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

HR Advisor

Location: Finsbury Park

Job Type: HR

Application Deadline: 15-12-2025

✨ HR Advisor ✨📍 Location: Finsbury Park (Hybrid Working)🏢 Business Unit: WPS📅 Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract – 6 Months🌟 About the RoleWe’re looking for an experienced HR professional to join our WPS business as a HR Advisor on a 6-month fixed-term contract. This is a key role supporting the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures, driving best practice across the business, and providing expert guidance on employee relations matters.🔑 Key Responsibilities ✅ Support the development and roll-out of new and updated HR policies, procedures, and guidance documents, including communication briefs and training. 🔄 Deliver HR project work such as TUPE transfers and change management initiatives. 🤝 Build strong relationships with managers to embed HR policies and practices within their business areas. 🎓 Coach and support managers, HR operations teams, and People Directors in applying HR policies and processes effectively. 🛡 Provide expert advice on employee relations issues including disciplinary, grievance, bullying & harassment, performance improvement, absence, redundancy, and redeployment. 👩‍⚖️ Attend and support managers during complex hearings (disciplinary, grievance, capability, and appeals). 📚 Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment law, WPS policies, and health & safety requirements. ⚖️ Manage relationships with external legal advisers and occupational health providers to ensure services are fully utilised. 📝 Manage senior hire offer contracts and ensure HR systems and databases remain accurate. 📊 Produce monthly HR reports and maintain ER case tracking systems. 🔒 Ensure confidentiality and compliance with data protection requirements. 🚀 Take responsibility for your own continuous professional development.💡 About YouWe’re looking for someone with: 📖 Up-to-date knowledge of employment law and HR best practice. 🔍 Strong understanding of HR processes and metrics. 🗣 Excellent communication skills – both written and verbal – with the ability to influence and build rapport at all levels. 🏆 Previous experience in an HR role, including supporting hearings and drafting outcome letters. 🔄 Proven ability to drive improvements and manage change. 🔐 High integrity and discretion in handling sensitive information.🎓 Qualifications 🎓 Graduate calibre. 📜 CIPD qualified (or equivalent).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 of the Recruitment Team will then be in contact and advise of next steps.

Project Manager

Location: Northampton

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 15-12-2025

WPS are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the delivery of planned works for one of our social housing partners, covering approximately 800–900 units. This includes: Circa 250 flat, pitched, and roofline properties Windows & Doors (W&D) – similar volumes Kitchens & Bathrooms (K&B) – similar volumesThe majority of projects will be in NN3 and NN5 postcodes.Key Responsibilities Oversee and manage the delivery of planned works across multiple property types. Directly manage a team of 3 Site Managers (SMs), 3 Resident Liaison Officers (RLOs), and an Administrator. Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. Identify and resolve blockages, driving progress and maintaining momentum. Produce accurate reports and statistics for stakeholders. Maintain excellent communication with internal teams and external partners.Skills & Experience Required Advanced Excel skills – essential for reporting and data analysis. Proficiency in Asta Powerproject – for project planning and scheduling. Strong organisational skills with a keen eye for detail. Excellent communication and leadership abilities. Ability to analyse data, identify trends, and present clear reports. Proven experience in managing teams and delivering large-scale projects.What We’re Looking ForA driven, proactive individual who thrives on problem-solving and can keep complex projects moving forward. You’ll be confident in managing people, processes, and data, ensuring smooth delivery across all planned works.Planned works from a social housing background would be highly advantageousGiven 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: 19-12-2025

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.

Carpenter/Multi-Trader

Location: Walton-On-Thames

Job Type: Trades and Labour

Application Deadline: 12-12-2025

🛠️ Carpenter Multi Trader – Walton-on-Thames (Responsive Maintenance) Join the WPS Team – Make a Difference in Social Housing WPS has an exciting opportunity for a Carpenter Multi Trader to join our Responsive Maintenance division, working from our Walton-on-Thames office. You’ll be delivering reactive maintenance services to our valued residents as part of a social housing contract. 🔧 What You’ll Be Doing Carrying out repair and renewal works across various properties. Advising your Supervisor when additional trades are needed. Working independently or collaboratively with other operatives. Completing daily work sheets detailing tasks and materials used. Ensuring timely and productive completion of assigned tasks. 🚗 Requirements Full UK driving licence is essential. NVQ L2 in Carpentry or similar trade Proven experience in carpentry and multi-trade work. Ability to work to high standards of workmanship and productivity. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Strong customer service mindset and ability to meet tight deadlines. 💬 Why Join WPS?At WPS, we’re committed to building communities and improving lives. You’ll be part of a supportive team that values your skills and helps you grow. Ready to make an impact? Apply now and help us deliver quality maintenance services that truly matter.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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