General Manager in Dover

Mears Group PLC is a leading provider of housing and care services in the UK. With a strong emphasis on social responsibility and community well-being, Mears specialises in delivering housing solutions, maintenance services, and care support to a diverse client base. The group’s expertise encompasses responsive repairs, planned maintenance, and housing management, contributing to the overall improvement of living conditions for individuals and communities. Mears Group is committed to fostering a positive impact on society, making it an attractive prospect for individuals seeking a career in a socially responsible and dynamic organisation. A career with Mears Group means putting people and customers at the heart of what you do, every day. Our culture is built on what we call our ‘Red Thread’ – the common values we share that make us what we are.

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced General Manager to oversee local Social Housing Repairs & Maintenance contract in Dover, ensuring the business operates on sound operational and commercial principles. This pivotal role will drive a high-performing culture, foster professional client relationships, and embed a customer-focused ethos across the team. You will provide clear leadership, mentoring, and motivation to the branch team, setting strategic targets and objectives and leading by example. Key responsibilities include developing sustainable client and stakeholder relationships, ensuring exceptional customer engagement, and maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations. You will manage performance against P&L targets, monitor KPIs, and uphold governance and risk management processes. Proficiency in business systems such as MCM, MSP, Dashboards, Workday, and compliance plans is essential. You will also embed company values and procedures through monthly Branch/Contract meetings, annual appraisals and annual staff surveys. If you are passionate about delivering efficient, high quality and high performing services, we would love to hear from you.

Essential Criteria:

• Demonstrable strong understanding of the principles of contract/project management.
• Experience of effectively leading and managing a team of Technical/Trades/Administrative staff.
• Ability to effectively manage, support and resolve personnel issues.
• Ability to work productively in a pressurised environment, acting decisively when faced with urgent issues while consistently maintaining a high level of service at all times.
• Having a genuine understanding of industry and service delivery to a range of clients.
• IT literate utilising Microsoft packages.
• Experience of managing in a Social Housing repairs and maintenance role.
• Experience of financial and commercial forecasting to include budgeting.
• Experience of working towards social value targets.
• Experience of developing sustainable client and stakeholder relationships.
• A proven track record in achieving, monitoring and managing performance targets.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence and challenge internally and externally.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workloads to achieve targets.
• Ability to proactively manage and analyse data.
• Management of complaints which are promptly resolved and dealt with appropriately.
• Detailed and up to date knowledge of health and safety practices.
• UK full current driving licence.

Preferred Criteria:

• SMSTS qualification.
• HNC/HND Building Studies qualification or equivalent demonstrated experience.
• A level 4/5 qualification in Leadership & Management or a willingness to work towards this if required.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Annual Mears Fun Day - Our annual Fun Day is organised as a massive thank you from the Executive team for all the hard work!
• Volunteering Leave - Mears supports employees to undertake paid volunteering in the community, in support of our social value commitment.
• Staff perks with Mears Rewards - discounts of up to 10% weekly groceries, holidays, eye test vouchers, Share save scheme, plus much more.
• Family friendly policies.
• Company Car Allowance.
• Access to EAP Counselling sessions.

All our roles require candidates to have the entitlement to work within the UK, Mears does not currently offer visa sponsorship.

To drive a Mears vehicle, you must be aged over 21 have held your licence over 3 months and have less than 9 points.

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

If you need any help with your application process, we are here to support you. We will be accessible every step of the way. At Mears Group, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, we are a Disability Confident employer, valuing individuality and ensuring equal opportunities for all.

We proudly support the Armed Forces Covenant and are honoured to have achieved the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) to coincide with this, we hold an Endorser Award for the Career Transition Partnership, recognising our commitment to veterans transitioning into civilian careers.

In our continued effort to promote social mobility, we invite applicants to voluntarily share their background information during the application stages to help us better understand the diverse experiences of our candidates. This is to ensure we are committed to improving social mobility. We use the Social Mobility Index to assess and enhance opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. These questions are optional and will not impact your ability to apply.