Graduate Management Trainee

Join to apply for the Graduate Management Trainee role at Mears Group PLC

Salary: Up to £35,000

Location: London and the South East (Willingness to travel)

At Mears, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We deliver essential housing repairs and maintenance services that keep homes safe, warm, and comfortable — with a strong commitment to quality, community, and continuous improvement. Joining us means playing a hands-on role in a business that is changing lives while developing your own skills, experience, and career pathway into leadership.

Graduate Management Trainee — Start date: November 2025

We are seeking a Graduate Management Trainee to join our Housing Repairs & Maintenance team. This role is designed to fast-track your development, giving you direct exposure to senior leaders, involvement in live projects, and the tools and mentoring to help you step confidently into a management role.

You’ll play a key role in shaping the future of our housing repairs and maintenance service, bringing fresh ideas, energy, and commitment to delivering real improvements for our customers and communities.

About The Role

As a Graduate Management Trainee at Mears, build a broad understanding of how our housing repairs and maintenance service is delivered. Based within the Kent area, the role will offer you the opportunity to work nationally, gaining valuable insight and understanding of the wider business. You will also be mentored by our Managing Director and supported by a range of experienced professionals to develop in the following areas:

• Strategic Contract Oversight
• Operational Delivery
• Financial acumen
• Leadership and Team Management
• Client & Community Engagement
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement
• Professional Development
• Change Management / transformation
• Procurement and business growth

To accompany your application, please submit a cover letter along with your CV, detailing your skills and why you think you would be suitable for this role. Failure to do so will result in your application being rejected.

You Will

• Work alongside our Senior Management Team, contributing to operational planning and decision-making.
• Support live housing maintenance projects, from planning stages through to delivery.
• Assist in managing budgets, resources, and contractor performance.
• Analyse data and produce reports that help identify trends and drive improvements.
• Collaborate with colleagues in customer service, technical, and compliance teams to resolve issues quickly and effectively.
• Participate in service reviews and suggest process improvements.
• Visit sites and housing stock to understand first-hand the operational challenges and successes.
• Develop your leadership skills by shadowing managers and taking ownership of small-scale initiatives.

This role offers variety, responsibility, and the opportunity to see the direct impact of your work on our customers and communities.

Key Criteria

We’re seeking motivated individuals who are ready to commit to a career in the housing sector. To be considered, you should have:

• A relevant undergraduate degree in Business Management, Housing Studies, Construction or Facilities Management (or similar) completed within the last 24 months.
• Strong IT skills, particularly in Excel, Outlook, and data management systems.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• The ability to work effectively under pressure, balancing multiple priorities.
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset with strong attention to detail.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel nationally to different sites when needed.
• Willlingness to relocate during the week for longer placement rotations in the second year of the programme.

Previous housing, property, or operational experience is beneficial but not essential — we value transferable skills and the right attitude.

Why Join Mears?

From day one, you’ll be part of a company that invests in your growth and believes in promoting from within. Our structured training programme, mentoring support, and varied work will give you the tools you need to succeed. You’ll have the chance to shape services that matter, work in a supportive and collaborative environment, and see the real-world results of your efforts in the communities we serve.

Benefits

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
• Company pension and life insurance
• Excellent training and career development opportunities
• Access to Mears Rewards – discounts on retail, leisure, and travel
• Share scheme participation
• Employee support and wellbeing services
• Volunteering leave for community projects
• Annual Mears Fun Day

All roles require entitlement to work within the UK; visa sponsorship is not offered. To drive a Mears vehicle, you must be over 21, have held your licence for more than 3 months, and have fewer than 9 points.

Candidates should be aware that all our roles are subject to Background, Identity & Security checks before commencement of employment.

Apply below or to discuss your application further; contact: Vickie Rudge

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We are a Disability Confident employer, support the Armed Forces Covenant, and promote social mobility. Questions about background information are optional and will not affect your ability to apply.

Location references: Brighton / Hove; Eastbourne / Hastings. This description reflects the role and responsibilities as published, and postings may be updated.