At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to maintain and improve building fabric in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Be part of the UK's largest employee-owned business, John Lewis & Partners.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and fantastic discounts at John Lewis and Waitrose.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a focus on work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while learning new skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Construction or engineering experience is essential; safety knowledge is a must.
The predicted salary is between 32400 - 40900 £ per year.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This role will be based at either our Fenny Lock National Distribution Centre or our Magna Park National Distribution Centre. The salary range for this role is set at £32,400 - £40,900. The position requires 42 hours per week and follows a DuPont shift schedule: a 4‑week pattern of 14 × 12.5‑hour shifts (combining day and night shifts from 05:45 to 18:15 / 17:45 to 06:15) in one rotation cycle of 28 days, including 7 consecutive days off. Additionally, any time worked between 18:00 and 22:00 attracts an Evening Premium of £2.75 per hour, and between 22:00 and 06:00 a Night Premium of £3.75 per hour. These premiums also apply to existing Partners on Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements.
As an integrated part of the Campus Engineering Team, Fabric Engineers support both shift and technical teams by delivering in‑house planned, reactive, remedial and improvement tasks. Building fabric maintenance and value‑added change‑work delivery are essential to the continually developing automated environment across the campus; completing such work internally with talented Partners contributes to campus engineering business objectives.
Day to day you will:
- Internal delivery of planned maintenance, reactive and remedial regimes, including exposure to project activity, reducing / eliminating external contractor dependence in a 24‑hour environment where SLA is often business‑critical.
- Ability and desire to learn new skills relating to campus asset maintenance and repairs, including inspection regimes, record‑keeping, plumbing, sanitary systems, painting, external site maintenance, yard disciplines etc.
- Achieving first‑fix on building fabric, fixtures and equipment, supporting the Engineering Technician team, demonstrating the following skillsets:
- Action change‑work in the branch within agreed hours.
- Understand and use the IT Systems to action and facilitate work.
- Maintain effective communication links with the Engineering Shift Managers.
- Resolve operational issues promptly, courteously and effectively.
Benefits of working as a Partner:
- Excellent work life balance, including focus on well being and flexible working and our market leading equal parenthood leave policy.
- Full‑time working holiday entitlement of 15.5 days holiday (based on average 3.5 days working week) which increases with service, plus bank holidays.
- Defined Contribution pension scheme where your contributions will be matched by the Partnership (up to 8% of pay). After three years’ service, you’ll receive an additional Partnership contribution of 4% of pay, regardless of whether you pay in or not.
- You’ll get Partnership discount in store and online once you complete your Earning Membership period. That’s 25% off in John Lewis (12% off electrical products, some exclusions apply) and 20% in Waitrose (some exclusions apply). You’ll also be able to nominate someone you live with to share your discount.
- Subsidised meals while working and full access to our subsidised dining room serving hot and cold meals throughout the day.
- Free on site hot drinks & fruit.
- Free on site parking.
- Cycle to work support scheme.
Essential skills you’ll need:
- Strong vocational background with proven construction / engineering experience.
- A comprehensive understanding of Health & Safety legislation in a commercial and industrial environment is expected.
What else you could bring:
- Apprenticeship-served (CITB, CGLI or equivalent).
- CSCS accreditation.
- IPAF & PASMA, Working at Height trained.
- First‑Aid qualified.
- IOSH / NEBOSH.
Closing Date: May 31, 2026
Pay: £32,400.00 - £40,900.00 Annual
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: Various full‑time hours required
Job Level: Partnership Level 10
Where You’ll Be Working: Fenny Lock Distribution Centre (John Lewis & Partners), Bletcham Way, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK1 1QA
ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP
We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us. We’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food‑lovers in Waitrose. As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect. We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we’re free to be ourselves and can THRIVE. Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective. As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.
Important points to note:
It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre‑employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third‑party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles. We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants. We want all of our Partners to have a good work‑life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.
Fabric Engineer in Milton Keynes employer: Dormont Manufacturing Co
At John Lewis & Partners, we pride ourselves on being the largest employee-owned business in the UK, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises well-being and work-life balance. As a Fabric Engineer, you'll benefit from competitive pay, generous holiday entitlement, and a range of perks including discounts at our stores, subsidised meals, and opportunities for personal growth within a dynamic engineering team. Join us in a role where your contributions are valued, and together we can build a happier world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fabric Engineer in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at John Lewis and Waitrose on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the role and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to fabric engineering. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the job description. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Bring examples of your work or projects that highlight your construction and engineering experience. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your hands-on abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Partnership!
We think you need these skills to ace Fabric Engineer in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Fabric Engineer role. Highlight your construction and engineering experience, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications like CSCS or IPAF. We want to see how your skills match what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention your understanding of Health & Safety legislation, as it’s super important in our environment.
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Effective communication is key in this role. In your application, give examples of how you've resolved operational issues or worked with teams in the past. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their ability to communicate clearly and effectively!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s quick and easy, plus you’ll get all the latest updates on your application status. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join us at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dormont Manufacturing Co
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your construction and engineering knowledge. Familiarise yourself with the specific skills mentioned in the job description, like plumbing and building fabric maintenance. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Health & Safety First
Since this role requires a solid understanding of Health & Safety legislation, be prepared to discuss how you've applied these principles in past roles. Think of specific examples where you ensured safety standards were met, as this will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This position is all about collaboration with the Engineering Technician team and shift managers. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in teams before. Highlight your communication skills and how you resolve operational issues promptly and courteously.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the DuPont shift schedule or how the team handles maintenance tasks. Asking insightful questions shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.