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: Crawley

Job Type: Trades and Labour

Application Deadline: 24-12-2025

🛠️ Carpenter Multi Trader – Crawley (Responsive Maintenance) Join the WPS Team – Make a Difference in Social Housing WPS has an exciting opportunity for a Carpenter Multi Trader to join our Responsive Maintenance division, working from our Crawley office. You’ll be delivering reactive maintenance services to our valued residents as part of a social housing contract. 🔧 What You’ll Be Doing Carrying out repair and renewal works across various properties. Advising your Supervisor when additional trades are needed. Working independently or collaboratively with other operatives. Completing daily work sheets detailing tasks and materials used. Ensuring timely and productive completion of assigned tasks. 🚗 Requirements Full UK driving licence is essential. L2 NVQ in Carpentry or similar trade Proven experience in carpentry and multi-trade work. Ability to work to high standards of workmanship and productivity. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Strong customer service mindset and ability to meet tight deadlines. 💬 Why Join WPS?At WPS, we’re committed to building communities and improving lives. You’ll be part of a supportive team that values your skills and helps you grow. Ready to make an impact? Apply now and help us deliver quality maintenance services that truly matter.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

Electrician

Location: Brixton

Job Type: Trades and Labour

Application Deadline: 05-12-2025

🔧 Electrician Opportunity – Join the WPS Team! ⚡Location: Lambeth & Surrounding AreasDivision: Reactive Maintenance – Social Housing ContractWe’re looking for a skilled and qualified Electrician to join our dedicated team at Wates. Based out of our Lambeth office, you’ll be working across the surrounding areas, delivering high-quality maintenance and repair services in social housing properties.🔍 What You’ll Be Doing: Full electrical testing and production of EICRs Fault finding and rectification Installation of fans, including core drilling where required Replacing and cleaning accessories as needed PAT testing of appliances and tools Delivering a first-time fix approach with excellent customer service Working safely and in line with Health & Safety and safeguarding standards Collaborating with other trades to complete repairs Completing job records and material usage via PDA✅ What You’ll Need: Full NVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installation Inspection & Testing qualifications (2391 or equivalent) 18th Edition Wiring Regulations A full UK driving licence💡 What We’re Looking For:A confident and experienced Electrician who can manage their own workload, deliver small projects and repairs, and ideally has experience in the housing maintenance sector. You’ll be proactive, reliable, and committed to delivering top-tier workmanship.If you're ready to make a difference in social housing and work with a supportive team, apply today and power up your career with Wates! ⚡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

Electrician

Location: Brixton

Job Type: Trades and Labour

Application Deadline: 24-12-2025

🔧 Electrician Opportunity – Join the WPS Team! ⚡This role is a Fixed Term ContractLocation: Lambeth & Surrounding AreasDivision: Reactive Maintenance – Social Housing ContractWe’re looking for a skilled and qualified Electrician to join our dedicated team at Wates. Based out of our Lambeth office, you’ll be working across the surrounding areas, delivering high-quality maintenance and repair services in social housing properties.🔍 What You’ll Be Doing: Full electrical testing and production of EICRs Fault finding and rectification Installation of fans, including core drilling where required Replacing and cleaning accessories as needed PAT testing of appliances and tools Delivering a first-time fix approach with excellent customer service Working safely and in line with Health & Safety and safeguarding standards Collaborating with other trades to complete repairs Completing job records and material usage via PDA✅ What You’ll Need: Full NVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installation Inspection & Testing qualifications (2391 or equivalent) 18th Edition Wiring Regulations A full UK driving licence💡 What We’re Looking For:A confident and experienced Electrician who can manage their own workload, deliver small projects and repairs, and ideally has experience in the housing maintenance sector. You’ll be proactive, reliable, and committed to delivering top-tier workmanship.If you're ready to make a difference in social housing and work with a supportive team, apply today and power up your career with Wates! ⚡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

Framework Coordinator

Location: London NW1

Job Type: Bid

Application Deadline: 12-12-2025

We are looking for a proactive and highly organised Framework Coordinator to join our Smartspace Team. This role will play a key part in supporting the successful management and delivery of national frameworks and associated bid activities.The Framework Coordinator will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of frameworks, monitoring client communications, cascading relevant information across teams, maintaining database records, and producing reports and statistical insights.Key Responsibilities: Support the Bid Lead in the coordination and project management of Selection Questionnaires (SQs), as well as first- and second-stage bid submissions. Schedule and organise internal governance meetings in line with company protocols and the Wates Operating Framework. Maintain accurate and up-to-date bid pipeline data within Salesforce to support reporting and business insights. Conduct thorough research on potential clients, projects, and consultant teams to inform bid strategies and project assessments. Manage the download and upload of tender-related documentation using client-specific portals. Set up and manage project-specific SharePoint sites, including applying the agreed folder structure and managing access permissions. Ensure timely distribution of all tender documentation to the relevant teams via SharePoint. Prepare and deliver Bid Launch presentations that clearly communicate project details, deliverables, timelines, and strategy.WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car * Travel covered to any of our sites* Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more… One of the best learning and development programmes which is customizable to support your career progression goals. (c.7000 training sessions delivered year to date across the WATES Group) Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity.(*Subject to role…….)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 or to discuss career opportunities in strict confidence, please contact our In-House Recruitment Team directly 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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