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

E-Billing & Payment Assistant

Location: Finsbury Park

Job Type: Payment

Application Deadline: 01-10-2025

📌 Job Title: E-Billing/Payment Assistant📍 Location: Finsbury Park🏢 Business Unit: WPS📝 About the RoleWe’re looking for a detail-focused and proactive E-Billing/Payment Assistant to support our Processing Department. You’ll help manage supplier payments and ensure smooth financial operations, working closely with internal teams and external partners.🔧 Key Responsibilities 💻 Process E-billing and resolve errors. 🧾 Manage invoice processing and queries via COINS. 💸 Ensure timely payments and direct debit allocations. 📊 Reconcile supplier statements and systems monthly. ✅ Check invoices for VAT/CIS compliance. 📅 Support scheduled payment runs and monitor exceptions.📌 Additional Tasks 📈 Assist with reports and urgent payments. 🧪 Participate in COINS testing and reviews. 🧹 Clear unallocated cash.🧠 Skills & ExperienceDesirable: 🧮 COINS and construction industry experience. 🔁 High-volume transaction background. 🗣️ Strong communication and customer service. 👀 Attention to detail and time management. 💻 Proficient in Microsoft Excel.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 Once you apply one of the Recruitment Team will be in contact to discuss the role in more detail and advise of the next step.

Multi Skilled Joiner

Location: Skelmersdale

Job Type: Trades and Labour

Application Deadline: 01-10-2025

We are currently seeking a skilled and reliable Multiskilled Joiner to join our responsive maintenance team working on a social housing contract in the Skelmersdale area.🔧 Key Responsibilities: Carry out responsive maintenance works including repairs, replacements, and installations across occupied and void properties. Deliver high-quality joinery work in line with health and safety standards and customer expectations. Work independently and as part of a team to complete tasks efficiently and professionally. Liaise with tenants and housing officers to ensure minimal disruption and excellent service delivery.✅ Requirements: NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in a relevant trade (Joinery/Carpentry). Full UK Driving Licence – essential for travel between properties. Proven experience in social housing or domestic maintenance environments. Strong communication skills and a customer-focused approach. Ability to work flexibly and respond to emergency call-outs when required.💼 What We Offer: Competitive salary and benefits package. Company vehicle and fuel card. Ongoing training and development opportunities. Supportive team environment and career progression.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

Assistant Design Manager

Location: Wigan

Job Type: Design

Application Deadline: 29-09-2025

Wates Construction are looking for an Assistant Design Manager to join our team focussing on high profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors. 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 ROLE Our Assistant Design Managers are a valuable part of our business, supporting the team to drive quality outcomes, enhance buildability and foster innovation. Assistant Design Managers work collaboratively with our Design Managers/Senior Design Managers and in-house technical experts to ensure that the design develops in accordance with the brief with a firm focus on compliance, programme certainty, and best practice. As our Assistant Design Manager, you will: Work with the Design Manager to produce and manage the design programme and Information Required Schedule Provide guidance to the Project team on design related issues Coordinate project team comments, and resolve any design related construction queries with the design team WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade) 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… 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/ 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, 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

Assistant Site Surveyor

Location: Nationwide

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 15-09-2025

Welcome to Wates Smartspace—a place where innovation meets impact. We’re the go-to experts in fit-out, refurbishment, and maintenance services across the UK. From modern office spaces to cutting-edge retail environments, we bring spaces to life with creativity, sustainability, and flair. Here, you’re not just part of a team; you’re part of a movement that’s reimagining places for people to thrive.Right now we are looking for talented individuals to join our team as an Assistant Surveyor, to support our projects nationwide.ABOUT THE ROLEAs our Assistant Quantity Surveyor, you’ll be diving into the heart of our projects, supporting our wider Commercial Team to keep everything on track— both in budget and quality. If you’re all about the details, love numbers, and are curious about how the built world works, this is the role for you.You will be responsible for Cost Estimation: Assist in preparing detailed cost estimates, budgets, and tender documents to ensure projects are financially viable. Subcontractor Management: Support the management of subcontractor accounts, including valuations, payments, and negotiations. Cost Monitoring: Track project costs, identifying any financial risks or opportunities to keep projects on budget. Reporting: Contribute to the preparation and analysis of cost reports and forecasts, ensuring accurate financial tracking. Site Visits: Participate in site visits to monitor progress and ensure compliance with contract requirements. Final Accounts: Assist in preparing final accounts, including cost reconciliation and settlement of any contractual claims. Collaboration: Work closely with project teams to ensure smooth project delivery, sharing insights and solutions as needed.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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