Operations

Operations covers everything from site management to planning and managing the processes required to ensure our construction projects run well. It’s key to all that we do.

Build a thriving career

All you need to succeed…

Join Wates, and you’ll be joining a highly successful family firm with over 125 years under its belt. One with a proven track record, a bulging order book worth £2.2bn, and an annual turnover of £322.7m.

We have high-energy, high-performing teams throughout the business, and are proud to have such a good, diverse mix of people working for us. We also take care of our employees and believe that everyone at Wates should have the chance to progress their career. It’s one reason so many of our employees choose to stay with us.

Whatever level you come in at, you’ll get all the training and CPD you need to succeed. We’ll do all we can to help you achieve your ambitions, including extra support should you want it. We set out a clear career path for everyone who joins us and encourage internal promotion. Once you’re here, you can access all the opportunities across the Wates Group too.  There’s no better place to build your career.

Build a Thriving Career at Wates

Join a thriving team

About you…

We offer a wide range of operational roles across our business. These include skilled tradespeople, project, logistics, section, and site managers, all the way up to project and operations directors. You’ll need industry experience for many of these roles.  

We’re also looking for people who have the transferrable skills that we need. For example, being tech savvy, project management, and comms skills. We want people who can think practically and take a logical approach to solving problems. Someone happy to roll their sleeves up and be ‘hands-on’ when required.

Of course, the experience and qualifications will depend on the specific role. So, for a project director, we’d like 6-8 years as a project lead, and ideally, a professional qualification. For all roles, it would be great if you had some contracting and development experience.

Careers in operations

Want to be a part of our team?

Site Manager

Location: Swadlincote

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 30-01-2026

WPS are looking for an organised, people‑focused Site Manager to oversee planned maintenance works across social housing properties in the South Derby area. You’ll ensure work is delivered safely, on time and to a high standard, while providing clear communication to residents, subcontractors and your delivery team.What You’ll Be Doing Managing day‑to‑day site operations across planned maintenance projects Ensuring compliance with health & safety, quality and programme requirements Coordinating trades, subcontractors and materials Carrying out toolbox talks, inductions and site inspections Working closely with residents, supervisors and planners to minimise disruption Keeping accurate site records, reporting progress and resolving issues promptlyAbout You SSSTS and a valid CSCS card (essential) Experience managing contractors or trades on site Ideally experienced in planned works (kitchens, bathrooms, roofing, external works, upgrades etc.) Strong communicator with a resident‑first approach Able to problem‑solve, plan ahead and keep sites running efficientlyWhat We Offer Competitive salary and benefits package Supportive team and opportunities to progress A role where you’ll directly improve the homes and lives of local residentsInclusive HiringWe welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If you need adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know we’re happy to support you.Apply now to join a team delivering safe, high‑quality improvements to homes across the South Derby region.

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.

Divisional Commercial Manager

Location: Finsbury Park

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 26-01-2026

📢 We're Hiring: Divisional Commercial ManagerLocation: Various sites across the West and East Midlands, with key offices in Redditch, Tamworth, and WalsallBusiness Unit: WPSAre you a commercially driven leader with a passion for delivering high-quality housing solutions? We’re looking for a Divisional Commercial Manager to join our WPS Business, overseeing a diverse portfolio of contracts across Planned Works, High-Rise Refurbishments, and Decarbonisation/Net Zero Retrofit projects.This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership in driving commercial performance and strategic growth across a range of long- and short-term contracts.🔧 What You’ll Be Doing: Leading the commercial strategy across multiple social housing contracts, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. Managing project P&L, forecasts, valuations, and reporting to ensure financial targets are met or exceeded. Collaborating with operational teams to optimise contract performance and client satisfaction. Supporting contract mobilisation, implementation, and continuous improvement. Driving innovation and identifying new opportunities for growth and efficiency.✅ What We’re Looking For: Proven experience in commercial management within the social housing, construction, or maintenance sector. Strong financial and commercial acumen, with a track record of delivering profitable outcomes. Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Experience working across varied contract types and durations.🎓 Ideal Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying or equivalent. RICS accreditation (preferred).If you're ready to lead with impact and help shape the future of social housing delivery, we’d love to hear from you.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 Interested?Once you apply a member of the Recruitment Team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.

Site Manager

Location: Carlisle

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 31-01-2026

🏗️ Site Manager – Retrofit Projects (Carlisle)📍 Location: Carlisle🏢 Business Unit: WPS Are you a skilled Site Manager with a passion for improving homes and communities? WPS is on the lookout for a motivated leader to join our Carlisle-based team, delivering high-impact retrofit projects.🔍 About the RoleYou’ll take charge of site operations, leading teams and subcontractors to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality work. You’ll be the key link between clients, operatives, and our commercial team—ensuring everything runs smoothly and to the highest standards. You will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of retrofit works including the installation of external wall insulation, cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, new windows and doors, roofing upgrades, and scaffolding operations to support safe and efficient site access.🌟 What We’re Looking For✅ Experience in retrofit works, especially EWI and roofing✅ Background in social housing projects✅ SMSTS certification (essential)✅ Strong leadership and communication skills✅ A proactive, hands-on approach to site managementBonus points for:🎓 Asbestos Awareness🧗 Scaffold Inspection⛑️ First Aid Certification📌 Key Responsibilities📅 Programme and manage daily site activities👷 Supervise operatives and subcontractors🦺 Ensure Health & Safety compliance📈 Monitor quality, productivity, and site documentation🤝 Liaise with clients and commercial teams🧾 Attend meetings and produce reports📋 Conduct site inductions and ensure training is up to date🚀 Why Join WPS?At WPS, we’re committed to delivering sustainable, high-quality retrofit solutions that make a real difference. You’ll be part of a supportive team with clear progression opportunities—potentially stepping up to Contract or Operations Manager based on your performance and capability.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