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
Multi Trader
Location: Brixton
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 26-01-2026
At WPS, we’re committed to creating safe, well-maintained homes and communities across the UK. As part of our Property Services division, we maintain over 500,000 social housing homes, ensuring tenants live in secure, comfortable environments. 🏘️ We’re looking for a skilled Multi-Trader to join our Lambeth Disrepair team, focusing on disrepair works and responsive maintenance in tenanted social housing properties.🔧 Your Role: Carry out reactive and preventative repairs in occupied homes Tackle disrepair issues across multiple trades: carpentry, plumbing, tiling, plastering Ensure all work is completed safely, efficiently, and to high standards Communicate clearly with tenants and maintain a respectful, professional approach Record work details and materials used on daily job sheets Uphold Wates’ Health & Safety and Safeguarding policies🧰 What You’ll Bring: NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in a relevant trade (carpentry, plumbing, plastering, tiling, or electrics) Experience working in occupied properties and handling disrepair cases Strong communication and problem-solving skills Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines A commitment to delivering excellent service to tenants🌟 Why Wates? Be part of a team that’s making a real difference in people’s lives Work with a company that values quality, safety, and community impact Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities to grow and develop📩 Apply now and help us improve homes and lives — one repair at a time.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: Croydon
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 26-01-2026
Painter & Decorator – WPS (Croydon)WPS is looking for an experienced Painter & Decorator to join our team, working across social housing properties in the Croydon 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 Croydon.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
Resident Liaison Officer
Location: Enfield
Job Type: Customer Service
Application Deadline: 12-02-2026
Resident Liaison Officer / Administrator – Enfield (Responsive Repairs)Company: WPSSalary: Competitive, based on experienceOffice Location: EnfieldProjects: Across the M25 & Hemel HempsteadWPS is seeking a proactive and organised Resident Liaison Officer (RLO) / Administrator to join our team. Based in our Enfield office, you will act as the primary point of contact for residents, ensuring smooth communication, managing appointments, and handling concerns with empathy throughout responsive repairs. Your role is central to maintaining trust, minimising disruption, and supporting residents during ongoing works.🔑 Key Responsibilities Serve as the main resident contact for updates, concerns, complaints, and general enquiries Manage repair appointments, scheduling, access requirements, and real‑time updates Communicate professionally with residents, operatives, supervisors, and managers Handle issues and complaints with empathy, clarity, and solutions‑focused thinking Maintain accurate records, update internal systems, and support compliance and admin processes Assist vulnerable residents, ensuring they understand the works and feel supported Provide general administrative support to the team Support projects across the M25 region and Hemel Hempstead🎯 Ideal Candidate Experience as an RLO, administrator, or in a social housing customer‑facing role Strong communication and interpersonal skills Proficient in Microsoft Excel and confident using IT systems Highly organised, calm under pressure, and able to manage competing priorities Excellent problem‑solver with a customer‑centred approach Works well independently and within a team Full UK driving licence (essential for travel between sites) Understanding of social housing and resident needs✨ Why Join Us? Be part of a supportive, growing team delivering essential services Play a meaningful role in helping tenants feel safe, informed, and valued Competitive salary with opportunities for long‑term developmentGiven 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
Senior Planner
Location: Cambridge
Job Type: Planning
Application Deadline: 04-02-2026
Wates Construction are looking for a Senior Planner to join our Construction Team in the South where we are focussing on high profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors.If you are passionate about working within a team environment, have proven analytical and planning skills and are looking for an opportunity to challenge the norm, bring fresh new ideas and elevate yourself within the industry then join us and help to create tomorrow together.This is a great opportunity to progress your career as part of a talented, diverse, and supportive team.ABOUT THE ROLEOur Senior Planners are a valuable part of our business, the focus of this role is to provide an effective and professional planning and programming services for pre-contract and project teams.As our Senior Planner you will:· Instigate and monitor a balanced suite of performance measurement criteria throughout a project’s lifecycle· Ensure proper integration of design and procurement elements of programmes with construction· Produce integrated tender programme and method statement and present proposals to settlement meeting· Change management: review programme effect of changes and advise on EOT issues· Produce schedules as well as obtain and analyse quotes for all time-related preliminariesWHAT WE OFFER· Competitive salary & profit share scheme· Flexible working· Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade)· Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates)· Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 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, 12 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 of 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
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