At a Glance
- Tasks: Perform diverse maintenance tasks and ensure a welcoming environment for residents.
- Company: Leading Build to Rent operator in a thriving residential community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, discretionary bonus, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with variety and excellent career development potential.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real difference in residents' lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in maintenance and strong customer service skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36720 - 44880 £ per year.
Location: Cambridge
Salary: £32,000 + Discretionary Bonus
Hours: Full-time | 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday (with flexibility to support business needs)
The Opportunity
We are recruiting on behalf of a leading Build to Rent (BTR) operator for a Maintenance Operative to join a thriving residential community in Cambridge. This is a fantastic opportunity for a multi-skilled maintenance professional who enjoys working in a customer-focused environment and takes pride in delivering high standards. You'll play a key role in ensuring residents enjoy a safe, well-maintained and welcoming place to call home. Working closely with the Facilities Manager and wider site team, you'll be responsible for planned and reactive maintenance, preparing apartments for new residents, supporting statutory compliance and helping maintain exceptional communal spaces. No two days are the same, making this an ideal role for someone who enjoys variety, problem-solving and providing excellent customer service alongside their technical skills.
Key Responsibilities
- Planned & Reactive Maintenance
- Complete planned preventative maintenance (PPM) in line with statutory requirements.
- Carry out compliance checks including fire safety, water hygiene, electrical and other building systems.
- Respond promptly to reactive maintenance requests, aiming for first-time fixes wherever possible.
- Undertake a range of maintenance works including:
- Painting & decorating
- Basic plumbing
- Minor joinery
- Plastering
- General building repairs
- Conduct routine inspections of apartments, communal areas and resident amenities, identifying issues before they become problems.
- Apartment Turnarounds
- Prepare apartments to an exceptional standard for new residents.
- Complete make-ready works between tenancies within agreed turnaround times.
- Assist with furniture assembly, movement and inventory where required.
- Health & Safety & Compliance
- Ensure all maintenance activities are completed safely and in accordance with current legislation.
- Maintain accurate maintenance and compliance records using CAFM/property management systems.
- Support the Facilities Manager with risk assessments, statutory compliance and site inspections.
- Report hazards and ensure remedial works are completed promptly.
- Resident Experience
- Deliver a professional, friendly and customer-focused service during every resident interaction.
- Communicate clearly with residents regarding maintenance appointments and ongoing works.
- Take ownership of maintenance issues through to completion, ensuring residents remain informed throughout.
- Site Presentation
- Help maintain high presentation standards across all communal areas and resident amenities.
- Support with the setup and maintenance of amenity spaces for resident events.
- Identify and report cleanliness or maintenance issues across the development.
- Stock & Contractor Management
- Assist in managing maintenance stock, tools and consumables.
- Accurately record completed works and materials used.
- Build positive working relationships with contractors and suppliers while ensuring work is completed to a high standard.
- General Duties
- Provide clear handovers between colleagues where required.
- Support additional maintenance projects across the development.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
- Act as a positive ambassador for the development and contribute to creating an outstanding resident experience.
About You
We're looking for someone who is practical, proactive and passionate about delivering exceptional standards.
Essential
- Previous experience as a Maintenance Operative, Fabric Technician, Handyperson or Multi-Trader.
- Multi-skilled experience across several trades, including painting & decorating, plumbing, joinery, plastering or general maintenance.
- Good understanding of planned preventative maintenance and Health & Safety legislation.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Able to work independently and manage your own workload.
- Strong attention to detail with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Comfortable using maintenance management or CAFM systems.
- Good written and spoken English.
Desirable
- Experience within Build to Rent (BTR), PBSA, residential property, hotels or hospitality.
- Relevant trade qualification (NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent).
- Experience using systems such as Yardi, FixFlo or other CAFM/property management platforms.
What's on Offer
- Salary of £32,000
- Discretionary bonus
- Monday to Friday working pattern
- Opportunity to join a growing Build to Rent operator
- Supportive team environment
- Ongoing training and career development
- The chance to work within one of the UK's fastest-growing residential sectors
Maintenance Operative in Cambridge employer: Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd
Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation in the heart of South East London. Employees benefit from competitive remuneration packages, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to lead impactful large-scale residential projects, making it a rewarding environment for those seeking meaningful contributions in their careers.
Contact Details:
Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Maintenance Operative in Cambridge
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Maintenance Operative in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd.