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?

Operations Manager

Location: Birmingham

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 26-03-2026

WPS is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead the delivery of planned social housing works across the West Midlands. This role will have overall operational responsibility for a range of internal and external workstreams, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on programme, within budget and to a high standard.You will oversee multiple projects and teams, working closely with commercial, client and senior management stakeholders on long‑term planned programmes.Key Workstreams Internal planned works (including kitchens, bathrooms and internal refurbishments) External planned works (including roofing, externals and fabric works) Planned programmes across occupied social housing propertiesKey Responsibilities Overall operational leadership of planned social housing projects Managing multiple internal and external workstreams simultaneously Leading and supporting Project Managers, site teams and supply chain Ensuring programmes are delivered in line with contract requirements and client expectations Working closely with commercial teams to manage cost, performance and risk Building and maintaining strong client relationships Driving health & safety, quality, compliance and resident satisfaction standards Attending client, progress and senior management meetingsAbout You Proven experience operating at Operations Manager / Senior Project Manager level Strong background delivering planned social housing works Experience working for a Tier 1 contractor managing social housing projects Demonstrable experience across both internal and external planned works Strong leadership, decision‑making and stakeholder management skills Commercially aware with a focus on performance and programme delivery Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel across the West MidlandsWhat We Offer Senior leadership role on long‑term planned social housing programmes Stable pipeline of work within a well‑established contractor Competitive salary and benefits package Career progression and development 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

Site Manager

Location: Birmingham

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 26-03-2026

Due to continued success, we are recruiting an experienced Site Manager to join our Planned Maintenance team delivering works across the West Midlands.You will be responsible for managing social housing planned works programmes, covering both external and internal workstreams, working closely with our housing association partners to ensure safe, high‑quality and on‑time delivery.Projects will include: External works – roofing, building fabric, external refurbishments Internal works – kitchens, bathrooms, heating and internal refurbishmentsThis role would suit a Site Manager with a strong background in social housing planned works, comfortable working on live, occupied properties and managing multiple trades.Key Responsibilities Day‑to‑day management of planned maintenance works on site Input into and management of short‑term and overall programmes of work Manage operatives, subcontractors and suppliers to ensure quality, productivity and safety standards are met Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety, RAMS and company procedures Attend pre‑ and post‑inspection visits, advising on scope and remedial actions where required Maintain excellent relationships with clients, residents and internal teams Produce weekly site progress reports and updates to the Project Manager Ensure completion of job packs and handover documentation to support commercial processes and invoicing Drive programme delivery while maintaining customer satisfaction on occupied sitesAbout You Proven experience as a Site Manager within social housing planned works Strong background delivering internal and external planned maintenance programmes Experience managing live / occupied environments Knowledge of kitchens, bathrooms, heating and roofing workstreams Excellent leadership and communication skills Organised, proactive and able to manage multiple trades and workstreams Strong IT skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook) SMSTS, CSCS and First Aid (or working towards)What’s On Offer Long‑term, stable work within planned maintenance Opportunity to work with established social housing partners Supportive management structure and clear progression opportunities Competitive salary and benefits packageGiven 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

Contract Manager

Location: Birmingham

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 16-04-2026

🌟 Join WPS as a Contract Manager – Heating & Compliance (H&C)📍 Location: West Midlands💼 Type: Full-Time, Permanent💰 Salary: CompetitiveAre you an experienced leader with a passion for delivering exceptional heating and compliance services? WPS is seeking a Contract Manager to oversee our Heating & Compliance (H&C) operations across the West Midlands.🔧 What You’ll Be Doing• Lead and motivate a high-performing team of Supervisors, Engineers, Planners and Administrators.• Ensure safe, compliant and profitable delivery of H&C contracts while maintaining consistently high service standards.• Oversee operational performance, resource planning, scheduling, and client satisfaction across all workstreams.• Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence through effective reporting, risk management, and strategic planning.• Work closely with Commercial and Business Development teams to support growth, mobilisation and retention of contracts.• Champion SHEQ standards, fostering a culture of safety, integrity and customer focus.📈 Key Responsibilities• Day-to-day management of Heating & Compliance operations across your contract area.• Financial control including operating budgets, forecasting and cost management.• Team leadership including performance reviews, onboarding, coaching and development.• Building strong client relationships, delivering KPIs, and resolving escalated issues.• Producing monthly reports, analysing performance data and contributing to wider business strategy.• Ensuring heating compliance is consistently met, including gas safety, electrical safety and associated regulations.🎯 What We’re Looking For• Qualifications: HNC (or equivalent) in Construction or Building Services; SMSTS/IOSH.• Experience: Minimum 3 years’ experience managing a successful operational team within heating, compliance, building services or social housing.• Skills: Strong leadership, financial awareness, excellent communication, and sound planning/project management.• Knowledge: Compliance legislation (e.g., gas, electrical & heating regulations) Social housing maintenance KPI delivery and contract mobilisation SHEQ requirements and best practice🚀 Why Join WPS?• Be part of a growing, forward-thinking team committed to excellence.• Real opportunities for progression – to Operations Manager, Operations Director or Regional Director.• The chance to shape and enhance essential compliance services impacting thousands of homes.• A supportive, collaborative and empowering working environment where your leadership makes a difference.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

Divisional Director

Location: Birmingham

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 25-03-2026

WPS has an exceptional opportunity for an experienced Divisional Director to lead our Responsive Maintenance operations across the West Midlands.This is a high-profile, senior leadership role with full accountability for a large, complex and high-value portfolio of social housing contracts. The successful candidate will take ownership of strategy, operational performance, commercial outcomes and people leadership, ensuring the division continues to deliver excellence for our clients while driving sustainable growth.You will lead multiple contracts and projects across the region, working closely with key clients, senior stakeholders and internal teams to ensure WPS remains a trusted, long-term partner in the social housing sector.Key Accountabilities: Full P&L responsibility for a high-turnover regional division Strategic leadership of multiple responsive maintenance contracts Ownership of operational performance, compliance and service delivery Lead, develop and inspire a large multi-disciplinary management team Build and maintain strong relationships with senior client stakeholders Drive continuous improvement across productivity, quality, H&S and customer satisfaction Ensure commercial controls are robust, with effective cost, margin and risk management Contribute to regional and business-wide strategy, growth and mobilisation of new work Act as a visible, credible leader representing WPS at a regional and national levelAbout You: Proven experience in a Divisional Director / Operations Director / Regional Director role Strong background in repairs and maintenance within social housing Demonstrable experience managing high-value, high-profile contracts Track record of leading large, complex teams across multiple sites/contracts Strong commercial acumen with full P&L responsibility Confident operating at client board level and internal executive level Strategic thinker with a hands-on, delivery-focused leadership styleWhat We Offer: Competitive executive-level salary and benefits package A high-profile leadership role within a respected social housing contractor Significant autonomy and influence over regional strategy and delivery Opportunity to shape the future growth and performance of WPS in the West Midlands Long-term career opportunity within a stable, values-driven businessWhy WPS?WPS is a trusted delivery partner within the social housing sector, known for its commitment to quality, compliance and customer experience. This role offers a rare opportunity to lead a major regional operation, influence business strategy and leave a lasting legacy through strong leadership and performance.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