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

Divisional Commercial Manager

Location: Birmingham

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 17-04-2026

WPS is seeking an experienced Divisional Commercial Manager to lead the commercial function across a high-value Planned Works portfolio within the social housing sector.This is a senior, influential role with responsibility for a diverse mix of workstreams, including internal refurbishments, external planned works and Net Zero / decarbonisation programmes. You will provide strategic commercial leadership across multiple contracts, working closely with operational and client teams to ensure strong commercial control, risk management and profitable delivery.Key Responsibilities: Lead the commercial strategy and governance across multiple planned works contracts Full accountability for commercial performance on high-turnover, high-profile projects Manage, mentor and develop a commercial team across the region Provide commercial support to operational teams throughout the project lifecycle Oversee cost control, forecasting, valuations, variations and final accounts Ensure robust commercial risk management and compliance with company governance Build and maintain strong relationships with key, high-profile social housing clients Support margin improvement and continuous commercial best practice Contribute to business planning, work-winning support and long-term client relationshipsWorkstreams Covered: Internal Planned Works (kitchens, bathrooms, internal refurbishments) External Planned Works (windows, doors, roofing, envelope works) Net Zero / Decarbonisation programmesAbout You: Proven experience in a Divisional / Senior Commercial Manager role Strong background in social housing planned works Demonstrable experience managing large, complex and high-value contracts Confident leader with experience of managing and developing commercial teams High level of commercial acumen, with a strong understanding of cost, risk and value Comfortable working with senior internal stakeholders and client leadership teams Background in repairs and maintenance / planned maintenance is essentialWhat We Offer: Competitive senior-level salary and benefits package Opportunity to work on major, long-term social housing frameworks Exposure to Net Zero and future-focused investment programmes High-profile role with real influence across the business Long-term career development within a growing and stable organisationWhy Join WPS?WPS delivers essential planned investment programmes for social housing providers, with a strong reputation for quality, compliance and partnership working. This role offers the opportunity to play a pivotal part in shaping commercial performance across a key region and portfolioGiven 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

Multi/Floorlayer

Location: Croydon

Job Type: Trades and Labour

Application Deadline: 17-04-2026

🌟 Multi-Skilled Floorlayer – WPS Responsive Team (Croydon) We’re looking for a talented and versatile Multi-Skilled Floorlayer to join our WPS Responsive team in Croydon. This is a hands-on role suited to someone with strong experience in domestic flooring, particularly within social housing, responsive repairs, or maintenance environments.What You’ll Be Doing Installing a wide range of flooring types including vinyl, carpet tiles, and safety flooring Preparing subfloors using screed, plywood, and latex compounds Completing flooring repairs and replacements in occupied and void properties Ensuring all works meet high quality standards and comply with health & safety regulations Providing excellent customer service while liaising with tenants and clients to minimise disruptionWhat We’re Looking For Proven experience as a floorlayer—ideally within social housing or responsive repairs NVQ Level 2 in Floorcovering Occupations or equivalent (preferred) Ability to work both independently and as part of a team A full UK driving licence Willingness to undertake a Basic DBS check at offer stageGiven 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: Redditch

Job Type: Engineering

Application Deadline: 15-04-2026

WPS are looking to recruit a qualified Electrician to join our Responsive Maintenance team, working in partnership with a long‑standing social housing client. This is a permanent role offering stable work, excellent support, and the opportunity to work within a well-established, resident-focused environment.The RoleYou will be responsible for carrying out a range of responsive and planned electrical works within occupied social housing and domestic properties, ensuring all works are completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard of customer care.Typical duties include: Electrical repairs, maintenance, and fault finding Electrical testing, inspections, and remedial works Working in residents’ homes with professionalism and respect Completing job paperwork and using handheld devices where required Ensuring compliance with current regulations and Health & Safety standardsEssential Requirements Full UK Driving Licence NVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installation (or equivalent) 18th Edition Wiring Regulations 2391 Inspection & Testing (or equivalent) Ability to work independently as well as part of a team Strong customer service and communication skillsDesirable Experience Previous experience working within social housing or domestic properties Experience in a responsive maintenance environment Familiarity with working in occupied homesGiven 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

Project Administrator

Location: Barnsley

Job Type: Clerical & Administration

Application Deadline: 04-04-2026

We’re looking for a highly organised, proactive Project Administrator to support our Aids & Adaptations Planned Works team in Sheffield. This is a brand‑new scheme with a strong administrative and document‑control focus ideal for someone who thrives in a structured, fast‑paced environment and enjoys being the central point of coordination for project information.Based within the offices in Sheffield you will be part of a highly collaborative and supportive team What you’ll be doingIn this admin‑heavy role, you will play a key part in keeping our projects moving smoothly by ensuring information is accurate, accessible and up to date. Typical responsibilities include: Managing project documentation, digital filing systems and controlled documents in line with WPS processes Updating and maintaining project trackers, logs and work‑in‑progress records Gathering information from internal teams, suppliers, operatives and managers Carrying out certification and compliance checks Supporting the Project Manager and wider team with day‑to‑day administrative needs (emails, calls, scheduling, diary support) Ensuring smooth information flow across multiple workstreams, including Aids & Adaptations Liaising with commercial, operational and site teams Maintaining efficient systems to keep the programme on track What we’re looking forA highly organised administrator with excellent attention to detail and confidence working across multiple platforms and workstreams.You’ll need: Strong skills in Outlook, Excel and SharePoint Experience handling high volumes of documents and maintaining control of information Ability to gather, check and validate data and certifications Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise effectively Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach A methodical, process‑driven mindsetExperience in property services, construction or planned works is beneficial but not essential.Why join WPS?You’ll be joining a supportive, people‑centred business where you’ll make a direct impact on improving homes and lives. This is a great opportunity to be part of a growing programme and help shape how we deliver high‑quality Aids & Adaptations works across the region.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