Senior Caretaker

Help create safe, welcoming estates for our residents - be a key part of the team that keeps our communities thriving. At the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, we’re all in - working together to support our communities and provide high-quality services that make a difference. As a Senior Caretaker, you’ll help ensure that our housing estates are clean, safe and well looked after - places where residents feel secure and proud to live.

Working Style: You’ll be based in the Borough for five days a week, playing a key role in serving the local community. Whether you’re working on the frontline or behind the scenes, you’ll be part of a dedicated team making a real difference to residents’ lives.

What you’ll be doing: This is a hands-on, people-focused role where no two days are the same. You’ll be a familiar, reassuring presence across our estates - making sure communal spaces are tidy and secure, identifying and responding to any health and safety issues and stepping in to resolve urgent problems as they arise. You’ll take the lead in supporting a team of caretakers, keeping in regular contact to monitor timekeeping, work quality and service delivery. If someone’s off sick or there’s a sudden clearance or block emergency, you’ll coordinate resources, reassign tasks and step in where needed to keep everything running smoothly. From inspecting play areas and assisting with minor repairs to managing supplies and keeping our stores secure, you’ll help make sure estates are safe, functional and welcoming for all who live there. You’ll also be the first point of contact for building access and liaise with emergency services when required - playing a vital role in keeping residents and colleagues informed and supported.

Clear communication is essential - whether you’re talking to your team, speaking with residents, or reporting incidents. And because you’ll often be the first on the scene, your calm and capable presence makes all the difference.

What you’ll bring: You’ll have solid experience in estate or facilities management, with a strong sense of personal responsibility and a clear understanding of what great service looks like. You’re reliable, resilient and practical - someone who can stay calm under pressure and respond quickly to problems. You’ll be confident managing your own time and workload while supporting others, showing good judgement, initiative and adaptability. You’ll also bring a mix of practical and interpersonal skills: basic literacy, numeracy and IT; the ability to inspect outdoor areas and carry out safe manual handling; and excellent communication, especially when dealing with residents in a helpful and respectful way. This role is ideal for someone with a genuine sense of community who takes pride in keeping spaces clean, safe and cared for. Whether your background is in housing, the public sector, NHS estates, or facilities management, you’ll bring a can-do attitude and a commitment to teamwork.

Why join us: At RBKC, we’re all in - investing in our people, our communities and our future. You’ll join a close-knit, supportive team where collaboration is key and every role counts. In return for your dedication, we offer a competitive salary, access to training and real opportunities to grow your career - including the chance to take on lead responsibilities and progress into more senior roles. This role gives you the chance to make a real impact in a high-profile London borough, where the standards are high and the work is meaningful. If you’re someone who thrives in a challenging, fast-paced environment and wants to help create safe, well-maintained spaces for others, this could be the role for you.

About us: Kensington and Chelsea is home to diverse communities, thriving businesses and unique local places. Everything we do is focused on supporting our residents, strengthening our approach and creating a fairer borough. As a competent and caring Council, we take pride in our work every day, ensuring our services are delivered with care and competence. We listen to our residents, act with integrity and work together to build a borough that is greener, safer and fairer for all. In this role, you’ll fully embody our "we’re all in" mindset. Whether you’re responding to urgent issues, covering for a colleague, or simply making sure estates are clean and ready for the day ahead, your contribution is vital. It’s a role where you’ll be hands-on, make a difference and see the positive impact of your work every day.

Interview Details and Role Requirements: Interviews will be held week commencing 23rd June 2026. This role requires a basic DBS check.

Ready to join us? We’re all in - are you? If you share our values and have the skills to contribute, we’d love to hear from you.