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

Assistant Design Manager

Location: London, North West

Job Type: Design

Application Deadline: 05-03-2026

Wates Smartspace are looking for an Assistant Design Manager to join our team focussing on high profile, technically complex fit out projects. This role is to be based out of Warrington and London offices, with site travel to be an expected part of this role.If you are passionate about design, working within a team environment and with proven technical skills looking for an opportunity to challenge the norm, bring fresh new ideas and elevate yourself within the industry then we want to hear from you! This is a great opportunity to progress your career as part of a talented, diverse, and supportive team.ABOUT THE ROLEOur Assistant Design Managers are a valuable part of our business, supporting the team to drive quality outcomes, enhance buildability and foster innovation. Assistant Design Managers work collaboratively with our Design Managers/Senior Design Managers and in-house technical experts to ensure that the design develops in accordance with the brief with a firm focus on compliance, programme certainty, and best practice.As our Assistant Design Manager, you will: Work with the Design Manager to produce and manage the design programme and Information Required Schedule Provide guidance to the Project team on design related issues Assist in reviewing drawings, specifications, and specialist trade designs for constructability and compliance with regulations. Attend and follow up on design meetings to provide technical advice and guidance to stakeholders. Coordinate project team comments, and resolve any design related construction queries with the design team Act as a liaison between internal teams, consultants, and contractors to ensure smooth workflow. Assist in the procurement of materials and reviewing supplier proposals

Marketing & Communications Business Partner

Location: London

Job Type: Marketing & Communications

Application Deadline: 19-02-2026

We’re looking for an experienced and collaborative Marketing & Communications Business Partner to join our Wates Construction Team in London.This is a newly created opportunity following the division of a wider regional role, offering the chance to shape communications for some of the most high-profile and meaningful projects in the Capital.If you’re energised by external communications, confident in managing multiple stakeholders, and keen to bring clarity and creativity to complex work, this could be the role for you.About the RoleYou’ll lead both external and internal communication activity for the London region. Working closely with Pre Construction, project teams, senior leaders and client partners, ensuring that messaging is consistent, purposeful and aligned to strategic priorities.A key part of your work will involve strengthening our presence across London through targeted PR, media activity, content creation, and marketing campaigns.You’ll help shape how we communicate landmark projects and will regularly spend time on site to understand the work and build strong relationships.You’d be supported by a wider group communications team, but this role gives you autonomy to plan, influence and deliver.As our Marketing & Comms BP you willLead external communications Develop and deliver regional communications plans that enhance brand reputation. Manage local media relations, press activity and issues handling. Produce external content including press releases, case studies and social posts. Promote project milestones through PR, events and awards submissions.Drive marketing activity that supports work winning Work with pre-construction and business development teams on targeted campaigns. Create marketing materials and content to support bids and proposals. Manage agencies and suppliers for strong ROI and quality outputs. Track and analyse marketing performance to refine activity.Deliver employee communications Develop internal communication plans aligned to regional priorities. Produce content for briefings, newsletters and internal events. Support leadership teams with clear, engaging messaging.What 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 click on this 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

Section Manager

Location: Nationwide

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 26-02-2026

Section Manager – SmartspaceWates Smartspace are looking for a Section Manager to join our growing team, supporting a range of interesting commercial fit out projects. If you are passionate about the operational aspects of fit-out construction, and you are looking for career growth and development opportunities as part of a top-class team, we would like to hear from you – This could be the perfect opportunity!ABOUT THE ROLEOur Section Managers are a valuable part of our business, playing a key role ensuring the delivery of the project is achieved within time, budget and to the highest quality. You will be directing the on-site execution of interior finishes within the scope of the projects you are working on.As our Section Manager you will: Keep and maintain records, for area of responsibility i.e. Labour Returns, Daily Diaries, Quality Inspections, As Built Programmes, and Weekly Project Report. Be accountable for the planning, managing and safe delivery of works. Be familiar with the Construction Phase Plan and ensure that the works in the section/subcontract package comply with the plan, with approved Risk Assessments and Method statements suitable for the task. Coordinating multiple trades packages, reviewing design outputs and maintaining progress reports and look-ahead schedules. Ensure work meets high-end finishing standards and overseeing snagging/defects. Be familiar with technology used to track and maintain records on construction sites.

Shift Maintenance Engineer

Location: Leeds

Job Type: Engineering

Application Deadline: 27-03-2026

Shift Maintenance Engineer Location: Leeds WPS is looking for a skilled Shift Maintenance Engineer with a plumbing bias to join our team in Leeds. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced maintenance professional to play a key role in delivering high‑quality repairs, maintenance, and compliance services across our property portfolio.About the RoleAs a Shift Maintenance Engineer, you will be responsible for carrying out a range of planned and reactive maintenance tasks, with a focus on plumbing and associated building services. Working as part of a dedicated engineering team, you’ll ensure that our properties remain safe, compliant, and fit for purpose around the clock.Key Responsibilities Undertake PPM and reactive plumbing maintenance, including pipework repairs, drainage, leak investigation, replacement of components, and general plumbing systems upkeep. Support wider engineering tasks across electrical, mechanical, and fabric maintenance where competent. Diagnose faults efficiently and implement effective solutions to maintain service continuity. Respond to emergency call-outs as part of the shift rota. Ensure works are completed to industry standards and comply with all relevant legislation. Maintain accurate records of work completed via handheld devices or job management systems. Provide excellent customer service and communicate clearly with colleagues, clients, and residents.About YouWe’re looking for someone who is proactive, reliable, and confident in their trade. You should be able to work independently as well as part of a team in a busy, shift-based environment.Essential skills & qualifications: NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Plumbing (or equivalent qualification). Proven experience in plumbing maintenance, ideally within housing, facilities, or building services. Strong fault‑finding and problem‑solving skills. A positive, customer‑focused approach. Full UK driving licence (if applicable to contract).Desirable: Experience working in a shift environment Additional multi‑skilled capabilities (basic electrical, mechanical, or fabric skills) Knowledge of compliance and safety regulations within maintenance environmentsWhat We Offer Competitive salary + benefits Opportunities for progression and professional development Supportive team environment within a reputable, national organisation Training and upskilling opportunities through Wates GroupGiven 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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