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?

Resident Liaison Officer/Customer Complaints Officer

Location: Skelmersdale

Job Type: Customer Service

Application Deadline: 19-01-2026

WPS are seeking a Resident Liaison Officer/Customer Complaints Officer to join our Responsive Maintenance Team in the West Lancashire area. With offices in Skelmersdale you will ideally be living within commuting distance as this role will be office based. The key focus for this role will be to liaise with tenants and the Client, to ensure that the complaint gets resolved as quickly as possible, To do this you will need to take full responsibility of the complaint from when receiving it to the end, this will involve booking works into diaries and making sure the works are carried out on the appointment date given to the tenant, also keeping tenants fully updated by phone or may require a site visit with the progress of works. Key Accountabilities will include:   Take full control of the complaint from receiving to the completion. Booking works that are part of the complaint into the Opp’s / contractor diary. Chase contractors for completions Liaise with Tenants and the Client. Attend Client meetings. Work alongside Contract manager to highlight any trends. Carry out site visit when required to discuss complaint with tenant. 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

Scheduler

Location: Skelmersdale

Job Type: Clerical & Administration

Application Deadline: 19-01-2026

🔧 About the Role:We are looking for a highly organised and proactive Scheduler to join our responsive repairs and social housing works team. Based in our Skelmersdale office, you’ll be responsible for coordinating repair appointments, ensuring efficient service delivery, and supporting our commitment to excellent customer care.This is a full-time, office-based role working Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.💼 Key Responsibilities: Schedule and allocate repair jobs to operatives based on availability and location Liaise with tenants, contractors, and internal teams to confirm appointments Monitor job progress and update systems accordingly Handle queries and resolve scheduling conflicts efficiently Maintain accurate records and support reporting requirements🎯 What We’re Looking For: Experience in scheduling, ideally within social housing or property maintenance Excellent organisational and communication skills Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage competing priorities Proficiency in scheduling software and Microsoft Office A customer-focused approach with a commitment to service excellence🌟 Benefits: Competitive salary Pension scheme Opportunities for training and development Supportive and collaborative team environmentGiven 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

Planner

Location: Walton-On-Thames

Job Type: Clerical & Administration

Application Deadline: 05-01-2026

🌟 We're Hiring: Planner – WPS – Walton-on-Thames 🌟📍 Location: Walton-on-Thames🕒 Type: Full-time 💼 About the Role:Are you a master of organisation and love keeping things running smoothly? 🧩We’re looking for a Planner to join our buzzing WPS team in Walton-on-Thames! 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 ⚠️ 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 ✅ A clean driving licence is a bonus!🌈 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

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