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

Mobile Engineer

Location: Bexleyheath

Job Type: Engineering

Application Deadline: 15-08-2025

MOBILE M&E ENGINEERHere at Wates, we have a fantastic opportunity for a Mobile M&E Engineer to join our Facilities Management mobile team supporting our clients based in London and around the M25.The main objective is for you to carry out Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) to Mechanical plant, including Reactive Maintenance and extra works/emergencies in accordance with the contract requirements on Mechanical & Electrical Services.To be successful in this role, you will ideally have the following:• Knowledge of mechanical and building services maintenance• Previous FM experience managing multiple sites• Strong Electrical / Mechanical Experience• Electrical or Mechanical qualification such as NVQ or City & Guilds.• Good knowledge of a plant room and day to day building maintenanceKey Accountabilities will include:• Ensure all works are delivered in guidance of the legislation and contractual obligations• Utilise CAFM/PDA technology for real time job updates, and provide detailed/comprehensive reports on works delivered• To respond in a prompt and effective manner to all reactive maintenance issues and help desk requests associated with the mechanical systems• To respond to call outs and cover breakdowns and emergencies associated with the electrical / mechanical services aspects of the contract as required.WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary, plus performance related reviews, opportunities for growth and advancement within the team Van, Extensive corporate benefits including, Pension, Health and Wellness programme, 22 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/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

Account Manager

Location: Southampton

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 14-08-2025

ACCOUNT MANAGER Wates have excellent opportunity for a technically strong Account Manager to provide operational leadership, technical management, added value and development of our unique client based in Southampton. ABOUT THE ROLE We are looking for an Account Manager with experience of working in transferable environment, with strong demonstrable experience of in leading people with experience of managing a multi-diverse team. With a recognised technical qualification and membership to the Institute of Safety and Health (IOSH) or equivalent, coupled with solid financial / commercial acumen with experience of running a P&L and ensuring budget is achieved. To be successful in the role you will have strong interpersonal, problem solving and change management skills, and be someone who can demonstrate the ability to balance the integration of the requirements and terms of policies and procedures with those of the client and make effective and persuasive presentations on complex topics to employees, clients, Senior management. This is a terrific opportunity to progress your career as part of a talented, diverse, and supportive team. Some of the other Key Accountabilities as Account Manager include: Lead and motivate the WPS team by example and deliver excellence and first class sustainable hard M&E and Fabric service provisions. Provide visible leadership and liase effectively and nurture the relationships with the key client stakeholders. To ensure compliance with all statutory, safety, quality, environmental, security and relevant Wates Professional Standards, creating a Zero Harm culture. Ensuring targets are maintained by the timely upload of compliance certification onto ACT. (Assurance Compliance Tool) Responsible for implementing and safeguarding best practice for commercial activity relating to contract management and managing specialists and suppliers to ensure dynamic MI reporting and that KPI/SLA targets are delivered. WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates) Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 5% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 22 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, 8 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 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

Client Support Administrator

Location: Southampton

Job Type: Clerical & Administration

Application Deadline: 14-08-2025

CLIENT SUPPORT ADMINISTRATOR We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced, full time Client Support Administrator to join the team at our offices in Southampton, to support Wates FM in delivering a comprehensive, first-class, maintenance service. This role provides a positive, professional, and seamless link between all members of the management team and support all staff working on the account and ensures the effective provision of help desk and financial administration. ABOUT THE ROLE It is important to us that we get the right person for the role so, to be seriously considered, it would be great if you can bring us strong administration experience in a busy, client-driven environment, and experience of having worked in Facilities Management before and working knowledge of CAFM systems (elog systems). NVQ / SVQ in Customer Services Level 1-4 (Preferred but not essential) We do need you to have solid written and verbal communication skills, as well as highly PC literate with proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, Concept Evolution and other IT systems, and the ability to multitask and manage your time effectively, prioritising the right tasks. This is a terrific opportunity to progress your career as part of a talented, diverse, and supportive team. Some of the other Key Accountabilities as Client Support Administrator include: Workflow management of all jobs through CAFM system. Logging, updating, closure and reporting against all PPM and reactive tasks. Assignment and allocation of jobs to be tasked through the site Account Manager and Supervisor. Procurement through the systems for parts, materials or contracted services required by Wates and Client team. This may include obtaining pricing for quotes as requested by the site Account Manager or Supervisor. Administration of cash processes required by Wates and Client, including management of accounts payable workflows and financial housekeeping activities. Administration and management of compliance records and documentation through ACT, Client systems and logbooks held on site. You will face a wide variety of demands every day so it is vital you can prioritise and work through them whilst remaining cool, calm, and composed. WPS successfully provides Facilities Management services in technically demanding environments, and our portfolio includes some of the UK’s best-known companies, providing stand-alone hard services, planned and reactive maintenance and technically led FM solutions to single and multi-site operations. This is an office based position. WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 5% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 22 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, 8 weeks fully paid paternity. To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/    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

Electrician

Location: Redditch

Job Type: Trades and Labour

Application Deadline: 14-08-2025

WPS Responsive is looking for a qualified and reliable Electrician to join our team supporting social housing properties across Redditch. If you’re passionate about delivering safe, high-quality electrical work to tenants and communities, we’d love to hear from you.🔍 Key Responsibilities: Carry out electrical repairs, maintenance, and installations in occupied and void social housing properties. Respond to reactive call-outs and scheduled works, ensuring minimal disruption to residents. Diagnose faults and provide effective solutions in line with safety regulations. Maintain accurate records of work completed and materials used. Communicate professionally with tenants, housing officers, and team members.✅ Essential Qualifications: City & Guilds 2301 (or equivalent) Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrical Installations 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) Experience working in social housing or domestic environments. Full UK driving licence.💼 What We Offer: Competitive salary Company vehicle and fuel card Uniform and PPE provided Ongoing training and development Supportive team culture and career progressionJoin WPS Responsive and help us keep homes safe, warm, and well-maintained for our communities.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

Get in touch

To get in touch with us, simply fill in the form below and we’ll get right back to you.