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

Commercial Administrator

Location: Newmarket

Job Type: Clerical & Administration

Application Deadline: 29-01-2026

We’re looking for a proactive, organised, and curious Commercial Administrator to join our team. This role puts you right where it counts: on-site with our project and commercial teams, supporting the smooth running of construction projects from the ground up.This is a Fixed Term Role (12 months) based at our site in Newmarket, Suffolk where you’ll gain hands-on experience, real-time insight, and a close connection to the people and processes that make our projects happen.ABOUT THE ROLEOur Administrators are a valuable part of our team playing a pivotal role in supporting our day-to-day operations. Ensuring seamless communication between various departments and providing exceptional support to our team members and clients. This role offers an exciting opportunity to be at the heart of our operations, contributing to the smooth running of our projects.As our Commercial Administrator you will: Supporting site teams with records, documentation, drawings and H&S files Preparing valuations, pricing documents and subcontractor communications Attending site meetings, taking minutes, and capturing progress Learning directly from experienced professionals across disciplinesWHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working 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

Proposals Manager

Location: Manchester

Job Type: Bid

Application Deadline: 29-01-2026

Wates are seeking a Proposals Manager with the vision, precision, and creativity to craft submissions that don’t just meet expectations—they set new standards. In this pivotal role, you’ll shape compelling narratives that resonate with clients, influence decisions, and drive business growth.If you’re passionate about challenging convention, bringing fresh ideas to the table, and elevating the quality of every bid, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact. Join us and help create tomorrow together.ABOUT THE ROLEAs a Proposals Manager, you’ll be at the heart of our success story. You’ll own the end-to-end proposals process, transforming complex requirements into compelling narratives that showcase our strengths and resonate with our customers. Working hand-in-hand with the Bid Manager, you’ll craft strategies that stand out and submissions that shine.As our Proposals Manager you will: Lead with impact: Drive the proposals process from start to finish, delivering submissions that wow. Shape the story: Edit and enhance content, weaving in win themes and strategic messaging. Collaborate creatively: Work with specialists and designers to elevate every bid. Put the customer first: Ensure every proposal speaks their language and delivers a positive experience. Manage the magic: Oversee designers and agencies to produce high-quality, visually stunning documents. Own the stage: Support interviews and presentations with polished materials and confident rehearsals. Keep improving: Learn from every bid and share best practices across the team. Develop talent: Mentor and inspire those contributing to our proposals.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

Security and Compliance Administrator

Location: Liverpool

Job Type: Clerical & Administration

Application Deadline: 29-01-2026

Are you ready to take on a role where your skills in organization, compliance, and security truly shine? If you’re a tech-savvy Administrator or Compliance Specialist looking to elevate your career, this is your opportunity to join Wates and play a vital role in delivering safe, secure, and successful construction projects.At Wates, we’re not just about construction; we’re about building futures. And right now, we’re looking for a Security and Compliance Administrator to join our team and help us deliver projects with precision, professionalism, and a focus on safety and compliance.Why This Role?This isn’t your everyday compliance role. As our Administrator, you’ll be an integral part of the team, ensuring our projects stay on track, secure, and compliant from the ground up. You’ll work with talented people, solve complex challenges, and play a critical role in making sure our sites are safe and secure for everyone who steps onto them.Your Mission:In this role, you’ll become the go-to expert for all things security, working with project teams and subcontractors to ensure strict adherence to protocols. Here’s what you’ll be diving into:📄 Security Vetting: Make sure every subcontractor is cleared and compliant before they step foot on site.🎤 Security Induction: Design and deliver inductions that keep everyone informed and aligned with security requirements.📋 Order Compliance Champion: Double-check that all subcontractor orders meet security requirements to the letter.🚨 Incident Troubleshooting: Partner with our Construction Incident Manager to handle security issues with efficiency and professionalism.🕵️‍♂️ Auditing: Lead monthly audits with the Wates and client teams, showcasing your meticulous organizational skills.What’s In It for You?This is your chance to elevate your career and join a company that thrives on innovation, teamwork, and delivering excellence. At Wates, you’ll:✅ Be part of a diverse and supportive team that values your skills and fresh ideas.✅ Gain the chance to work on high-profile projects that shape London’s skyline and beyond.✅ Have access to top-notch development opportunities to grow your expertise and leadership skills.✅ Join a company that’s not afraid to challenge the norm and find smarter ways to work.Other benefits include: 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

Project Manager

Location: Warwick

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 28-01-2026

Here at WPS we have an exciting opportunity for a Project Manager to join our WPS Housing Maintenance team in the Leamington Spa area. The project you will be tasked with managing is a High-rise Project in the Warwickshire area for one of our new social housing providers, so it is imperative you have experience in this. The primary focus of this role will be to provide visible leadership and direction along with foresight and insight in the safe and profitable delivery of schemes to Wates. Key Accountabilities will include: Develop and implement detailed programmes using ASTA Power project and schedules which allow accurate monitoring and reporting of progress. Lead the PCSA all the way to construction with all the relevant disciplines and maintain the client’s expectations. Building safety act knowledge/ experience is desirable. Drawing up construction phase safety plans and ensuring the safe delivery set out within each plan. Experience of delivering works under a JCT D&B contract is beneficial. Identify the quality expectations and embrace these in the Quality Plan and ensuring the golden thread is always upheld. Implement all statutory regulatory and company requirements for managing Health and Safety. Secure and manage the appropriate resources to deliver the project / scheme effectively and efficiently in a professional manner to ensure successful delivery within project constraints. Ensure there is a successful and smooth handover of the project, including support to customer/ end user throughout the handover process. Establish a communications plan and agree accountabilities for team members. We are looking for a qualified, experienced, and professional Project Manager from a property services/construction background who has experience of high-rise complex Projects.

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