Maintenance Assistant - Full Time, Permanent in Sidcup

At Birchgrove, we create welcoming rental communities designed exclusively for people over 65, places where residents can feel comfortable, connected, and independent.

We are proud to be a Living Wage Employer and a Disability Confident Employer, and we are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.

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. 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.

• Proven experience in general maintenance, building services or a similar hands-on maintenance role.
• Strong practical maintenance skills, with confidence carrying out day-to-day repairs, minor installations and general upkeep.
• 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.
• Sensitivity and respect when working in residents' homes and private areas.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle would be desirable due to the travel required between sites.
• 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:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Opportunity for growth: We are committed to fostering professional development and providing opportunities for growth, investing in our employees' career progression. 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. Birchgrove is known as the leading company in its field within the UK.