Planning

Planning is central to every project stage, from bidding through to developing coordinated delivery plans and logistics solutions, to checking plans are being adhered to. It runs through all our work.

Opportunities for trainee planners, graduates, assistant planners, project planners, and senior planners

The best place to build your career

Join our family…

We value planning very highly at Wates. We have a huge pipeline of work, and the strength and proven track record of the Wates Group behind us. As one of our planners, you’ll be joining a brilliant team, in a family-run firm with over 125 years of continued success.

There are a huge range of opportunities too, from trainee planners, and graduates, to assistant planners, project planners, and senior planners. You’ll also get to work on a wide range of projects including residential, education, commercial, and industrial.

At Wates, planning isn’t an isolated role. Here, you’ll genuinely be part of the team. Across the business, we have a strong network of planners. We will also support you along the way with training and CPD as you progress your career with us.

Our people thrive

About you…

Whether you have sector experience, fancy a career change, or are returning to work after a break, we’d love to hear from you.

For planning roles, you must be able to interface and communicate effectively with different disciplines, and problem solve through rational and logical thinking. Planners liaise with designers, operational staff, the commercial team, environmental managers and the client to produce coordinated delivery plans. It’s all about collaboration & getting everyone on board. Communication skills are key, including the ability to write reports that can be understood by people from other fields and at managerial levels.

You don’t have to come from a construction background, but you do need a technical and a logical mindset to be able to solve problems. You need to be able to think critically, evaluate a tender and develop a deliverable timeline or programme for the works. You’ll then review the design information and challenge whether it works.

Testimonials

Hear from our people

Golden Iwuorie

Planning Management Trainee

“Over the past two years, I have embarked on a transformative journey as a Planner Trainee within Wates, a company that prioritises the growth and development of its graduates. Since joining as a graduate trainee, I've had the invaluable opportunity to immerse myself in the intricacies of the construction industry while learning on the job."

Careers in planning

Want to be a part of our team?

Scheduler

Location: Croydon

Job Type: Clerical & Administration

Application Deadline: 14-11-2025

🌟 We're Hiring: Scheduler – WPS – Croydon 🌟📍 Location: Croydon🕒 Type: Full-time 💼 About the Role:Are you a master of organisation and love keeping things running smoothly? 🧩We’re looking for a Repairs Scheduler to join our buzzing WPS team in Croydon! You’ll be the go-to person for planning and coordinating our multi-skilled engineers and supply chain, helping us deliver top-notch service every day. 🚀 🔑 What You’ll Be Doing:• 📅 Planning diaries to keep our workforce productive and efficient• 📊 Creating performance reports to track progress and success• 📉 Keeping work-in-progress low and on target• 📞 Communicating with clients and teams to keep everything flowing• 🛠️ Supporting supervisors and site teams with smart scheduling• 💡 Spotting areas for improvement and suggesting solutions• 📧 Handling customer queries with professionalism and care• ☎️ Managing inbound and outbound calls, providing excellent customer service and resolving queries promptly• ⚠️ Ensuring all plans meet health & safety standards 🧠 What You’ll Bring:• ✅ Strong Excel & IT skills• ✅ Great communication – written & verbal• ✅ Ability to prioritise and manage your own workload• ✅ Commercial awareness & a customer-first mindset• ✅ Experience in producing reports and managing diaries• ✅ Previous experience in call handling or customer service is a plus 🌈 Why Join Us?• Be part of a supportive, friendly team 🤝• Make a real impact every day 💥• Opportunities to grow and develop 📈• Work in a fast-paced, rewarding environment 🏃‍♀️💨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

Site Surveyor

Location: Redditch

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 03-12-2025

WPS are seeking an experienced Site Surveyor to join our team delivering planned works across multiple sites between Redditch and Milton Keynes. This role involves working closely with a social housing provider to ensure projects are delivered efficiently, on time, and within budget.Key Responsibilities Conduct site surveys and prepare accurate reports for planned works. Submit quotations based on Schedule of Rates (SOR) and analyse costs effectively. Ensure compliance with NHF SOR versions 6, 7 or 8. Engage with clients to maintain strong working relationships (preferred but not essential). Manage and mentor Assistant Quantity Surveyors (AQS) and trainees as required.Essential Skills & Experience 2–3 years’ experience at AQS and/or QS level. Proven experience with SOR and NHF versions 6, 7 or 8. Strong ability to submit quotations and analyse costs against SOR rates. Excellent organisational and communication skills. Ability to work independently and manage multiple sites.Desirable Previous experience in client engagement. Leadership skills for managing junior team members.Benefits Competitive salary package. Opportunities for career progression. Supportive team environment.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

Resident Liaison Officer

Location: Croydon

Job Type: Customer Service

Application Deadline: 02-12-2025

🌟 Join Our Team as a Resident Liaison Officer📍 Location: Croydon – Responsive Maintenance DivisionAre you passionate about making a difference in people's lives? We’re looking for a Resident Liaison Officer (RLO) to join our Wates team, supporting one of our social housing contracts. Based at our Croydon office, you’ll be the trusted point of contact for residents, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience throughout our maintenance programmes.🔑 What You’ll Be DoingAs a Resident Liaison Officer, you’ll play a vital role in delivering exceptional customer service and communication. Your responsibilities will include: ✅ Establishing and managing the Tenant/Customer/Resident Liaison Service across multiple sites. 🤝 Attending regular meetings with residents and client representatives to maintain strong relationships. 📋 Ensuring a consistent, empathetic, and professional approach to all resident interactions. 📞 Acting as the escalation point for complaints, ensuring timely and effective resolution. 💻 Maintaining accurate records and updates in the on-site database to reflect ongoing works.🚗 What We’re Looking ForWe’re seeking someone who is proactive, personable, and committed to delivering outstanding service. You’ll need: A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle. Previous experience as an RLO, ideally within planned maintenance or social housing. Solid understanding of internal and external works. Excellent communication, customer service, and IT skills. Willingness to undergo a Basic DBS check at offer stage.🤝 Our Commitment to Fair HiringWe welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Any disclosed convictions will be assessed individually, and we do not discriminate based on criminal records. Some roles may require additional pre-employment checks. For more information, please visit: National Security Vetting💬 Ready to Make a Real Impact?Apply now and become part of a team that values care, communication, and community.📢 Internal Applicants: Please inform your current line manager of your interest before applying. A member of our Recruitment Team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.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

Project Surveyor

Location: Walton-On-Thames

Job Type: Cost Planning

Application Deadline: 26-11-2025

🏗️ Project Surveyor – Responsive Maintenance📍 Location: Walton-on-Thames🏢 Division: Wates Property Services (WPS) – Reactive Maintenance🗓️ Start Date: Early 2026 (flexible for the right candidate)Wates Property Services is looking for a Project Surveyor to join our Responsive Maintenance team based in Walton-on-Thames. This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially experienced and motivated individual to lead and grow within a dynamic environment focused on delivering high-quality maintenance services.You’ll be working on our reactive maintenance scheme which includes an AOV model alongside NHF SOR, supporting the delivery of reactive maintenance works, and assisting in leading a small commercial team including working alongside a Project Surveyor and junior/admin staff. 🔧 What You’ll Be Doing: 👥 Team Leadership: Manage and mentor junior staff, fostering a high-performing and collaborative team culture. 📊 Commercial Management: Take ownership of pre- and post-contract commercial strategies, including monthly Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR) and progress reporting. 💼 Subcontractor Oversight: Handle procurement, measurement, valuation, and final accounts, ensuring compliance with Wates processes and contractual obligations. 💰 Value Maximisation: Drive cash flow and valuation processes to maximise project profitability. 📋 Contract Compliance: Ensure all contractual instructions, notices, and health & safety obligations are met. 🤝 Client Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, supply chain partners, and internal teams.🎯 What We’re Looking For: 🎓 Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying or a construction-related discipline (essential). 📅 5–6 years’ experience in a similar role, ideally within responsive maintenance (planned experience considered if willing to transition). 📘 NHF Schedule of Rates experience is a must. 🔍 Proactive mindset: Forward-thinking, enthusiastic, and always pushing to achieve more. 🗣️ Strong communicator: Able to lead, influence, and collaborate effectively across teams. 🚀 Career-driven: Looking for progression and eager to grow within the business. 😊 Customer-focused: Positive attitude and commitment to delivering excellent service.🌟 Why Join Wates?At Wates, we don’t just build and maintain properties — we build careers. You’ll be part of a team that values innovation, integrity, and continuous improvement. We offer: 📈 Career development opportunities 🤝 Supportive team culture 🛠️ Exposure to diverse and impactful projects 💡 A chance to make a real difference in the communities we serveReady to take the next step in your career? Apply now and be part of something meaningful. 🙌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.