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

Administrator

Location: Enfield

Job Type: Clerical & Administration

Application Deadline: 20-04-2026

🌟 Administrator – EnfieldAre you an organised, proactive, and detail-focused administrator looking to join a fast-paced team?We’re looking for an Administrator to support our Helpdesk operations and ensure the smooth running of customer service activity across our specialist division.⭐ About the RoleAs an Administrator, you’ll play a key part in the efficient day-to-day running of our helpdesk. You’ll liaise with clients, support contracts managers and supervisors, and ensure that job information, documentation, and reporting are accurate and up to date.This position is based in Enfield.🔧 Key ResponsibilitiesDaily Tasks Raising work orders via phone and email, ensuring accurate input into internal systems Allocating daily and emergency jobs to operatives and subcontractors Arranging site appointments and handling out-of-hours call-outs where needed Processing timesheets, updating spreadsheets, and ensuring job numbers are correct Maintaining job records, paperwork, photos, and updating job statuses Checking system reports and updating trackers Handling client queries and providing updates across all contracts Managing lone worker check-ins and maintaining associated logs Uploading documents to client systems to support invoicing Electronic filing, archiving, and completing general admin tasks as requested Keeping client portals updatedWeekly / Monthly Tasks Creating weekly WIP (Work in Progress) reports Ensuring compliance sheets are collated from managers, supervisors, and operatives Analysing job details and challenging incomplete or inaccurate information🤝 CommunicationYou’ll work closely with: Contract Managers Supervisors Operatives The Customer Service ManagerClear communication is essential, as you’ll coordinate activities across all contracts within the division.🧾 What We’re Looking ForKnowledge & Experience Previous experience in a similar administrative or helpdesk roleSkills Strong administrative and organisational ability Computer literacy, especially in Microsoft Word & Excel Ability to learn and use internal IT systems effectivelyBehaviours Professionalism aligned with company values Accuracy and attention to detail Proactive approach and willingness to challenge incomplete information💼 Why Join Us? Supportive team Fast-paced environment with variety in daily tasks Opportunity to develop operational and customer service skills within a respected divisionGiven 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

Carpenter

Location: Walton-On-Thames

Job Type: Trades and Labour

Application Deadline: 03-04-2026

🛠️ Carpenter – Walton-on-Thames (Responsive Maintenance)Join the WPS Team – Make a Difference in Social HousingWPS has an exciting opportunity for a Carpenter to join our Responsive Maintenance division, working from our Walton-on-Thames office. You’ll be delivering reactive maintenance services to our valued residents as part of a social housing contract.🔧 What You’ll Be Doing Carrying out carpentry repair and renewal works across various properties. Advising your Supervisor when additional support or materials are needed. Working independently or collaboratively with other operatives. Completing daily work sheets detailing tasks and materials used. Ensuring timely and productive completion of assigned tasks.🚗 Requirements Full UK driving licence is essential. NVQ L2 in Carpentry or a similar trade Proven experience in carpentry. Ability to work to high standards of workmanship and productivity. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Strong customer service mindset and ability to meet tight deadlines.💬 Why Join WPS? At WPS, we’re committed to building communities and improving lives. You’ll be part of a supportive team that values your skills and helps you grow.Ready to make an impact? Apply now and help us deliver quality maintenance services that truly matter.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

Carpenter

Location: Walton-On-Thames

Job Type: Trades and Labour

Application Deadline: 03-04-2026

🛠️ Carpenter – Walton-on-Thames (Responsive Maintenance)Join the WPS Team – Make a Difference in Social HousingWPS has an exciting opportunity for a Carpenter to join our Responsive Maintenance division, working from our Walton-on-Thames office. You’ll be delivering reactive maintenance services to our valued residents as part of a social housing contract.🔧 What You’ll Be Doing Carrying out carpentry repair and renewal works across various properties. Advising your Supervisor when additional support or materials are needed. Working independently or collaboratively with other operatives. Completing daily work sheets detailing tasks and materials used. Ensuring timely and productive completion of assigned tasks.🚗 Requirements Full UK driving licence is essential. NVQ L2 in Carpentry or a similar trade Proven experience in carpentry. Ability to work to high standards of workmanship and productivity. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Strong customer service mindset and ability to meet tight deadlines.💬 Why Join WPS? At WPS, we’re committed to building communities and improving lives. You’ll be part of a supportive team that values your skills and helps you grow.Ready to make an impact? Apply now and help us deliver quality maintenance services that truly matter.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

Painter & Decorator

Location: Brixton

Job Type: Trades and Labour

Application Deadline: 29-04-2026

Painter & Decorator – WPSWPS is looking for an experienced Painter & Decorator to join our team, working across social housing properties in the Brixton area. You’ll play a key role in delivering high‑quality maintenance and decorating works that support our residents and enhance their homes. 🏡🎨 Key Responsibilities Completing all aspects of painting and decorating to a high professional standard Preparing surfaces including filling, sanding, stripping wallpaper, and priming Undertaking finishing works such as glossing, emulsion, wallpapering, and touch‑ups Assessing and reporting any follow‑on works to your Supervisor Working independently or alongside other operatives as required Keeping accurate daily records of tasks completed and materials used Ensuring all work is completed safely, efficiently, and within agreed timeframes✅ What We’re Looking For Full UK driving licence is essential 🚗 NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in Painting & Decorating Previous experience in social housing or property maintenance Strong attention to detail and pride in delivering high‑quality finishes Ability to work independently and manage your own workload Excellent communication skills and a customer‑friendly approach Commitment to health & safety and maintaining professional standards💪 Why Join WPS?Join a team dedicated to quality workmanship, community impact, and great customer service. Your skills will help create safe, comfortable homes for residents across Brixton.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