Maintenance Operative in Hove

Maintenance Operative in Hove

Hove Full-Time 30000 - 30000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage maintenance and safety across seven nursery sites while prioritising your workload.
  • Company: Join a growing children's nursery group that values inclusivity and support.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 50% childcare discount, mental health support, and career development opportunities.
  • Other info: Flexible hours, company tools provided, and a supportive team culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's environments while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in maintenance preferred, but training is available for the right candidate.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.

This is an opportunity to join a growing children’s nursery group. You’ll take ownership of the day-to-day maintenance, presentation and safety of our seven nursery sites, managing your own workload and making decisions about how best to prioritise and complete works.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, 7.5 hours per day Monday to Friday

Location: 7 Nursery locations in Sussex

Holiday: 28 days including 8 statutory holidays, 3 days entitlement to be taken at Christmas

Salary: £28-30k per annum

Probation period: 3 months from start date

Notice period: One calendar month

Reports to: Estates Manager

About the role: Working closely with the Estates Manager, you will be responsible for general upkeep and maintenance of all sites. Depending on experience, this could involve plumbing, basic electrical work, carpentry, painting and decorating or groundskeeping. The role also includes Health & Safety and compliance management which might include monitoring i.e. fire alarms, emergency lighting, legionella and more.

Qualifications in any of the above would be ideal, but we’re looking for the right person over the right experience, so training can be provided where necessary! Good communication is our top priority! You will need to communicate with staff, children and parents to ensure everyone’s safety; you will communicate with Nursery Managers to understand their requirements and to properly plan how and when work will take place; and you will communicate clearly with the Estates Manager so that the whole maintenance team knows the status of ongoing work.

You’ll ideally be comfortable working independently and making your own decisions. Jobs will be assigned by the Estates Manager via the FaultFixers app, but it will be up to you to prioritise how and when tasks are completed. A basic level of IT skill is expected.

We expect a good working knowledge of Health & Safety to begin with, but a willingness to learn nursery-specific safety practices and take part in H&S courses where necessary. We are an inclusive, welcoming and supportive employer and there will be opportunity for further professional development and to grow with the company. There is scope to take on more hours, and responsibilities as well as the possibility of working with a Maintenance Apprentice later down the line.

We will provide you with your own set of basic tools, and you will have access to a bank of other equipment as well as access to trade accounts (Screwfix, Howdens etc.) to purchase any consumables and other tools that you require. A full UK driving licence and own vehicle is absolutely essential.

Requirements:

  • Full clean UK Driving Licence
  • DBS checked to enhanced level and minimum of 2 satisfactory relevant references
  • Knowledge of workplace health & safety policies and procedures
  • Always ensuring safe nursery environments are maintained for our children and staff
  • Ability to work in busy nursery environments with care, attention and discretion and caution
  • Enterprise, initiative and resourcefulness – and a positive ‘can do’ attitude
  • Travel in and around Brighton & Hove and Sussex areas
  • Organised with time-management skills and managing workloads
  • Personable and well-presented
  • Strong communication skills – in person and digitally
  • Minimum 2yrs experience in a similar role
  • Basic ICT skills - ability to use email, internet and Microsoft Office
  • Strong attention to detail

Main Duties:

  • Overall estate management for 7 children’s nursery sites
  • General repairs and maintenance jobs including painting & decorating
  • Garden work and outdoor cleaning
  • Legal compliance
  • Health and Safety tasks such as legionella testing, emergency lighting tests etc.
  • Clearing and disposal of rubbish and old equipment
  • Replacement of lights (bulbs) and fittings (not electric work unless certified to do so)
  • Basic plumbing (drainage, sinks, toilets, leaks etc)
  • Equipment installation, maintenance and safety checks i.e. white goods, play equipment etc.
  • Occasional work directly with maintenance manager and outside contractors on larger jobs and projects
  • Jointly accountable for health, safety and cleanliness across Hopscotch nurseries and grounds
  • Support the roll-out, building, and maintenance of environmental sustainability initiatives across Hopscotch sites

This list is not exhaustive.

Other information:

  • Company credit card provided for purchases
  • Basic tools provided
  • Own vehicle required – mileage/fuel to be reimbursed on a monthly basis
  • Occasional out-of-hours work in evenings and weekends, paid as overtime
  • Company phone and laptop/tablet provided

Benefits:

  • 50% Childcare Discount
  • Employee Assistance Programme for Staff Mental Health Wellbeing and Support.
  • Regular Socials for all Nursery Teams to foster a supportive community.
  • Well-Established Career Path and Training Opportunities for professional growth.

How to Apply: Please apply with your CV today! Hopscotch is an equal opportunity employer, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Maintenance Operative in Hove employer: HOPSCOTCH

Hopscotch Women’s Centre is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering vulnerable Black and Minoritised Ethnic women in Camden through person-centred and trauma-informed services. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and professional growth, ensuring that every team member can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. With opportunities for outreach and engagement, you will be part of a dynamic team committed to social justice and the well-being of those we serve.

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Contact Details:

HOPSCOTCH Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Maintenance Operative in Hove

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 Hove

General Maintenance
Plumbing
Basic Electrical Work
Carpentry
Painting and Decorating
Groundskeeping
Health & Safety Compliance

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 HOPSCOTCH'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 HOPSCOTCH. 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 HOPSCOTCH

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 HOPSCOTCH.