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

Painter / Multi trader

Location: Barnsley

Job Type: Trades and Labour

Application Deadline: 06-04-2026

Fixed‑Term, 12 MonthsHere at Wates, we are proud to support the communities we serve and we’re pleased to offer a fantastic opportunity for a skilled Multitrade Operative / Painter to join our Responsive Maintenance Team in the Barnsley area.This is an excellent chance to play a key role in delivering high‑quality repairs and painting works within social housing properties, ensuring residents receive a safe, efficient and customer‑focused service every time.About the RoleWorking as part of our busy Responsive Maintenance team, you will undertake a variety of painting, decorating, and minor multi‑trade repairs to achieve a first‑time fix wherever possible. You’ll take pride in producing quality workmanship and representing Wates in a professional and customer‑focused manner.Key Responsibilities Carry out high‑quality interior and exterior painting and decorating, ensuring excellent finish and preparation standards. Undertake minor multi‑trade repairs where required, such as patch plastering, basic joinery, sealing, or small remedial works, in line with responsive maintenance needs. Complete all allocated jobs using a PDA, including recording materials used and updates on progress. Work both independently and collaboratively with other operatives to complete works efficiently. Deliver a professional and respectful customer experience at every visit. Adhere to Wates Health & Safety Professional Standards and safeguarding commitments at all times. Maintain productivity and high‑quality workmanship across all tasks.What We’re Looking ForWe’d love to hear from you if you can demonstrate: NVQ Level 2 (essential) — preferably in Painting & Decorating or a related trade. Proven experience in a social housing responsive repairs environment. Strong painting and decorating skills with excellent attention to detail. Ability to undertake basic multi‑trade tasks confidently. A problem‑solving mindset and the ability to work to deadlines. A full UK driving licence (company van provided for business use).What We OfferYou’ll be joining a supportive, friendly team within one of the UK’s leading providers of social housing maintenance services. As part of Wates, you’ll benefit from: Competitive salary Corporate benefits including pension and health & wellbeing programmes Excellent learning and development opportunities A company vehicle for business use The chance to progress your career within a respected national organisationGiven 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

Plasterer

Location: Skelmersdale

Job Type: Trades and Labour

Application Deadline: 06-04-2026

Wates Property Services (WPS) are looking to appoint an experienced Plasterer to join our Responsive Maintenance team, working across occupied social housing properties in the Skelmersdale area.This is a hands‑on role delivering high‑quality repairs and maintenance works, ensuring properties are left safe, compliant, and to a high standard for residents.The Role Carrying out plastering works as part of responsive maintenance repairs Working within occupied social housing properties Delivering a high standard of workmanship with a strong focus on customer care Working independently and as part of a wider trade team Ensuring all work is completed safely and in line with company standardsWhat We’re Looking For NVQ Level 2 in Plastering (essential) Proven experience working as a plasterer, ideally within social housing or responsive maintenance Strong attention to detail and pride in your work Good communication skills and a professional approach when dealing with residents Ability to manage your own workload effectivelyWhat We Offer Stable, long‑term work with a Tier 1 contractor Supportive team environment Opportunities for development and progression within WPS Competitive pay and benefits packageGiven 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 Administrator

Location: Redditch

Job Type: Clerical & Administration

Application Deadline: 20-03-2026

📍 Project Administrator – Planned Maintenance (Redditch)🛠️ About the RoleWe’re seeking a Project Administrator to join our Planned Maintenance division in Redditch, supporting social housing improvement programmes for WPS. This office-based role is key to keeping our planned works running efficiently by providing organised, reliable administrative support to both project and operational teams.📌 Key Responsibilities 🗂️ Provide day‑to‑day admin support to project and site teams 📅 Assist with scheduling and coordination of planned maintenance works 📄 Maintain accurate project files, documentation and records 📊 Update trackers, spreadsheets and reports using Excel 🤝 Liaise with internal teams, subcontractors and clients 🧾 Support programme updates, data input and general office duties👤 About You 🏗️ Experience within construction, maintenance or a similar sector is an advantage 🎯 Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail 💻 Confident using Microsoft Office, especially Excel 🔄 Comfortable managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines 🗣️ A proactive communicator and supportive team player💼 What We Offer 🕘 Full-time, stable, office-based position 🏘️ Opportunity to support long-term social housing maintenance programmes 🤗 A friendly, supportive team with room to grow within the business📨 Interested?If you're organised, motivated, and enjoy supporting busy construction and maintenance teams, we’d love to hear from you!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

Supervisor

Location: Swadlincote

Job Type: Trades and Labour

Application Deadline: 20-03-2026

We have an opportunity for an experienced Site Supervisor to join our team on a 9-month fixed term contract, supporting our and Planned Works programmes across the Swadlincote area.This is a hands-on supervisory role, overseeing works delivered within occupied social housing properties, ensuring high standards of health & safety, quality, and customer satisfaction at all times.You will be responsible for supervising operatives and subcontractors on site, coordinating works, carrying out inspections, and acting as a key point of contact between residents, the client, and the wider delivery team.Key responsibilities Supervise day-to-day site activity across planned maintenance workstreams Ensure works are delivered safely, on programme, and to the required quality standards Carry out pre- and post-inspections of works and provide technical guidance to operatives Manage subcontractors and directly employed trades on site Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety requirements and company procedures Liaise with residents, client representatives, and internal teams to resolve issues effectively Monitor productivity, quality, and progress, escalating risks or delays where required Complete site documentation, reports, and inspections accurately and on timeWhat we’re looking forEssential: SSSTS qualification Full UK driving licence Proven experience supervising works on site Strong working knowledge of Health & Safety in a construction or maintenance environmentDesirable: Background in Social Housing having worked on Roofing, Kitchen and Bathroom projects would be highly favourable Trade or supervisory experience within planned works, or maintenance Experience working in occupied properties Ability to manage multiple workstreams and prioritiesGiven 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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