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.
Employees (2024)
Turnover (2024)
Social value generated (2024)
Reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions against a 2019 baseline (2024)

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’.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
Multi Skilled Engineer
Location: Saffron Walden
Job Type: Engineering
Application Deadline: 13-04-2026
Multi Skilled Engineer Location: Wellcome Genome Campus, Saffron WaldenContract: Permanent, Full-TimeAbout the RoleWPS is seeking a proactive and skilled Multi Skilled Engineer to join our team supporting our prestigious client, the Wellcome Genome Campus in Saffron Walden. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineer with either an electrical or mechanical bias to play a key role in maintaining a world‑class research environment.You will be responsible for delivering planned and reactive maintenance, ensuring high levels of service, safety, and compliance across a diverse and technically unique estate.Key Responsibilities Carry out planned preventative maintenance and reactive repairs across electrical and/or mechanical systems. Diagnose faults, identify remedial actions, and complete works to a high standard. Support the upkeep of specialist building systems within a laboratory and research-focused environment. Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, health & safety standards, and client-specific protocols. Collaborate with colleagues and the client team to resolve issues efficiently and maintain strong service relationships. Update job records, documentation, and reports in line with WPS processes.About YouWe’re looking for an engineer with strong technical ability, excellent problem‑solving skills, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service.Essential Qualifications (one of the following): 18th Edition (BS7671) – for electrical bias NVQ Level 2 or 3 in a mechanical or electrical discipline (or equivalent)Experience: Proven background in FM within commercial, industrial, or public sector environments. Confident working independently and as part of a team. Ability to work in a fast-paced, technically varied setting.What We Offer Competitive salary and benefits package. Opportunities for training, development, and career progression within Wates. A supportive team environment within an innovative and highly respected client site.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
Operations Manager
Location: Oldham
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 13-04-2026
We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Operations Manager to join our WPS Planned Works division in the North West, overseeing multiple planned works contracts with a particular focus on Higher Risk Buildings (HRB), cladding, and fire safety remediation. You will also support wider planned works and energy efficiency contracts within occupied residential homes.This role is ideal for someone with strong operational leadership experience in planned social housing works, including high‑rise and building safety programmes.📌 Project Scope Delivery of high‑rise residential schemes, ensuring full compliance with the Building Safety Act and Fire Safety Regulations. Mobilisation of planned works and retrofit programmes under frameworks such as PAS 2035. Coordination with design teams, consultants, and supply chain partners to ensure works align with client expectations, safety requirements, and regulatory standards. Oversee medium‑scale refurbishment projects including kitchens, bathrooms, heating and roofing works, ensuring quality, safety and programme adherence. Lead operational governance, quality assurance, and client engagement throughout the lifecycle of Higher Risk Buildings and non‑HRB planned works.🔧 Key Responsibilities Manage the delivery of multiple planned works contracts, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to high standards. Act as the operational lead for Higher Risk Buildings, cladding and façade remediation programmes, ensuring robust compliance and governance. Support a small team of Project/Site Managers and Supervisors, driving performance and continuous improvement. Develop strong relationships with clients, residents and internal stakeholders, representing Wates at progress, review, and technical meetings. Monitor KPIs, H&S performance and commercial delivery, ensuring projects meet contractual and regulatory obligations. Champion a positive customer and safety culture across all workstreams.🎓 Qualifications Degree or HNC/HND in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related built‑environment discipline. Strong knowledge of the Building Safety Act, Fire Safety Regulations, and PAS 2035 retrofit standards. Professional membership (e.g., CIOB, RICS) desirable. Full UK driving licence and ability to travel across contract locations.🌍 What We’re Looking For Proven experience delivering planned social housing works, particularly Higher Risk Buildings, cladding and fire‑related remediation. Confident leadership skills with experience managing small operational teams. Strong communication, stakeholder management and commercial awareness. Ability to work autonomously across multiple sites with a focus on safety, quality and programme performance.✨ What We Offer A chance to play a leading role in high‑priority building safety programmes. Long‑term planned works pipeline across multiple contracts. Competitive salary, benefits, and excellent career development opportunities. A supportive, collaborative environment within a values‑driven, Tier 1 family‑owned business.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
Administrator
Location: Birmingham
Job Type: Clerical & Administration
Application Deadline: 10-04-2026
🌟 Join Liberty as an Administrator! 🌟📍 West Midlands🏢 Administrator – Social Housing / Service & RepairsFull-time, office-basedWe’re excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for an organised and proactive Administrator to join Liberty’s Service & Repairs team. You’ll play a vital role in keeping our responsive maintenance service running smoothly — supporting operatives, planners, residents, and internal colleagues to deliver a high‑quality experience throughout the repairs journey.Experience within service and repairs, maintenance, or responsive works would be highly advantageous and will help you hit the ground running.🔑 What You’ll Be DoingIn this busy and varied role, you’ll be central to the smooth delivery of our repairs and maintenance service. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include: 📅 Planning and managing diaries to ensure repairs are scheduled efficiently 📦 Ordering parts and materials, tracking deliveries and ensuring everything is ready for upcoming jobs 💷 Updating job costs and maintaining accurate records within internal systems 📞 Handling calls and queries from residents, operatives, and internal teams 🛠️ Supporting the smooth running of repair jobs by ensuring all details are logged clearly and accurately 🤝 Building strong working relationships with residents, suppliers, planners, and field teams 📊 Spotting recurring issues to support continuous service improvements 📝 Assisting with complaint handling and providing timely updates when needed 🔗 Working closely with planners, supervisors, and administrators to keep operations aligned👤 Who We're Looking ForThis is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and loves keeping processes organised.Essential: Experience working in social housing Strong background in planning, scheduling, or administration Excellent communication and telephone skills Confident IT skills and ability to learn internal systems Strong organisational skills, with the ability to multitaskHighly Advantageous: Experience in Service & Repairs, Maintenance, or Responsive Works Knowledge of diary management or workforce planning systems Familiarity with ordering parts/materials within an operational service🎯 Ideal BackgroundWe’d love to hear from you if you’ve previously worked in: Social housing Service & Repairs / Maintenance A busy helpdesk or customer service environment Roles involving scheduling, coordination, or operational support💼 Ready to Make an Impact?Join Liberty and help deliver a seamless, high-quality repairs service to residents across the West Midlands. If you’re organised, proactive, and passionate about keeping operations running smoothly, we’d love to hear from you.Apply now and become part of a team that puts people first!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
Administrator
Location: Brixton
Job Type: Clerical & Administration
Application Deadline: 10-04-2026
✨ Administrator – Brixton ✨Wates have an exciting opportunity for an Administrator to join our team in Brixton. In this role, you will provide vital administrative support across several key contract areas, ensuring our operations run smoothly and efficiently. If you’re organised, proactive, and enjoy working in a fast‑paced environment, we’d love to hear from you! 🚀🔑 Key ResponsibilitiesAs an Administrator, you will play a central role in supporting the team through a wide range of administrative duties, including: 📊 Maintaining and improving Excel trackers to ensure data is accurate, accessible, and ready for reporting. 🗂️ Creating and updating information across systems and databases, while managing efficient filing systems. ✔️ Closing down jobs on internal systems to ensure reports reflect current workloads and project status. 🤝 Coordinating meetings, preparing any required documentation, and welcoming visitors and guests. 🧤 Assisting with ordering Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when needed. 📞 Handling incoming administrative queries and providing timely, helpful support to colleagues and stakeholders. 📝 General admin tasks, including photocopying, scanning, filing, and managing correspondence.👤 What We’re Looking ForWe are seeking an experienced Administrator who brings: 💬 Strong communication skills and confidence in speaking with colleagues, clients, and partners. 💻 High computer literacy, particularly in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.). 🗃️ Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and multitask effectively. 🏗️ Experience in the construction or maintenance industry is desirable, but not essential—enthusiasm and willingness to learn are just as valuable!If you’re detail‑driven, proactive, and looking to develop your career within a supportive and dynamic team, this could be the perfect role for 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
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