The hiring process

Assistant Design Manager

Wates are looking for a Design Manager to join our Wales team, delivering high‑quality new homes for local communities.If you’re passionate about great design, enjoy working collaboratively, and have strong technical capability, this is an opportunity to challenge the norm, bring fresh ideas, and progress your career within a leading construction business. Join us and help create tomorrow, together.This is a fantastic opportunity to develop professionally as part of a talented, diverse and supportive team.ABOUT THE ROLEOur Design Managers are a valuable part of our business, driving quality outcomes, enhancing buildability and fostering innovation. Design Managers work collaboratively with our industry specialists and in-house technical experts to ensure that the design develops in accordance with the brief with a firm focus on added value, compliance, commercial viability, and best practice.As our Design Manager you will: Collaborate with all relevant internal and external stakeholders to produce and manage a realistic design programme and information requirements schedule that supports design, procurement, and construction activities. Support the delivery of Continuous Improvement initiatives and drive innovation across projects. Ensure designs are robustly reviewed and verified to achieve compliance and mitigate Health & Safety, design, and buildability risks prior to construction. Identify and manage key risks and opportunities at each stage of the design and delivery process. Promote quality, coordination, and buildability from concept through to delivery.WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade) Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates) Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more… One of the best learning and development programmes which is customizable to support your career progression goals. (c.7000 training sessions delivered year to date across the WATES Group) Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity.To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/

Commercial Manager

WPS has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Commercial Manager to join our Responsive Maintenance team, supporting the delivery of high‑volume social housing repairs and maintenance contracts across the West Midlands.This role is critical to the commercial success of the business, with responsibility for commercial performance, governance and team leadership across a diverse portfolio of responsive works. You will work closely with operational and client teams to ensure contracts are delivered safely, compliantly and profitably while maintaining excellent client relationships.Scope of Works Includes: Internal responsive repairs and maintenance External responsive works Heating, gas and compliance-related worksKey Responsibilities: Provide strong commercial leadership across responsive maintenance contracts Full responsibility for cost control, forecasting, valuations, variations and final accounts Manage and develop a team of commercial professionals / direct reports Work closely with Operations to support efficient and profitable service delivery Ensure robust commercial governance and adherence to company procedures Support the management of risk, change control and margin protection Build and maintain effective working relationships with social housing clients Contribute to contract reviews, client meetings and performance reporting Drive continuous improvement across commercial processes and performanceAbout You: Proven experience in a Commercial Manager role within social housing Strong background in responsive repairs and maintenance Experience covering internal, external, heating and compliance workstreams Demonstrable experience managing and developing a commercial team High level of commercial acumen with strong understanding of cost, risk and value Ideally from a Tier 1 contractor environment Confident communicator, comfortable working with senior stakeholders and clientsWhat We Offer: Competitive salary and benefits package Opportunity to work on high‑volume, long‑term social housing contracts Exposure to complex, fast‑paced responsive maintenance environments Clear career progression within a leading property services business Supportive team culture with a strong focus on developmentWhy WPS?WPS is a trusted partner to social housing providers, delivering essential responsive maintenance services at scale. This role offers the opportunity to play a key part in the commercial leadership of a major regional operation within a respected Tier 1 organisation.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

Compliance Manager

WPS is seeking an experienced Compliance Manager to support and oversee social housing planned maintenance programmes across the West Midlands.This is a key role within our housing maintenance operation, ensuring that all planned works are delivered in full compliance with statutory, regulatory, contractual and internal requirements, while supporting operational teams to maintain the highest standards of safety, quality and resident experience.You will work closely with Project Managers, Contract Managers, SHEQ and commercial teams, providing assurance across a wide range of planned maintenance and upgrade programmes delivered to occupied social housing properties.Key Responsibilities Oversee and manage compliance across planned maintenance programmes within social housing Ensure adherence to statutory and regulatory requirements including building safety, fire safety, gas, electrical and wider compliance obligations Support project and contract teams to embed compliance into day‑to‑day delivery Monitor, audit and report on compliance performance across multiple projects and workstreams Maintain accurate compliance records, certification and documentation Support internal and external audits, inspections and client reviews Work collaboratively with SHEQ teams to drive continuous improvement and best practice Act as a key point of contact for compliance‑related queries from operational teams and clientsAbout You Proven experience in a Compliance Manager or senior compliance role Background within social housing, planned maintenance, property services or construction Strong understanding of compliance frameworks within housing maintenance and planned works Experience working across occupied properties and live programmes Confident engaging with operational teams, clients and senior stakeholders Highly organised, detail‑focused and able to manage multiple programmes simultaneously Strong reporting, audit and communication skillsDesirable Experience Experience working within a Tier 1 contractor or large housing maintenance provider Knowledge of building safety and compliance regimes within social housing Experience supporting planned programmes such as kitchens, bathrooms, heating and major worksWhat We Offer Competitive salary and benefits package Long‑term, stable social housing programmes Opportunity to play a critical role in maintaining resident safety and service excellence Career development within a growing housing maintenance businessGiven 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

Contract Manager

🌟 Join WPS as a Contract Manager – Heating & Compliance (H&C)📍 Location: West Midlands💼 Type: Full-Time, Permanent💰 Salary: CompetitiveAre you an experienced leader with a passion for delivering exceptional heating and compliance services? WPS is seeking a Contract Manager to oversee our Heating & Compliance (H&C) operations across the West Midlands.🔧 What You’ll Be Doing• Lead and motivate a high-performing team of Supervisors, Engineers, Planners and Administrators.• Ensure safe, compliant and profitable delivery of H&C contracts while maintaining consistently high service standards.• Oversee operational performance, resource planning, scheduling, and client satisfaction across all workstreams.• Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence through effective reporting, risk management, and strategic planning.• Work closely with Commercial and Business Development teams to support growth, mobilisation and retention of contracts.• Champion SHEQ standards, fostering a culture of safety, integrity and customer focus.📈 Key Responsibilities• Day-to-day management of Heating & Compliance operations across your contract area.• Financial control including operating budgets, forecasting and cost management.• Team leadership including performance reviews, onboarding, coaching and development.• Building strong client relationships, delivering KPIs, and resolving escalated issues.• Producing monthly reports, analysing performance data and contributing to wider business strategy.• Ensuring heating compliance is consistently met, including gas safety, electrical safety and associated regulations.🎯 What We’re Looking For• Qualifications: HNC (or equivalent) in Construction or Building Services; SMSTS/IOSH.• Experience: Minimum 3 years’ experience managing a successful operational team within heating, compliance, building services or social housing.• Skills: Strong leadership, financial awareness, excellent communication, and sound planning/project management.• Knowledge: Compliance legislation (e.g., gas, electrical & heating regulations) Social housing maintenance KPI delivery and contract mobilisation SHEQ requirements and best practice🚀 Why Join WPS?• Be part of a growing, forward-thinking team committed to excellence.• Real opportunities for progression – to Operations Manager, Operations Director or Regional Director.• The chance to shape and enhance essential compliance services impacting thousands of homes.• A supportive, collaborative and empowering working environment where your leadership makes a difference.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