At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate and support a team delivering reactive repairs in occupied homes.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on efficient domestic repairs.
- Benefits: Office-based role with opportunities for career progression and skill utilisation.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a direct impact on resident satisfaction.
- Why this job: Use your trade knowledge while enjoying a stable office environment.
- Qualifications: Trade background with experience in reactive domestic repairs and strong admin skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Are you a tradesperson working in reactive domestic repairs who’s ready to come off the tools — but still use your trade knowledge every day? We’re looking for a Repairs Controller to coordinate and support a team of operatives delivering reactive repairs in occupied homes. This is a fully office-based role where your understanding of day-to-day repairs, access issues, and right-first-time working is just as important as strong admin and IT skills.
You’ll be the main point of contact for a team of trade operatives (plumbers, electricians, carpenters, plasterers), helping jobs stay on track, resolving issues as they arise, and reducing repeat visits.
The Role
The purpose of the role is to keep reactive repairs moving efficiently from first visit through to completion. You’ll support operatives in real time, deal with issues as they occur, keep systems accurate and up to date, and ensure residents and clients are kept informed. This role suits someone who understands the pressures of reactive repairs — last-minute changes, access problems, parts shortages, and resident expectations — and can manage these effectively from an office environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Running and managing daily reactive repair schedules for a team of operatives
- Acting as the main point of contact for operatives throughout the day
- Liaising with residents and clients (local authorities and housing associations) by phone, email, and live chat
- Providing technical guidance to operatives to help complete jobs right first time
- Reacting quickly to access issues, variations, and unforeseen problems
- Arranging parts and materials, including click & collect where required
- Accurately logging, updating, and tracking reactive repair jobs on the job management system
- Ensuring all job notes, updates, outcomes, and follow-on actions are properly recorded
- Monitoring job progress and escalating issues where required
Essential Skills & Experience
- Trade background essential, with experience in reactive domestic repairs
- A tradesperson looking to move into a permanent, office-based role
- Strong administration and organisational skills
- Excellent IT skills – confident updating repair systems, emails, and working across multiple screens
- Clear and professional communication skills with operatives, residents, and clients
- Ability to manage multiple live jobs in a fast-paced environment
- Calm, solutions-focused approach under pressure
Why This Role?
- A genuine opportunity to come off the tools without losing your trade knowledge
- Office-based role using real-world repairs experience
- Direct impact on repair performance, resident satisfaction, and right-first-time outcomes
- Clear progression into senior scheduling, operations, or management roles
Repairs Controller - Ex Trade Person in Houghton Regis employer: Gilmartins
Join a dynamic team where your trade expertise is valued and utilised in a supportive office environment. We offer a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth, with clear pathways to advance into senior roles within scheduling or operations. Enjoy the satisfaction of making a direct impact on repair performance and resident satisfaction while working in a role that allows you to leverage your skills without being on-site.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Repairs Controller - Ex Trade Person in Houghton Regis
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a Repairs Controller role. Sometimes, the best opportunities come from a friendly chat rather than a job board.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your communication skills. As you'll be liaising with operatives and residents, practice clear and professional communication. Maybe even role-play some scenarios with a mate to get comfortable!
✨Tip Number 3
Get familiar with job management systems. If you haven't used one before, check out online tutorials or ask around. Being tech-savvy will give you an edge when it comes to logging and tracking jobs efficiently.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested. Plus, it shows you're proactive and keen to join our team. Don't miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Repairs Controller - Ex Trade Person in Houghton Regis
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Trade Knowledge:Make sure to highlight your trade background in your application. We want to see how your hands-on experience with reactive domestic repairs can translate into this office-based role. Share specific examples of challenges you've faced and how you resolved them!
Keep It Organised:Since this role involves managing multiple jobs, demonstrate your strong admin skills in your application. Use bullet points or clear sections to make it easy for us to see how organised you are. A tidy application reflects a tidy mind!
Communicate Clearly:Your communication skills are key in this role, so make sure your application is clear and professional. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We want to see that you can convey information effectively, just like you would with residents and clients.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the position right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gilmartins
✨Know Your Trade Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your trade knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific repair scenarios and how you would handle them, as this role relies heavily on your understanding of reactive repairs.
✨Show Off Your Admin Skills
Since this is an office-based role, highlight your organisational and IT skills. Bring examples of how you've managed schedules or tracked jobs in the past, and be prepared to demonstrate your proficiency with job management systems.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and professionally. You’ll need to liaise with operatives, residents, and clients, so showcasing your communication skills during the interview will be crucial.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Be ready to discuss how you handle stressful situations, like last-minute changes or access issues. Share examples from your experience that demonstrate your calm, solutions-focused approach to problem-solving.