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.
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
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
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
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
Electrician
Location: Dunstable
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 11-07-2025
We have an opportunity for an Electrician to join our WPS team within our Reactive Housing Maintenance Division. You will be working from our Dunstable office and covering the surrounding areas, working on our social housing contract. The primary focus of this role will be to undertake all tasks to achieve first time fix and deliver a high standard of workmanship in a timely and productive manner always affording excellent customer service to the client.Key Accountabilities will include: Undertaking repair/ renewal works within your Electricians remit and work with associated trades Ensure maintenance work is undertaken safely and in accordance with all technical standards Communicate effectively with residents, scheduler and line manager Work safely and in compliance with Health & Safety and safeguarding requirements Remain up-to-date with technical and legal requirements of skill area Working in partnership with other operatives to complete repairs, if required Completing time sheets work sheets detailing work undertaken and materials used after each job undertaken, via a PDAYou must have: A full UK driving licence Level 3 Qualification 18th EditionWe are looking for a qualified and experienced Electrician who can utilise their skills to deliver small projects and repair works. You will hold a full UK diving licence, be confident in managing your own workload and will ideally already have experience of the housing maintenance sector.
Ground Worker
Location: Dunstable
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 11-07-2025
Here at Wates, we have an opportunity for a Groundworker to join our WPS team in the Dunstable area. As a Groundworker you will be working on our responsive maintenance contracts for one of our existing social housing providers. The ideal groundworker will have working knowledge of basic bricklaying aswell as a NVQ Level 2 and full driving license, The primary focus of this role will be to undertake all tasks to achieve first time fix and deliver a high standard of workmanship in a timely and productive manner always affording excellent customer service to the client. Key Accountabilities will include: Undertaking repair/renewal works across several trades identifying the need for other trades to undertake the repair/renewal Advising Supervisor in a timely manner where other trades are required Working in partnership with other operatives to complete projects Completing daily work sheets detailing work undertaken and materials used after each job undertaken Working in a timely and productive manner to complete project Affording excellent customer service to client representatives At all times, work to Wates Health & Safety Professional Standards, including commitment to and understanding of the company’s safeguarding policy towards children and vulnerable adults
Multi/floorlayer
Location: Dunstable
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 11-07-2025
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled Floorlayer to join our WPS Responsive team in the Dunstable area. This is a hands-on role, ideal for someone with experience in domestic flooring, particularly within social housing or responsive maintenance environments.Key Responsibilities:• Install a variety of flooring types including vinyl, carpet tiles, and safety flooring.• Prepare subfloors using screed, plywood, or latex compounds.• Carry out repairs and replacements in occupied and void properties.• Ensure all work is completed to a high standard and in line with health and safety regulations.• Liaise with tenants and clients to ensure minimal disruption and excellent customer service.What We’re Looking For:• Proven experience as a floorlayer, ideally in a social housing or responsive repairs setting.• NVQ Level 2 in Floorcovering Occupations or equivalent (preferred).• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.• Full UK driving licence.• Willingness to undergo a Basic DBS check at offer stage.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
Plasterer
Location: Dunstable
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 25-07-2025
Wates have an opportunity for a Plasterer to join our WPS team within our Responsive Maintenance division. You will be working out of our Dunstable office on one of our social housing contracts, delivering reactive maintenance to our residents.We are looking for candidates to have an NVQ Level 2 in plastering and a full clean driving license. Key Accountabilities will include: Undertaking repair/renewal works Advising Supervisor in a timely manner where other trades are required Working solely on certain tasks Working in partnership with other operatives to complete certain tasks Completing daily work sheets detailing work undertaken and materials used after each job undertaken Working in a timely and productive manner to complete programme tasksTo be successful in the role you will be an excellent communicator with the ability to problem solve, multi task, work to tight deadlines, have high standard of workmanship, productivity levels and ability to provide excellent customer service at all times is essential.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