Design

Help us to shape a better future by influencing, guiding, and managing the design process from start to finish. As part of our Design team, we’ll make sure your career thrives.

People thrive at Wates

It’s all about you…

You could have design experience, be looking for a career change, or be returning to work after a break. Above all, you need the right attributes to succeed in our Design team.

We’re looking for inquisitive people, who are great problem solvers, and able to think laterally. Someone who is good at interacting with and managing people, both internally and externally. Perhaps the key thing to remember is that we don’t author design, we shape it. That means our ability to influence what someone else does with a pen is vital.

In terms of transferrable skills, the most important are to be analytical and creative. If you have a creative background, you’ll fit in very well.

No better place to develop your career

Join the best in the business…

We’re innovative, agile, and entrepreneurial. We also know what we’re good at. As part of our Design team, you’ll play a key role in helping to create the thriving places of tomorrow. You’ll get to work on a huge range of projects too, in terms of building typology, complexity, geography, and scale. The variety we can offer you is unrivalled.

There are a range of roles in terms of a career path and a job family within Design. If you come in as a trainee, or assistant, you’ll join a team contributing and learning with others on a smaller project. As you progress, the opportunities and challenges increase. You’ll be expected to focus more on leadership strategy and contribute to the direction of the business you work in too.

At Wates, you’ll get every opportunity to develop your career in a timely fashion. We like to make the most of our in-house talent and promote from within. If we believe that someone is 80% ready for the next step, we’ll progress them.

Careers in design

Want to be a part of our team?

Electrician

Location: Barnsley

Job Type: Engineering

Application Deadline: 31-03-2026

WPS are looking for a qualified and motivated Electrician to join our responsive maintenance team, delivering high-quality electrical repairs and installations across social housing properties in the Barnsley area.🔍 What you’ll do: Carry out electrical repairs, fault finding, and installations in occupied and void properties. Ensure all work complies with current regulations and safety standards. Respond to emergency call-outs and urgent maintenance requests. Work collaboratively with tenants, housing officers, and other trades.✅ What you’ll need: Level 3 NVQ or equivalent in Electrical Installation 18th Edition Wiring Regulations 2391 Inspection & Testing qualification (or equivalent) Experience in social housing or domestic maintenance is highly desirable. A full UK driving licence.💡 Why join us? Be part of a supportive and skilled team. Ongoing training and development opportunities. Company vehicle and tools provided. Pension scheme, holiday allowance, and other benefits.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

Operations Manager

Location: Sheffield

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 24-03-2026

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Operations Manager to lead and deliver planned social housing projects across a multitude of works including, retrofit, elementals or FRA/HRB across properties throughout the North East and Yorkshire.This is a senior operational role, ideal for someone with a strong background in planned works within social housing, ideally having worked on retrofit, elementals or FRA/HRB projects, who has operated at Tier 1 contractor level and is confident managing multiple programmes, teams, and client relationships.The RoleAs Operations Manager, you will have full responsibility for the successful delivery of retrofit-focused planned works programmes, ensuring projects are delivered safely, compliantly, on time, and within budget.Key responsibilities include: Overall operational leadership of planned social housing retrofit programmes Managing multiple contracts and workstreams across occupied properties Leading, developing, and motivating Project Managers, Site Managers, and support teams Ensuring full compliance with health & safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory standards Overseeing programme performance, cost control, and delivery against KPIs Acting as the senior operational point of contact for clients and stakeholders Driving continuous improvement, efficiencies, and best practice across delivery teams Supporting mobilisation of new contracts and retrofit programmes where requiredAbout YouTo be successful in this role, you will ideally have: Proven experience as an Operations Manager (or Senior Contracts / Senior Project Manager ready to step up) A strong background in planned social housing works, ideally retrofit / decarbonisation/elemental/FRA/HRB projects Experience working for a Tier 1 contractor delivering large-scale housing programmes Excellent leadership and people management skills Strong commercial awareness and operational control Experience working in occupied environments A proactive, solutions-focused approach with excellent stakeholder management skills Full UK driving licenceWhat’s On Offer A senior leadership role within a growing and forward-thinking business Long-term planned works schemed Opportunity to play a key role in delivering net zero and decarbonisation initiatives Competitive salary and benefits package Career development and progression opportunitiesGiven 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

Resident Engineer

Location: Manchester

Job Type: Engineering

Application Deadline: 31-03-2026

Resident Engineer Location: Think Park, ManchesterWe are looking for a proactive and skilled Resident Engineer to join our team based at Think Park, Manchester. In this role, you’ll provide on-site engineering support, ensuring the safe, efficient, and high‑quality delivery of maintenance and repairs across the estate.What you’ll do: Deliver reactive and planned maintenance Carry out diagnostics, repairs, and minor installations Ensure compliance with health & safety standards Provide an excellent service to our client and site usersWhat we’re looking for: Relevant engineering/maintenance background Strong problem‑solving skills Customer-focused approach Ability to work independently on a busy, dynamic siteIf you’re a reliable engineer who takes pride in delivering quality work, we’d love to hear from you.Apply now to join the WPS team at Think Park!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

Supervisor

Location: Finsbury Park

Job Type: Trades and Labour

Application Deadline: 15-03-2026

The Vacancy🌟 We're Hiring: Supervisor 🌟📍 Location: Finsbury Park💰 Salary: Competitive🏢 Contract Type: Full-timeAre you a natural leader with a passion for delivering high-quality maintenance services? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment and know how to get the best out of your team? If so, we want to hear from you!🔧 About the RoleAs a Supervisor, you’ll support the Project Lead and manage a team of administrators, operatives, and subcontractors across various workstreams including Voids, Disrepair, Day-to-Day Repairs, and Planned Works. You’ll ensure service excellence, drive performance, and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.You’ll also step up to lead the contract when needed—making this a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to grow into a senior leadership role.🗂️ Key Responsibilities Lead and support your team to meet KPIs and service standards Manage scheduling, inspections, and quality control Conduct 1-2-1s, toolbox talks, and team meetings Liaise with clients and produce performance reports Oversee health & safety and ensure compliance Support onboarding, training, and development of staff🎯 What We’re Looking For Strong leadership and communication skills Trade-related qualifications (SSSTS, Asbestos Awareness, Scaffold Inspections) Experience in housing maintenance and site management Commercial awareness and ability to manage budgets Proficiency in Microsoft Office and report writing A proactive, supportive, and assertive approach Must hold a valid UK driving licence🚀 Why Join Us? Be part of a dynamic and supportive team Opportunity for career progression to Senior Supervisor or Contract/Operations Manager Make a real impact in your community Work in a collaborative environment where your ideas matter📩 Ready to Apply?If you're ready to take the next step in your career and lead with purpose, apply today and help us build better communities—one repair at a time.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