safety, quality, environmental, security and relevant Wates Professional Standards, creating a Zero Harm culture. Ensuring targets are maintained by the timely upload of compliance certification onto ACT. (Assurance Compliance Tool) Responsible for implementing and safeguarding best practice for commercial activity relating to contract management and managing specialists and suppliers to ensure dynamic MI reporting and that KPI/SLA targets are delivered. WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates) 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, 8 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 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

Electrician

Location: Barnsley

Job Type: Engineering

Application Deadline: 22-04-2026

WPS are looking for a qualified and motivated Electrician to join our responsive maintenance team, delivering high-quality electrical repairs and installations across social housing properties in the Barnsley area.🔍 What you’ll do: Carry out electrical repairs, fault finding, and installations in occupied and void properties. Ensure all work complies with current regulations and safety standards. Respond to emergency call-outs and urgent maintenance requests. Work collaboratively with tenants, housing officers, and other trades.✅ What you’ll need: Level 3 NVQ or equivalent in Electrical Installation 18th Edition Wiring Regulations 2391 Inspection & Testing qualification (or equivalent) Experience in social housing or domestic maintenance is highly desirable. A full UK driving licence.💡 Why join us? Be part of a supportive and skilled team. Ongoing training and development opportunities. Company vehicle and tools provided. Pension scheme, holiday allowance, and other benefits.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

Permit Office Manager

Location: Saffron Walden

Job Type: Engineering

Application Deadline: 22-04-2026

Permit Office Manager Location: Saffron WaldenWe are seeking an experienced and proactive Permit Office Manager to lead our Permit Office operations at the Wellcome Genome Campus in Saffron Walden. This is a site-based leadership role, integral to ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient delivery of all contractor activities across a world-leading scientific research campus.If you have a strong background in Engineering, Construction or M&E, with deep knowledge of health & safety, CDM and permit-to-work systems, this is an exceptional opportunity to lead a critical function supporting complex maintenance and project activity.What You’ll Be DoingAs the Permit Office Manager, you will take ownership of the entire Permit to Work function and lead the Permit Office Team. Your responsibilities will include:Leadership & Operational Management Leading and managing the Permit Office team to deliver an efficient, compliant Permit Office operation. Overseeing the preparation, authorisation, issuance, execution and close-out of all permits and control certificates. Ensuring all contractors are correctly inducted and compliant with WGC policies and CDM requirements. Managing staffing levels for escorting and assisting systems across the campus. Chairing or supporting weekly/monthly permit review meetings.Compliance, Auditing & Risk Management Promoting and driving a positive safety culture across the Wellcome Genome Campus. Conducting on-site safety and performance audits of contractors and subcontractors. Ensuring the suitability and sufficiency of all Construction Phase Plans (CPPs) in collaboration with Estates & Facilities colleagues. Monitoring health & safety documentation, challenging gaps or unsafe practices where necessary. Maintaining a live campus map showing all active permits and transfers of control.System Ownership & Continuous Improvement Taking full ownership of the electronic Permit to Work software system. Managing system uptime in collaboration with IT providers and leading on system improvements. Developing the contractor onboarding process to improve safety and operational efficiency. Proactively identifying improvement opportunities, ensuring WGC remains compliant, innovative, and efficient.Stakeholder Engagement Acting as a key liaison between Facilities Management teams, visiting contractors, principal contractors, and internal stakeholders. Ensuring work is delivered safely, efficiently, and without unnecessary delays. Supporting Contractors through inductions and system processes as needed.What We’re Looking ForEssential Qualifications & Skills Strong background in Engineering, Construction or M&E with proven permit-to-work experience. Excellent knowledge of UK Health & Safety legislation, CDM regulations and risk management. Experience managing statutory compliance on a complex site. Strong understanding of QHSE systems. Solid IT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel) and experience with systems such as Aconex, Buzzsaw or similar. Experience managing or overseeing large and small projects. Proven leadership, organisational and motivational skills. Experience carrying out H&S audits and reviews. NEBOSH General/Construction Certificate (or equivalent).Desirable Formal qualification in Engineering, Construction or M&E. AP appointment in areas such as working at height, confined spaces, hot works, electrical, LOTO, pressure systems, etc. Membership of IOSH, APS, CIOB, RICS.Experience RequiredEssential Strong communication skills, able to work confidently with operational teams, managers and senior stakeholders. Able to lead the permit system end-to-end and support contractors without compromising safety. Experience reviewing safety documentation, challenging poor practices, and ensuring compliance. Demonstrated ability to support project delivery safely, on time, and within budget. Experience monitoring and improving safety and permit systems.Desirable Experience managing high volumes of permits across multiple projects. Ability to identify high-risk areas and communicate risks clearly to contractors. Strong auditing experience, able to identify trends and escalate concerns appropriately.Personal AttributesWe’re looking for a Permit Office Manager with: Excellent communication and relationship-building skills Collaborative and personable working style Strong leadership and a solutions-focused mindset Confidence in challenging unsafe or non-compliant activity Innovation, attention to detail and a drive for continuous improvement A results-driven approach with commitment to delivering safe, efficient operationsYou’ll be at the heart of a high-profile, high-complexity site where safety, precision and compliance are paramount. Your work will directly support the vital research and scientific breakthroughs happening every day at the Wellcome Genome Campus.This is a fantastic opportunity to shape, lead and continuously improve the Permit Office function in a dynamic, prestigious environment.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

Permit Officer

Location: Saffron Walden

Job Type: Engineering

Application Deadline: 22-04-2026

Permit Officer Location: Saffron WaldenWe are looking for a proactive and detail-driven Permit Officer to join our team at the Wellcome Genome Campus in Saffron Walden. This is a site-based role supporting the safe and efficient management of contractors working across a busy, innovative scientific campus.If you have a background in Engineering, Construction or M&E and experience issuing permits, this is a great opportunity to play a key part in ensuring safety, compliance and operational excellence across a world-class facility.What You’ll Be DoingAs a Permit Officer, you’ll support the smooth running of the Permit Office and help maintain a safe working environment across the campus. Your responsibilities will include:Permit & Compliance Management Preparing, reviewing, authorising and issuing work permits and control certificates via our electronic system. Ensuring all contractors have completed their inductions and meet the Wellcome Genome Campus (WGC) health & safety requirements. Maintaining accurate records, including a live campus map showing active permits and areas of control. Monitoring permitted work on-site, including conducting safety and performance checks on contractors and subcontractors.Supporting Safe Operations Promoting a strong safety culture across the campus. Collaborating with Estates & Facilities, FM contractors, visiting contractors and principal contractors. Assisting with contractor onboarding and delivering health & safety inductions. Providing input into system improvements and supporting the management of the electronic Permit to Work software.Communications & Stakeholder Engagement Acting as a liaison between internal teams and external contractors. Assisting with weekly and monthly permit review meetings. Helping resolve queries and providing guidance to ensure work is conducted safely, on time and in line with CDM and WGC procedures.What We’re Looking ForEssential Experience & Skills Background in Engineering, Construction or M&E with previous permit issuing experience. Strong understanding of UK Health & Safety legislation, particularly CDM. Confident communicator able to work effectively with operatives, managers and senior stakeholders. Solid IT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel) and experience using systems such as Aconex, Buzzsaw or other permit software. Ability to challenge unsafe working practices and identify gaps in documentation. Experience supporting small and large-scale projects.Desirable Skills & Qualifications NEBOSH General/Construction Certificate, IOSH Managing Safely, or equivalent. Formal qualification in Engineering, Construction or M&E. Experience completing H&S audits or reviews. AP appointment in areas such as working at height, confined spaces, hot works, LOTO, pressure systems or similar. Membership of IOSH, APS, CIOB or RICS. Five years+ experience in a similar role.Personal QualitiesWe’re looking for someone who demonstrates: Strong communication skills Collaborative working style Leadership and ownership Innovation and continuous improvement mindset Results-driven approachIf you're an organised, confident Permit professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and wants to help support pioneering scientific facilities, 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