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
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
HR Administrator
Location: Finsbury Park
Job Type: HR
Application Deadline: 10-04-2026
🌟 Join Our Team as an HR Administrator! 🌟📍 Location: Finsbury Park🏢 Business Unit: WPS👥 Do you love working with people?📋 Are you highly organised and ready to grow in a well-established, family-run business?If so, we’ve got a fantastic opportunity for you!💼 About the RoleWe’re looking for a proactive and detail-oriented HR Administrator to join our WPS team. You’ll provide essential administrative support to managers and employees, helping to deliver a smooth and efficient HR service across the full employee lifecycle.🔑 Key Responsibilities✅ Manage high-volume queries via our case management system✅ Support onboarding from offer to first day (contracts, compliance, check-ins)✅ Process changes to terms and conditions (job title, hours, salary, etc.)✅ Handle leaver administration for a smooth exit experience✅ Maintain and update our HR database and trackers✅ Ensure compliance with HR policies, procedures, and SLAs✅ Guide managers and employees on HR best practices✅ Conduct audits to maintain data accuracy✅ Respond to external reference requests in line with GDPR✅ Support cyclical tasks like pay reviews, bonuses, and audits✅ Suggest improvements to enhance process efficiency🎯 What We’re Looking For✔️ Previous admin experience in a busy HR team✔️ Ideally CIPD Level 3 qualified✔️ Excellent written and verbal communication skills✔️ Confident engaging with people at all levels✔️ High attention to detail and motivation to learn🔐 Pre-Employment ChecksThis role requires a Basic DBS Check at offer stage. We assess all applicants individually and do not discriminate based on criminal records. Some roles may require additional vetting.👉 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-security-vetting-advice
Site Surveyor
Location: Wolverhampton
Job Type: Commercial
Application Deadline: 23-04-2026
Site Surveyor – Planned Works (Social Housing)Division: WPS PlannedLocation: West Midlands (regional travel)Job Type: Full TimeContract Type: PermanentWorking Pattern: Hybrid – office and site basedAbout the roleDue to recent contract wins and continued business growth, WPS Planned is seeking an experienced Site Surveyor to join our team covering the West Midlands.The role will support the delivery of planned social housing works, including Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) projects, kitchens, bathrooms, roofing, and associated refurbishment programmes. This is a varied role combining office‑based duties with regular site visits across the contract area.Key responsibilities Undertake site surveys and measurements to support planned works programmes Produce and price scoping documents using agreed Schedules of Rates (SOR) Support cost control, valuations, and commercial reporting Work closely with operational teams to support programme delivery Assist with procurement of works packages and liaise with subcontractors Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, residents, and internal stakeholders Ensure compliance with health & safety, quality, and company proceduresEssential experience and skills Proven experience working within the social housing sector – essential Demonstrable background delivering planned social housing works Experience of workstreams such as SHDF, kitchens & bathrooms, roofing, or similar refurbishment programmes Confident carrying out surveys, measurements, and pricing works Strong communication and stakeholder management skills Full UK driving licence (regional travel required)Applications without social housing experience will not be considered.Desirable Relevant surveying or construction‑related qualification Experience working for a main contractor or property services providerWhat we offer Permanent role within a growing planned division Strong pipeline of secured work across the West Midlands Career development and progression opportunities Competitive salary and benefits packageGiven 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
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