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.

5,192

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

Multi Trade Operative

Location: Skelmersdale

Job Type: Trades and Labour

Application Deadline: 18-04-2025

Here at Wates, we have an opportunity for a Multi Trader to join our Living Space team in the West Lancashire area. As a Multi Trader you will be working on our responsive maintenance contracts for one of our existing social housing providers. The primary focus of this role will be to undertake all tasks to achieve first time fix and deliver a high standard of workmanship in a timely and productive manner always affording excellent customer service to the client. Key Accountabilities will include: Undertaking repair/renewal works across several trades identifying the need for other trades to undertake the repair/renewal Advising Supervisor in a timely manner where other trades are required Working in partnership with other operatives to complete projects Completing daily work sheets detailing work undertaken and materials used after each job undertaken Working in a timely and productive manner to complete project Affording excellent customer service to client representatives At all times, work to Wates Health & Safety Professional Standards, including commitment to and understanding of the company’s safeguarding policy towards children and vulnerable adults We are looking for individuals who are qualified to a minimum of NVQ Level 2, have a driving license and have working experience within a multi trade setting already.

Design Manager

Location: Newmarket

Job Type: Design

Application Deadline: 01-05-2025

Wates Construction are looking for a Design Manager to join our Major Projects 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 Design Managers are a valuable part of our business, driving quality outcomes, enhancing buildability and fostering innovation. Design Managers work collaboratively with our industry specialists and in-house technical experts to ensure that the design develops in accordance with the brief with a firm focus on added value, compliance, commercial viability, and best practice. As our Design Manager you will: Work with all relevant parties, to produce and manage a realistic design programme and information required schedule to facilitate design, procurement and construction activities Support the implementation of Continuous Improvement initiatives and innovation Ensure the design has been reviewed and verified to achieve compliance and mitigate Health and Safety, design and buildability issues prior to construction and identify key risks and opportunities at each stage of the design and delivery process. 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… 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) 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 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

Senior Digital Construction Manager

Location: Newmarket

Job Type: Design

Application Deadline: 01-05-2025

Wates are looking for a Senior Digital Construction Manager to join our construction team in Northern Home Counties. If you are Senior Digital Construction Manager 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 Senior Digital Construction Managers are a valuable part of our business. In this role, you will be at the forefront of our digital transformation efforts, leveraging advanced technologies to enhance project delivery, improve efficiency, and drive industry-leading practices. You will work closely with project teams, stakeholders, and technology partners to implement and manage digital construction processes across our portfolio of projects. As our Senior Digital Construction Manager you will: Lead the digital construction strategy across multiple projects. Oversee the implementation and management of BIM and VDC processes. Collaborate with project teams to integrate digital solutions into planning, design, and construction phases. Provide training and support to project teams on digital tools and methodologies. Work closely with clients, stakeholders, and subcontractors to ensure seamless communication and project execution. Analyse project data to improve workflows and drive innovation. 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 #BIM

Senior Project Manager

Location: Thetford

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 01-05-2025

Wates are looking for a Senior Project Manager to join our construction team in Northern Home Counties. If you are Senior Project Manager 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 Senior Project Managers are a valuable part of our business. The focus of this role will be to provide visible leadership, insight, direction and foresight in the safe and profitable delivery of schemes, while also providing excellent customer satisfaction and successfully develop a team. As our Senior Project Manager you will: Provide cost-effective solutions, lead commercial strategies, and manage project business and profit plans. Develop bid strategies, support pre-contract teams, review construction options, and ensure timely delivery of design information. Set clear objectives, develop team capabilities, implement HR policies, and demonstrate leadership and motivational skills. Manage supply chain selection, nurture customer relationships, uphold brand values, and address customer concerns. Focus on successful project outcomes, manage H.S.&E performance, develop clear delivery strategies, and ensure efficient project completion. WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:  We are looking for an experience Senior Project Manager who can demonstrate experience working on high value, complex projects. You will possess strong commercial acumen, with the ability to provide cost-effective solutions, lead commercial strategies, and manage project business and profit plans. Leadership and motivational skills are essential, as you will need to set clear objectives, develop team capabilities, and implement HR policies effectively. Additionally, expertise in managing supply chain selection, nurturing customer relationships, upholding brand values, and addressing customer concerns is required. You will also focus on achieving successful project outcomes, managing Health, Safety, and Environmental (H.S.&E) performance, developing clear delivery strategies, and ensuring efficient project completion. 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 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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