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?
Ground Worker
Location: Skelmersdale
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 17-11-2025
WPS is seeking a skilled and reliable Groundworker/Hard Landscaper to join our team in Skelmersdale, delivering high-quality maintenance and repair services across social housing sites. This is a hands-on role requiring experience in a range of groundworks and property maintenance tasks.Key Responsibilities: Installing and relaying concrete flags Carrying out light brickwork and pointing Renewing and installing close board and panelled fencing Working on responsive maintenance contracts across social housing propertiesRequirements: Full UK Driving Licence – essential for site travel NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in Groundworks or a related construction discipline Proven experience in domestic/residential maintenance environments Ability to work independently and as part of a team Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanshipWhat We Offer: Competitive salary based on experience Company vehicle and fuel card (subject to role requirements, used for work purposes only) Ongoing training and development opportunities Supportive team environment with a focus on safety and qualityGiven 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
ASHP Installer
Location: Reading
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 23-11-2025
🔧 Air Source Heat Pump Installer📍 Location: Reading🏢 Company: WPS / Liberty💼 Salary: Competitive + Company Van & Fuel CardAre you a skilled Air Source Heat Pump Installer with a passion for sustainable energy and making a difference in social housing? Join Liberty and be part of a team that’s building a cleaner, smarter future.🌟 What’s in It for You? 🚐 Company Van & Fuel Card – Ready to go from day one 🏖️ Work-Life Balance – Generous annual leave package 🩺 Health & Wellbeing Support – 24/7 GP access, mental health resources, fitness programs 📚 Career Development – Ongoing training and professional growth opportunities🔍 Your Day-to-Day Responsibilities Install and service air source heat pumps, hot water cylinders, and thermal storage systems Carry out central heating installations and repairs (domestic & commercial) Provide on-site supervision and technical support Diagnose faults and perform maintenance Ensure compliance with PAS 2030, MCS, and Gas Safe standards Maintain accurate documentation and reporting Be flexible with overtime and call-outs✅ What You’ll Bring Proven experience in social housing or local authority contracts A full, clean UK driving licence Strong technical and problem-solving skills Solid understanding of PAS 2030 standards Experience with domestic/commercial heating systems G3 Unvented Hot Water Cylinder Certification NVQ Level 2/3 in Plumbing + Heat Pump Installation CertificationDesirable Extras: Experience with HIUs, solar thermal systems, F-Gas, electrical qualifications, or control system rewiring💬 Why Choose Liberty?At Liberty, we’re more than just a workplace—we’re a community. We’re committed to diversity, personal development, and making a real impact in the lives of those we serve. Join us and work alongside some of the best in the industry.👉 Ready to Apply?Click “Apply” below to become our next Air Source Heat Pump Installer. We can’t wait to hear from you!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: Ely
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 23-11-2025
🔌 Electrician – Renewables Focus📍 Location: Cambridge🏢 Company: WPS / Liberty Are you a qualified electrician passionate about sustainability and making a difference in social housing? Join Liberty and help power a cleaner, smarter future 🌱⚡💼 What We Offer Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave + bank holidays Health & Wellbeing: 🩺 24/7 GP access, mental health support, fitness programs Career Development: 📚 Ongoing training and professional growth opportunities🔧 Your RoleYou’ll be part of our renewables team, delivering high-quality electrical services with a focus on green energy. Responsibilities include: Installing, testing, and commissioning solar PV systems (desirable) Performing electrical works to a high standard Fault finding and interpreting technical drawings Working with DC/AC circuits, inverters, and isolators Following HSE protocols and reading RAMS Communicating clearly and maintaining accurate records✅ What You’ll Need Recognised Electrical Apprenticeship or full qualifications 18th Edition I.E.E Wiring Regulations 2391 or equivalent Testing & Inspection AM2 ECS Gold Card Full UK driving licence (max 6 points) Own tools A genuine passion for sustainability 🌍🌟 Desirable Skills Experience with solar PV or renewables (training available) Knowledge of MCS Accreditation, PAS 2030, G98/G99 Solar PV qualifications (e.g. City & Guilds 2399, LCL Awards, BPEC)🤝 Why Join WPS / Liberty?We’re a diverse, supportive team committed to personal development, wellbeing, and creating real impact in our communities. Be part of a forward-thinking company leading the way in renewable energy 💪📩 Apply TodayClick “Apply” below to join our renewables team. We’re excited to hear from you! ✨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
Multi Trade Joiner
Location: Ely
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 23-11-2025
🔨 Multi Trade Joiner 📍 Location: Cambridge🏢 Company: WPS / Liberty Are you a qualified Multi Trade Joiner with a passion for green energy? 🌱Join us in making homes smarter and more sustainable! Working in social housing, you’ll enjoy competitive pay, excellent benefits, and a supportive team environment — all while working 40 hours per week.Please note: You may be required to work further afield depending on contract demands.What We Offer: Work-Life Balance: Competitive annual leave + bank holidays Health & Wellbeing: 24/7 GP access, mental health support, fitness programs Training & Growth: Ongoing professional developmentYour Role: Repair/renew kitchen units, worktops, decorative finishes Fit/repair ironmongery, timber & UPVC window frames Glazing, fencing, gates, and multi-trade tasks (plumbing, patch plastering, groundwork) Support heating system rip-outs, ASHP prep, loft insulation, and moreWhat We’re Looking For: NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent apprenticeship Experience in joinery, plumbing, and plastering (desirable) Multi-trade skills and social housing experience (desirable) Full UK driving licence CSCS card, asbestos awareness, and own toolsWhy WPS/Liberty?We’re a diverse, supportive team focused on personal development, wellbeing, and making a real impact in the communities we serve. At Liberty, you’ll work with industry leaders and grow your career in a meaningful way.👉 Apply Today and Help Build a Cleaner, Smarter Future!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
