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 Facilities Manager

Location: Glasgow

Job Type: Engineering

Application Deadline: 18-03-2026

Assistant Facilities ManagerLocation: GlasgowContract Type: PermanentHours: Full-timeAbout the RoleWPS is looking for a proactive and organised Assistant Facilities Manager to join our team in Glasgow. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual looking to develop their career in facilities management while supporting the delivery of high‑quality FM services across a diverse and busy estate.Working closely with the Facilities Manager, you will help oversee day‑to‑day operations, support compliance activities, coordinate contractors, and ensure service standards are consistently met. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, enjoys problem‑solving, and is committed to excellent customer service.Key Responsibilities Support the Facilities Manager with the daily running of FM operations across the site. Assist in the management of planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and reactive works. Coordinate contractors and ensure all work meets agreed standards, safety requirements, and compliance obligations. Carry out regular site inspections, ensuring issues are identified, reported, and resolved promptly. Support health & safety activities, including permit management, documentation, toolbox talks, and incident reporting. Maintain accurate records, logs, and FM documentation using CAFM or job management systems. Help monitor performance of suppliers and contractors, ensuring KPIs and SLAs are met. Build strong working relationships with clients, internal teams, contractors, and stakeholders. Assist in preparing reports, updates, and performance summaries for internal and client review. Support small works, minor projects, and improvement initiatives on site.Essential Skills & Experience Experience in a facilities, building management, or maintenance support role. Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities. Good understanding of health & safety requirements within FM environments. Confident communicator with excellent customer service skills. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Competent using IT systems, including CAFM platforms, Microsoft Office, and digital reporting tools.Desirable Qualifications IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent. Facilities management qualification (e.g., IWFM Level 3 or similar). Experience supporting technical teams, contractors, or maintenance projects. Knowledge of compliance standards such as fire safety, legionella, or building fabric management.Personal Attributes Professional, reliable, and proactive. Problem‑solver with strong attention to detail. Able to remain calm and organised under pressure. Strong relationship builder with a customer-first approach. Keen to learn, develop and progress within facilities management.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

Design Manager

Location: Surrey

Job Type: Design

Application Deadline: 18-03-2026

Wates are looking for a Design Manager to join our Residential team in our Southern region and to support the design function for our Development site in Guildford, Surrey.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 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 Design Managers are a valuable part of our business, driving quality outcomes, enhancing buildability and fostering innovation. Design Managers work collaboratively with our customers and industry specialists to ensure that the design develops in accordance with the brief with a firm focus on added value, compliance, commercial viability, and best practice.As our Design Manager, you will be responsible for: Work with all relevant parties, to produce and manage a realistic design programme and information required schedule to facilitate design, procurement and construction activities. Collaborating with a Senior Design Manager and wider technical team to ensure smooth coordination across all disciplines. Support the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives and innovation. Ensure the design has been reviewed and verified and that it is coordinated, compliant and complete, whilst mitigating Health and Safety risks, design and buildability issues prior to construction. Working with internal and external stakeholders, consultants, and subcontractors to drive quality outcomes and innovative solutions at each stage of the design and delivery process.WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car 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… 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.To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/

Head of Data

Location: Finsbury Park

Job Type: IT Infrastructure

Application Deadline: 18-03-2026

Head of Data📍 Finsbury Park (Hybrid) ¦ 🏢 WPS BusinessWe’re looking for a dynamic Head of Data to lead the data vision for WPS turning data into a strategic asset that drives smarter decisions, better performance and real business impact.This senior role will define our data strategy, lead governance, shape platforms, and drive analytics and AI innovation across the business.✨ What You’ll Do 🚀 Lead and deliver the WPS data strategy 🛡️ Own data governance, quality and standards 🧱 Build secure, scalable data platforms 📊 Drive BI, analytics and AI/ML capability 🔄 Standardise data processes across WPS 👥 Lead and grow the Data & Analytics team 🔐 Ensure GDPR compliance and ethical data use 📣 Champion data adoption across the organisation🎓 What You’ll Bring Strong experience in data leadership; property services/construction desirable Expertise in data architecture, governance, analytics and transformation Skilled communicator able to simplify complex concepts Hands‑on understanding of Power BI, SQL, DAX and analysis Strategic thinker with strong people and stakeholder leadership💡 Why Join Us?You’ll shape how WPS uses data to operate, innovate and transform — influencing strategy, empowering teams and delivering real business value. 🚀📮 How to ApplyIf this sounds like the perfect next step, please submit your application via our careers site.

Partnership Director

Location: Finsbury Park

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 03-03-2026

✨ Strategic Partnership Director📍 National Role ¦ £100m+ Maintenance Portfolio ¦ Senior LeadershipReady to shape the future of our multi‑contract Maintenance division? We’re looking for a visionary Strategic Partnership Director to lead a £100m+ operation, drive sustainable growth, and deliver outstanding customer outcomes. 🚀What you’ll do:🔹 Lead long‑term growth strategy & expand into new markets🔹 Oversee operational delivery across R&M, Planned, NZC, Heating & Compliance🔹 Sponsor major mobilisations, transitions & transformation programmes🔹 Inspire a high‑performing team of c.300 people 💼🔹 Strengthen customer partnerships & exceed KPIs/NPS🔹 Champion innovation, digital transformation & continuous improvement 💡🔹 Own divisional P&L, financial performance & risk management🔹 Embed strong governance, compliance & SHE leadership 🌱What you’ll bring:✔ Senior leadership experience in Maintenance/Property Services/Social Housing✔ Proven P&L ownership & growth track record✔ Strategic, commercially sharp & digitally forward-thinking✔ Inspirational people leadership & excellent stakeholder engagement✔ IOSH/NEBOSH and ideally degree‑qualified✔ Passion for innovation, inclusion, wellbeing & delivering great outcomes ❤️If you’re a strategic thinker, a relationship builder, and a leader who looks for a better way… we’d love to hear from you! 🌟Click Apply Now to submit your application and join our WPS team 🙌

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