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?

Multi Trader

Location: Hammersmith

Job Type: Trades and Labour

Application Deadline: 09-02-2026

📍 Based in Hammersmith🔨 Multi Trader – (Responsive Maintenance)Make an Impact with WPS – Supporting Communities Through Quality MaintenanceWPS is looking for a skilled Multi Trader to join our Responsive Maintenance team, operating from our Hammersmith office. In this role, you’ll provide essential reactive maintenance services to residents as part of a social housing contract, helping us maintain safe and comfortable homes.🔧 Your Role Perform repairs and renewals across a variety of properties. Identify when additional trades are required and communicate with your Supervisor. Work independently or as part of a team to complete tasks efficiently. Accurately complete daily work sheets, noting tasks and materials used. Ensure all work is completed to a high standard and within set timeframes.🚗 What We’re Looking For A full UK driving licence is essential. NVQ L2 qualification in a relevant trade. Solid experience in multi-trade work. High standards of workmanship and productivity. Strong communication and problem-solving abilities. A customer-focused approach and ability to meet deadlines.💬 Why Choose WPS?At WPS, we’re more than just a maintenance provider—we’re community builders. You’ll be part of a supportive, skilled team that values your contribution and encourages your growth. Join us in making a real difference in people’s lives.Ready to make an impact? Apply now and help us deliver quality maintenance services that truly matter.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

Operations Manager

Location: Finsbury Park

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 09-02-2026

🌟 We're Hiring: Operations Manager 📍 Location: Finsbury Park🏢 Division: South Responsive Maintenance💼 Salary: Competitive + Excellent Benefits📅 Start Date: ASAPAre you a dynamic leader with a passion for delivering high-quality maintenance services? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same? If so, we want to hear from you! 🙌 We’re on the lookout for an experienced Operations Manager to lead our South Responsive Maintenance Division, overseeing contracts worth up to £20 million per annum. This is your chance to make a real impact, drive performance, and shape the future of our service delivery. 🚀🔧 What You’ll Be Doing: Leading a high-performing team of Contract Managers, Supervisors, Operatives, and more 👷‍♂️👩‍💼 Managing and delivering responsive maintenance services to time, cost, and quality targets Driving operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and commercial success Ensuring compliance with Health & Safety and SHEQ standards Building strong client relationships and identifying new business opportunities Coaching and developing your team to achieve their full potential🧠 What You’ll Bring: Proven leadership in construction, building maintenance, or social housing (3+ years) HNC (or equivalent) in Construction or related field Strong commercial acumen and financial management skills Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organisational abilities A passion for customer service and continuous improvement Confidence in managing multiple projects and motivating diverse teams🚀 Why Join Us? Be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team Real opportunities for career progression – potential to grow into Operations Director or Regional Director roles Make a tangible difference in communities across the South Work in a collaborative, empowering environment where your voice matters📩 Ready to Apply?If you're ready to take the next step in your career and lead with purpose, we’d love to hear from you! Apply now and help us build better, safer, and more responsive homes. 🏡✨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

Resident Liaison Officer

Location: Hammersmith

Job Type: Customer Service

Application Deadline: 09-02-2026

📢 Resident Liaison Officer – Hammersmith & Fulham (Responsive Repairs)🏢 Company: WPS💰 Salary: Competitive, based on experienceWPS is seeking a proactive Resident Liaison Officer (RLO) to join our team supporting responsive maintenance services across Hammersmith and Fulham. This fast‑paced role focuses on providing excellent communication, customer care, and real‑time support to residents experiencing day‑to‑day repair issues.🔑 Key Responsibilities✅ Act as the first point of contact for residents regarding responsive repair queries✅ Manage real‑time updates, repair appointments, and access requirements✅ Communicate clearly with residents, operatives, and supervisors to ensure timely completion of works✅ Handle urgent concerns and complaints with empathy, professionalism, and a solutions‑focused approach✅ Maintain accurate records, update internal systems, and support compliance processes✅ Assist vulnerable residents by ensuring they are fully supported throughout the repair process🎯 Ideal Candidate✔ Experience working in responsive repairs or a similar customer‑facing role within social housing✔ Strong communication, organisation, and problem‑solving skills✔ Ability to stay calm and efficient in a fast‑paced, reactive environment✔ Works well both independently and within a team✔ Full UK driving licence (essential for travel between sites)✔ Understanding of social housing, resident needs, and effective service delivery✨ Why Join Us?• Join a supportive, growing team improving daily services for residents• Make a real impact by helping tenants feel safe, informed, and valued• Competitive salary and opportunities for long‑term career developmentGiven 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

Supervisor

Location: Finsbury Park

Job Type: Trades and Labour

Application Deadline: 09-02-2026

🌟 We're Hiring: Supervisor 🌟📍 Location: Finsbury Park💰 Salary: Competitive🏢 Contract Type: Full-timeAre you a natural leader with a passion for delivering high-quality maintenance services? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment and know how to get the best out of your team? If so, we want to hear from you!🔧 About the RoleWe’re looking for a Supervisor with a strong background in responsive repairs, who has a proven track record of managing operatives and delivering excellent service. In this role, you’ll support the Project Lead and manage a team of administrators, operatives, and subcontractors across workstreams including Voids, Disrepair, Day-to-Day Repairs, and Planned Works.You’ll drive performance, ensure service excellence, and uphold high standards of customer satisfaction. You’ll also step up to lead the contract when required—making this a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to grow into a senior leadership role.🗂️ Key Responsibilities• Lead and support your team to meet KPIs and service standards• Manage scheduling, inspections, and quality control• Conduct 1-2-1s, toolbox talks, and team meetings• Liaise with clients and produce performance reports• Oversee health & safety, ensuring compliance across all activities• Support onboarding, training, and development of staff🎯 What We’re Looking For• Background in responsive repairs with experience managing operatives• Strong leadership and communication skills• Solid understanding and competency in Health & Safety• Minimum SSSTS qualification, with SMSTS or IOSH preferred• Trade-related certifications (e.g., Asbestos Awareness, Scaffold Inspections)• Experience in housing maintenance and site management• Commercial awareness and ability to manage budgets• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and report writing• A proactive, supportive, and assertive approach• Must hold a valid UK driving licence🚀 Why Join Us?• Be part of a dynamic and supportive team• Opportunity for progression to Senior Supervisor or Contract/Operations Manager• Make a real impact in your community• Work in a collaborative environment where your ideas matter📩 Ready to Apply?If you're ready to take the next step in your career and lead with purpose, apply today and help us build better communities—one repair at a time.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