Planned & Responsive maintenance
We’re the number one provider of planned and responsive maintenance services in the UK social housing sector. Our reputation for customer service is second to none.
Building a thriving career
Join our family…
At Wates, people always come first. You’ll be part of a brilliant team, in a successful company with a proven track record. We’ve been operating for over 125 years and have the values and ethos of the Wates family behind us. Join us and we’ll make sure you – and your career – thrive.
Our work covers responsive repairs, voids, healthy homes and planned maintenance in social housing, for both housing associations and local authorities. We also run facilities management services across the UK for private and public sector clients.
We offer a huge range of opportunities, from trades to employees. For example, a Scheduler, Admin, Supervisor, Operations Manager, Divisional Director. There are also supporting roles like HR Advisor, Business Partners, Safety Team, Commercial team, Finance team, and our IT team.
At Wates, we value our employees. We also believe in ‘growing our own’. That means we’ll give you every opportunity to take that next step on the ladder. You’ll find no better place to build your career.
You’ll thrive at Wates
Who we’re looking for…
Whether you have sector experience, want to change career, or returning to work after a break, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re looking to recruit people with a ‘can do’ attitude, who are reliable and genuine team players. Someone who has an honest, thorough, and flexible approach to work. When it comes to transferable skills, problem solving, and commercial awareness would be useful. You should also understand reports, both reading and putting them together.
Risk management is another key area, and an ability to work independently and manage your own time. Good timekeeping is vital, as is an open and positive attitude. You should be able to quickly identify issues, ask for support when needed, and work together as a team to fix them.
Testimonials
Hear from our people
Emma Carter
Project Manager
"I joined Wates in 2014 as part of an acquisition and really wasn’t sure what to expect. From day one I felt supported and encouraged to develop my career within the Repairs and Maintenance business. I have had opportunities to mobilise new contracts, taken a role as Contracts Manager on one of these contract-wins, and progressed to the position of Customer Service Manager for a Responsive Maintenance Division in the Midlands. I continue to develop my skills and grow within my career. Recently I started a new role as a Mobilisation Project Manager and have been able to expand my knowledge even further working within our FM business. Wates has always recognised my abilities, determination, and passion to succeed, and continues to support my aspirations and career development.”
Careers in maintenance
Want to be a part of our team?
Multi Skilled Joiner
Location: Skelmersdale
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 05-01-2026
We are currently seeking a skilled and reliable Multiskilled Joiner to join our responsive maintenance team working on a social housing contract in the Skelmersdale area.🔧 Key Responsibilities: Carry out responsive maintenance works including repairs, replacements, and installations across occupied and void properties. Deliver high-quality joinery work in line with health and safety standards and customer expectations. Work independently and as part of a team to complete tasks efficiently and professionally. Liaise with tenants and housing officers to ensure minimal disruption and excellent service delivery.✅ Requirements: NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in a relevant trade (Joinery/Carpentry). Full UK Driving Licence – essential for travel between properties. Proven experience in social housing or domestic maintenance environments. Strong communication skills and a customer-focused approach. Ability to work flexibly and respond to emergency call-outs when required.💼 What We Offer: Competitive salary and benefits package. Company vehicle and fuel card. Ongoing training and development opportunities. Supportive team environment and career progression.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
Carpenter / Multi-Trader
Location: Crawley
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 24-12-2025
🛠️ Carpenter Multi Trader – Crawley (Responsive Maintenance) Join the WPS Team – Make a Difference in Social Housing WPS has an exciting opportunity for a Carpenter Multi Trader to join our Responsive Maintenance division, working from our Crawley office. You’ll be delivering reactive maintenance services to our valued residents as part of a social housing contract. 🔧 What You’ll Be Doing Carrying out repair and renewal works across various properties. Advising your Supervisor when additional trades are needed. Working independently or collaboratively with other operatives. Completing daily work sheets detailing tasks and materials used. Ensuring timely and productive completion of assigned tasks. 🚗 Requirements Full UK driving licence is essential. L2 NVQ in Carpentry or similar trade Proven experience in carpentry and multi-trade work. Ability to work to high standards of workmanship and productivity. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Strong customer service mindset and ability to meet tight deadlines. 💬 Why Join WPS?At WPS, we’re committed to building communities and improving lives. You’ll be part of a supportive team that values your skills and helps you grow. Ready to make an impact? Apply now and help us deliver quality maintenance services that truly matter.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
Electrician
Location: Brixton
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 24-12-2025
🔧 Electrician Opportunity – Join the WPS Team! ⚡Location: Lambeth & Surrounding AreasDivision: Reactive Maintenance – Social Housing ContractWe’re looking for a skilled and qualified Electrician to join our dedicated team at Wates. Based out of our Lambeth office, you’ll be working across the surrounding areas, delivering high-quality maintenance and repair services in social housing properties.🔍 What You’ll Be Doing: Full electrical testing and production of EICRs Fault finding and rectification Installation of fans, including core drilling where required Replacing and cleaning accessories as needed PAT testing of appliances and tools Delivering a first-time fix approach with excellent customer service Working safely and in line with Health & Safety and safeguarding standards Collaborating with other trades to complete repairs Completing job records and material usage via PDA✅ What You’ll Need: Full NVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installation Inspection & Testing qualifications (2391 or equivalent) 18th Edition Wiring Regulations A full UK driving licence💡 What We’re Looking For:A confident and experienced Electrician who can manage their own workload, deliver small projects and repairs, and ideally has experience in the housing maintenance sector. You’ll be proactive, reliable, and committed to delivering top-tier workmanship.If you're ready to make a difference in social housing and work with a supportive team, apply today and power up your career with Wates! ⚡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
Electrician
Location: Brixton
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 24-12-2025
🔧 Electrician Opportunity – Join the WPS Team! ⚡This role is a Fixed Term ContractLocation: Lambeth & Surrounding AreasDivision: Reactive Maintenance – Social Housing ContractWe’re looking for a skilled and qualified Electrician to join our dedicated team at Wates. Based out of our Lambeth office, you’ll be working across the surrounding areas, delivering high-quality maintenance and repair services in social housing properties.🔍 What You’ll Be Doing: Full electrical testing and production of EICRs Fault finding and rectification Installation of fans, including core drilling where required Replacing and cleaning accessories as needed PAT testing of appliances and tools Delivering a first-time fix approach with excellent customer service Working safely and in line with Health & Safety and safeguarding standards Collaborating with other trades to complete repairs Completing job records and material usage via PDA✅ What You’ll Need: Full NVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installation Inspection & Testing qualifications (2391 or equivalent) 18th Edition Wiring Regulations A full UK driving licence💡 What We’re Looking For:A confident and experienced Electrician who can manage their own workload, deliver small projects and repairs, and ideally has experience in the housing maintenance sector. You’ll be proactive, reliable, and committed to delivering top-tier workmanship.If you're ready to make a difference in social housing and work with a supportive team, apply today and power up your career with Wates! ⚡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
