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
Painter & Decorator
Location: Croydon
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 20-07-2025
We are looking for a skilled and reliable Painter & Decorator to join our WPS Housing Maintenance team in Croydon. This role is essential to maintaining the quality and appearance of our housing stock, ensuring residents live in safe, well-presented homes.Key Responsibilities Carry out all aspects of internal and external painting and decorating. Prepare surfaces for painting and wallpapering, including filling, sanding, and priming. Ensure all work is completed to a high standard and in line with health and safety regulations. Work independently or as part of a team to meet deadlines and quality expectations. Maintain accurate records of work completed and materials used.What We’re Looking For Proven experience in painting and decorating, ideally in a housing or maintenance setting. NVQ Level 2 in Painting & Decorating or equivalent (desirable). Strong attention to detail and pride in delivering high-quality finishes. Good communication and customer service skills. Full UK driving licence (preferred).What We Offer A supportive and inclusive team environment. Opportunities for training and career development. Access to a range of employee benefits and wellbeing support.
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
Multi/floorlayer
Location: Walton-On-Thames
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 23-07-2025
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled Floorlayer to join our WPS Responsive team in Walton-on-Thames. 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
Supervisor
Location: Ealing
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 21-07-2025
We have an opportunity for a Supervisor to join our Wates team within our Responsive Maintenance division. You will be working out of our Ealing office on one of our social housing contracts, delivering reactive and some planned maintenance to our residents.Key Accountabilities will include: Ensure high quality service is provided with the management of the work scheduling in accordance with company procedures, standards and SLAs Represent Wates at client and resident performance meetings as requested by the Operations Manager Manage the responsive repairs function to ensure consistent performance against targets Effective and efficient management of material costs and ensure that all are following correct processes and procedures Monitor quality of work through inspection, inspection reports, analysis of key performance indicators and analysis of customer satisfaction surveys. Lead, manage and contribute to the development of your team and determine optimum employment levels to comply with the provision of the serviceYou must have a full UK driving licence.To be successful in the role you must also be an excellent communicator with the ability to problem solve, multi task and work to tight deadlines. Prior responsive maintenance experience is crucial to the role. You must also have your SSSTS qualification as a minimum.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