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 Surveyor

Location: Birmingham

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 28-02-2026

WPS are looking for an Assistant Quantity Surveyor to join our team, supporting the delivery of planned maintenance and refurbishment works within the social housing sector across the West Midlands.This is a great opportunity for someone looking to build their commercial career within a supportive and experienced team, working on meaningful projects that make a real difference to communities.The RoleWorking closely with the Project and Senior Quantity Surveyors, you will support the commercial management of planned social housing projects, ensuring costs are controlled and projects are delivered efficiently.Key responsibilities will include: Assisting with the commercial management of planned works projects Producing cost reports and supporting monthly valuations Assisting with subcontractor procurement and placing orders Carrying out site measurements and take-offs Supporting the management of variations and final accounts Building effective working relationships with site teams, clients and supply chain partnersAbout YouTo be successful in this role, you will: Have experience in a similar Assistant Quantity Surveyor or commercial role (ideally within social housing, maintenance or construction) Be keen to learn and develop within a commercial environment Have strong organisational and communication skills Be comfortable working across multiple sites and priorities Hold a full UK driving licence and be willing to travel to sites across the West Midlands as requiredWhat We Offer The opportunity to work on long-term planned social housing programmes Career development and support from experienced commercial professionals A stable pipeline of work within the public sector Competitive salary and benefits package (dependent on experience)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

HR Advisor

Location: Birmingham

Job Type: HR

Application Deadline: 24-02-2026

✨ HR Advisor 📍 Based in Birmingham (site presence required across city locations)📌 WPS🗓 9 month Fixed Term ContractReady to make a real impact during a time of positive change? We’re looking for an engaging and knowledgeable HR Advisor to support the mobilisation of our Birmingham City Council contract – with a strong focus on delivering a smooth, people‑centred TUPE experience. 💬🤝🌟 Why this role mattersYou’ll be at the heart of our people transition activity—supporting colleagues, guiding managers, and ensuring we embed brilliant HR practice across our Birmingham operation.Reporting to our Head of ER, you’ll work closely with managers and teams to deliver consistent, confident and compassionate HR support.💼 What you’ll be doing✨ Lead on TUPE activity end‑to‑end—ELI, due diligence, consultations, measures, onboarding and transition support.✨ Coach and influence managers to apply HR policy and best practice confidently.✨ Provide expert advice on ER issues: disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence, redundancy and redeployment.✨ Keep HR systems and ER trackers up to date, producing clear monthly dashboards 📊.✨ Champion Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and our Opportunity 4 All values 🌈.🎯 What you’ll bring✔️ Strong TUPE experience—ideally from large operational or public‑sector environments.✔️ Solid ER case management experience with up‑to‑date employment law knowledge.✔️ Excellent written & verbal communication—confident with influencing and building trust.✔️ A calm, solutions‑focused approach and high levels of confidentiality 🤐.✔️ Comfortable working with data, insights and people metrics.✔️ CIPD qualified (or equivalent) and graduate calibre.✨ Click Apply today and take the next step in your HR journey! 💙⚡

Quantity Surveyor

Location: Birmingham

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 19-02-2026

Wates are looking for a Quantity Surveyor to join our Construction Team in the West focussing on high profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors.If you are passionate about the commercial aspects of Construction and are 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 Quantity Surveyors are a valuable part of our business, where they take ownership for the development and implementation of all pre and post contract strategies, commercial functions and contract reporting. Quantity Surveyors will have full accountability for their own work packages or projects and continue to work collaboratively with our customers and industry specialists with a firm focus on added value, compliance, commercial viability, and best practice.As our Quantity Surveyor you will:· Contribute to the project commercial strategies and take ownership for your own subcontract packages, whilst demonstrating an understanding of the implementation of internal and external tender strategies· Maximise project cashflow by effective management of subcontract packages· Contribute to relevant project procurement strategies with particular focus on the issuing of tender enquiries, package reconciliations and production of subcontract orders, whilst working with the Commercial Lead to agree main and subcontract final accounts.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

Regional Commercial Director

Location: London NW1

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 04-04-2026

SES Engineering Services are currently seeking a highly experienced and commercially astute Regional Commercial Director to join our team in the Southern Region. This is a key strategic role, reporting directly to the SES Commercial Director, where you will play a central part in shaping regional performance and driving commercial excellence across our projects.. ABOUT THE ROLE Reporting to the SES Business Unit Commercial Director, you will provide strategic support to the Regional Business Managing Director/Operations Directors on all matters. Lead the commercial teams on all matters relating to subcontract tender procurement, strategy, risk management, pre and post contract, margin improvement and people development. As our M&E Regional Commercial Director, some of your key responsibilities will include: Undertake a detailed inspection of all pre-contract documentation and contract/sub-contract documents as well as to negotiate with customers/contractors to ensure equitable and acceptable contract agreements. Responsible for surveying training in the Region, including taking overall responsibility for the Student Surveyors; ensuring they receive comprehensive training and support. Provide a detailed overview on all in-progress contracts and final accounts and report any anticipated difficulties to the Commercial Director. Responsible for compliance with the Risk Management procedures within the Region. Check on work-in-progress on all divisional contracts and assist cash collection, and maintenance of a positive cash position on all projects. To visit sites on a regular basis and liaise with opposite numbers in the industry. We are looking for someone who can lead a commercial function within the region, maintaining strong relationships with the Construction Commercial function and being recognised as a respected Commercial expert. The ideal candidate will possess excellent commercial acumen, strong financial skills, and a logical approach to decision-making and problem-solving. They will be committed to accurate and timely financial reporting, developing, and nurturing the commercial team, and treating colleagues with respect. Additionally, they should be adept at managing subcontractor expectations fairly and effectively, promoting the SES H&S ethos, and utilising good negotiation skills to influence both the supply chain and colleagues for the most beneficial outcomes. WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & Profit Share Car Allowance / Car Scheme Flexible working Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates) Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 6% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + your Birthday off + 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.

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