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

Divisional Commercial Manager

Location: Birmingham

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 17-04-2026

WPS is seeking an experienced Divisional Commercial Manager to lead the commercial function across a high-value Planned Works portfolio within the social housing sector.This is a senior, influential role with responsibility for a diverse mix of workstreams, including internal refurbishments, external planned works and Net Zero / decarbonisation programmes. You will provide strategic commercial leadership across multiple contracts, working closely with operational and client teams to ensure strong commercial control, risk management and profitable delivery.Key Responsibilities: Lead the commercial strategy and governance across multiple planned works contracts Full accountability for commercial performance on high-turnover, high-profile projects Manage, mentor and develop a commercial team across the region Provide commercial support to operational teams throughout the project lifecycle Oversee cost control, forecasting, valuations, variations and final accounts Ensure robust commercial risk management and compliance with company governance Build and maintain strong relationships with key, high-profile social housing clients Support margin improvement and continuous commercial best practice Contribute to business planning, work-winning support and long-term client relationshipsWorkstreams Covered: Internal Planned Works (kitchens, bathrooms, internal refurbishments) External Planned Works (windows, doors, roofing, envelope works) Net Zero / Decarbonisation programmesAbout You: Proven experience in a Divisional / Senior Commercial Manager role Strong background in social housing planned works Demonstrable experience managing large, complex and high-value contracts Confident leader with experience of managing and developing commercial teams High level of commercial acumen, with a strong understanding of cost, risk and value Comfortable working with senior internal stakeholders and client leadership teams Background in repairs and maintenance / planned maintenance is essentialWhat We Offer: Competitive senior-level salary and benefits package Opportunity to work on major, long-term social housing frameworks Exposure to Net Zero and future-focused investment programmes High-profile role with real influence across the business Long-term career development within a growing and stable organisationWhy Join WPS?WPS delivers essential planned investment programmes for social housing providers, with a strong reputation for quality, compliance and partnership working. This role offers the opportunity to play a pivotal part in shaping commercial performance across a key region and portfolioGiven 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

Multi/Floorlayer

Location: Croydon

Job Type: Trades and Labour

Application Deadline: 17-04-2026

🌟 Multi-Skilled Floorlayer – WPS Responsive Team (Croydon) We’re looking for a talented and versatile Multi-Skilled Floorlayer to join our WPS Responsive team in Croydon. This is a hands-on role suited to someone with strong experience in domestic flooring, particularly within social housing, responsive repairs, or maintenance environments.What You’ll Be Doing Installing a wide range of flooring types including vinyl, carpet tiles, and safety flooring Preparing subfloors using screed, plywood, and latex compounds Completing flooring repairs and replacements in occupied and void properties Ensuring all works meet high quality standards and comply with health & safety regulations Providing excellent customer service while liaising with tenants and clients to minimise disruptionWhat We’re Looking For Proven experience as a floorlayer—ideally within social housing or responsive repairs NVQ Level 2 in Floorcovering Occupations or equivalent (preferred) Ability to work both independently and as part of a team A full UK driving licence Willingness to undertake a Basic DBS check at offer stageGiven 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

Operations Manager

Location: Birmingham

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 17-04-2026

WPS is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead the delivery of planned social housing works across the West Midlands. This role will have overall operational responsibility for a range of internal and external workstreams, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on programme, within budget and to a high standard.You will oversee multiple projects and teams, working closely with commercial, client and senior management stakeholders on long‑term planned programmes.Key Workstreams Internal planned works (including kitchens, bathrooms and internal refurbishments) External planned works (including roofing, externals and fabric works) Planned programmes across occupied social housing propertiesKey Responsibilities Overall operational leadership of planned social housing projects Managing multiple internal and external workstreams simultaneously Leading and supporting Project Managers, site teams and supply chain Ensuring programmes are delivered in line with contract requirements and client expectations Working closely with commercial teams to manage cost, performance and risk Building and maintaining strong client relationships Driving health & safety, quality, compliance and resident satisfaction standards Attending client, progress and senior management meetingsAbout You Proven experience operating at Operations Manager / Senior Project Manager level Strong background delivering planned social housing works Experience working for a Tier 1 contractor managing social housing projects Demonstrable experience across both internal and external planned works Strong leadership, decision‑making and stakeholder management skills Commercially aware with a focus on performance and programme delivery Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel across the West MidlandsWhat We Offer Senior leadership role on long‑term planned social housing programmes Stable pipeline of work within a well‑established contractor Competitive salary and benefits package Career progression and development opportunitiesGiven 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

Project Manager

Location: Manchester

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 17-04-2026

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