Field Maintenance Operative in London

The Company

At Birchgrove, we create welcoming rental communities designed exclusively for people over 65, places where residents can feel comfortable, connected, and independent. Our work is about more than just buildings; it's about people. We put residents and colleagues at the heart of everything we do, making a meaningful difference every day. We're proud to be a Living Wage Employer and a Disability Confident Employer, and we're committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.

The Role

As the Field Maintenance Operative, you will play an important role in ensuring our Birchgrove communities are safe, well-maintained and compliant with all relevant legislation. Working to Birchgrove's SLAs and maintenance standards, this role will support two of our neighbourhoods: Ayrton House in Mill Hill and Queensgate in Sidcup. You will work across both sites on set days each week, carrying out planned and reactive maintenance, supporting compliance checks, overseeing contractors where required, and helping to ensure our residents and colleagues receive an excellent level of service. Travel costs between sites will be covered, with the closest site to your home treated as your starting point for travel purposes. This opportunity would suit someone who lives close to one of the sites, or somewhere between Mill Hill and Sidcup, and who is comfortable travelling between both locations as part of their working week. You will work closely with the Estates Manager, General Managers and wider neighbourhood teams to support the smooth day-to-day running of both developments, helping to create safe, comfortable and welcoming homes for our residents.

The Person

The ideal applicant should ideally have:

• Proven experience in general maintenance, building services or a similar hands-on maintenance role.
• Experience working across multiple sites or the ability to manage a varied workload in different locations.
• A good understanding of health and safety requirements and safe systems of work.
• Strong practical maintenance skills, with confidence carrying out day-to-day repairs, minor installations and general upkeep.
• The ability to plan, prioritise and manage tasks effectively.
• A professional, approachable and helpful manner when working with residents, colleagues and contractors.
• Good communication skills and the ability to provide clear updates on maintenance issues.
• A proactive, reliable and self-motivated approach.
• Sensitivity and respect when working in residents' homes and private areas.
• Flexibility and a positive, can-do attitude.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle would be desirable due to the travel required between sites.

Desirable experience or qualifications include:

• A relevant trade qualification, such as City & Guilds or NVQ in Building Maintenance, Plumbing, Electrical or a related discipline.
• Experience within retirement living, residential, care, housing or hospitality environments.
• Knowledge of COSHH, legionella, fire safety requirements and statutory compliance checks.
• Fire door inspection and maintenance training.
• Man-safe training and harness inspection experience.

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities will include:

• Carry out day-to-day repairs, maintenance and minor installations across Ayrton House and Queensgate.
• Complete planned preventative maintenance tasks and compliance checks in line with Birchgrove's required schedules.
• Complete weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual testing, ensuring records are completed accurately and uploaded to the appropriate systems, including Fixflo and the Birchgrove server.
• Respond promptly and professionally to maintenance requests from residents and colleagues, working in line with Birchgrove's service standards.
• Conduct regular checks of key systems including fire alarms, emergency lighting, heating, water systems and other building services.
• Support compliance with statutory testing requirements, including legionella testing and PAT testing where required.
• Carry out regular inspections to identify and report hazards, faults or areas requiring attention.
• Ensure maintenance work is completed safely, efficiently and to a high professional standard.
• Liaise with and oversee external contractors for specialist works, servicing and repairs.
• Ensure contractors work safely and professionally, following Birchgrove's contractor management procedures.
• Check that contracted works are completed to the required specification and within agreed timeframes.
• Communicate clearly with residents, colleagues and managers regarding maintenance updates and expected timeframes.
• Maintain confidentiality, dignity and sensitivity when working in residents' apartments or private areas.
• Support the presentation of communal areas, gardens and external spaces, ensuring they remain safe, tidy and well maintained.
• Assist with preparing apartments, communal spaces or facilities for new residents, events or operational requirements.
• Log defects, follow-up works and inspection findings through Fixflo, ensuring actions are tracked and completed.
• Complete all required eLearning and training in a timely manner.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned by the Estates Manager, General Manager or senior team to support the smooth operation of Birchgrove's neighbourhoods.

Why Work for us

Opportunity for growth: We are committed to fostering professional development and providing opportunities for growth investing in our employees' career progression. We foster a collaborative and innovative culture where ideas are valued, and creativity is encouraged. We believe in working together as a team to solve challenges and drive innovation all whilst having real autonomy of role. Birchgrove is dedicated to making a positive impact on our residents and the community. As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to work on projects that have a real and meaningful impact. Competitive compensation and benefits including health care cash back and electric car scheme. We believe in the power of diversity and inclusion. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where individuals from all backgrounds and experiences are welcome and valued. Birchgrove is known as the leading company in its field within the UK. Joining our team means being part of a reputable and respected organisation. We are passionate about what we do and are looking for individuals who share our values and vision. If you are seeking a fulfilling career and a positive work environment, we encourage you to apply and become a part of our dynamic team.