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

Carpenter / Multi-Trader

Location: Enfield

Job Type: Trades and Labour

Application Deadline: 20-02-2026

🛠️ Carpenter / Multi Trader Base: Enfield (projects across London & within the M25)Join our Specialist Division and become a key part of delivering high‑quality carpentry and multi‑trade works across a diverse portfolio of commercial projects.We’re looking for an experienced Carpenter/Multi Trader to support our expanding division, working on a mix of larger, long‑term projects and smaller planned works. This is not a reactive day‑to‑day role-you’ll be based on each project for a sustained period, delivering consistent, high‑quality workmanship from start to finish.🔧 What You’ll Be Doing• Carrying out carpentry and multi‑trade works across commercial buildings.• Delivering high‑quality workmanship on both large-scale and smaller planned projects.• Working independently or as part of a project team depending on site requirements.• Liaising with Supervisors and Project Managers when additional trades or materials are required.• Ensuring accurate completion of job sheets, material usage, and project documentation.• Maintaining high standards of productivity, safety, and professionalism on all sites.🚗 Requirements• Full UK driving licence – significant travel across London and the M25 is required.• NVQ Level 2 Carpentry (essential).• Strong experience as a carpenter with additional multi‑trade skills.• Previous experience working in office/commercial buildings is highly desirable.• Ability to work to excellent standards with minimal supervision.• Strong communication and problem‑solving abilities.• Professional, reliable, and able to represent the company positively at all times.• Due to the nature of this position, an in-depth criminal record history check will be carried out.💬 Why Join Us?You’ll be part of a skilled specialist team delivering meaningful work across a range of commercial environments. We offer:• Stability and long-term project work.• Supportive management and opportunities to develop your skillset.• A company that values quality, safety, and professionalism.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

Electrical Compliance Manager

Location: Liverpool

Job Type: Trades and Labour

Application Deadline: 20-02-2026

⚡ Electrical Compliance Manager (Renewables)📍 Covering Liverpool (open to Merseyside & surrounding areas)🏢 Liberty🌱 Driving Safety • Quality • Compliance Across RenewablesMake a real impact. As Liberty’s Electrical Compliance Manager, you’ll lead on electrical safety, compliance and quality for our growing renewables division — ensuring every project delivered is safe, efficient and fully compliant with industry regulations. 💚⚡🌍🔧 What you’ll be doing• 👥 Lead, coach and develop Site Supervisors, Electricians, operatives and subcontractors, ensuring high performance and safe, compliant delivery.• 🗂 Ensure efficient work allocation, timely updates and accurate job/order management across IT systems.• 🏅 Maintain and uphold NICEIC, MCS and other accreditation standards, guiding teams and ensuring full compliance.• 📝 Oversee site surveys (incl. PIBIs), installations, materials and documentation.• 🔍 Inspect installation quality and electrical certification for compliance with standards and regulations.• 🧰 Provide technical guidance across all electrical works, including supporting complex queries.• 🛡 Champion safe design, installation, testing, commissioning & handover of all electrical systems.• 📈 Lead a proactive technical audit programme across sites, documentation and certification.• 🤝 Build strong client relationships and ensure excellence in communication across all levels. 🌟 What you’ll bring🎓 Qualifications• Strong electrical background with compliance and quality expertise• High‑level understanding of standards including NICEIC, MCS, BS7671, H&S legislation• Demonstrable technical experience across installation, testing & certification processes💡 Qualities & Behaviours• 🌟 A confident leader who inspires trust and drives a culture of quality• 🧠 Analytical thinker with the ability to interpret KPIs, performance data & technical reports• 🚀 Proactive problem‑solver who anticipates issues and implements effective solutions• 🧩 Detail‑driven, ensuring no deviation from safety or compliance standards 🎁 What’s in it for you• 🌴 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays• ⏰ Full‑time, 40 hours per week• 📈 A strategic role with significant influence over the future of the renewables division• 🧠 Access to training, development and support to help you excel🚀 Ready to Lead Compliance Excellence in Renewables?Join Liberty and help us set the standard for safe, compliant, high‑quality renewable installations — making homes and communities greener, safer and smarter. ✨ Click Apply today and take the next step in your leadership career! 💙⚡🌱

Electrical Site Supervisor

Location: Liverpool

Job Type: Trades and Labour

Application Deadline: 20-02-2026

⚡ Electrical Site Supervisor (Renewables)📍 Covering Liverpool (open to Merseyside & surrounding areas)🏢 LibertyMake a real impact. At Liberty, you’ll lead and coach a talented electrical team delivering safe, high‑quality renewable installations and maintenance—helping communities become greener, safer and more energy‑efficient. 💚⚡🌍🔧 What you’ll be doing• 👥 Lead, coach and supervise Electricians and partners to deliver safe, high‑quality, compliant works across renewables.• 🤝 Liaise with customers, operatives and subcontractors—owning quality from survey to handover.• 📝 Oversee site surveys (incl. PIBI’s), installations, materials and documentation.• 🔍 Provide hands‑on technical support & inspect electrical certifications to ensure full compliance.• 🛡 Carry out RAMS, embed safe systems of work & champion zero‑tolerance on H&S.• 📊 Monitor test equipment compliance, audit quality & drive continuous improvement.• 📂 Keep accurate records, performance data and timesheets; collaborate closely with the wider Liberty team.🌟 What you’ll bring🎓 Qualifications• Recognised electrical apprenticeship and/or trade qualifications• 18th Edition (IET Wiring Regs) & City & Guilds 2391 (or equivalent)• Qualified Supervisor capability; ECS Gold (minimum) 💡 Qualities & Behaviours• 🌟 A natural leader who brings out the best in others• 💬 Clear, confident communicator able to engage customers & colleagues• 🔍 Quality‑driven, with great attention to detail• 🤔 Solutions‑focused thinker, always looking for better, smarter ways of working• 💚 Passion for safety, compliance and doing the right thing🎁 What’s in it for you• 🌴 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays• ⏰ Full‑time, 40 hours per week• 📈 Real progression opportunities as our renewables division grows🚀 Ready to Lead the Future of Renewables?Join Liberty and help us make homes safer, greener, smarter and better for our customers. ✨ Click Apply today and take the next step in your leadership journey! 💙⚡🌱

Graphic Designer

Location: London

Job Type: Marketing & Communications

Application Deadline: 06-02-2026

Wates Construction is looking for a talented Graphic Designer to support our Preconstruction team. You’ll create high‑impact visuals for EOIs, PQQs, RFIs and tender submissions, helping to bring our win themes to life through clear, compelling design. This is a great opportunity to shape the visual identity of major bids and work closely with bid and technical teams across the business.Key Accountabilities Design high‑quality visuals including layouts, infographics, diagrams, case studies and bid templates. Maintain consistent brand application and manage design assets within Adobe Creative Cloud. Translate win themes and technical content into engaging visual concepts. Collaborate with Bid Managers and technical teams, managing multiple deadlines. Produce print‑ready and digital artwork using InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Ceros.What We're Looking For in You Strong graphic design skills with a solid understanding of layout, typography and brand consistency. Ability to simplify and visualise complex or technical information. Advanced Adobe Creative Suite skills and a strong design portfolio. Organised, collaborative and confident working in a fast‑paced environment. Degree in Graphic Design or related field (desirable).To Be Successful in the RoleYou will be creative, proactive and highly organised, with a keen eye for detail and the ability to work calmly under pressure. You’ll build strong working relationships, take pride in producing high‑quality visuals and enjoy contributing to compelling, client‑focused bid submissions.

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