At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to deliver high-quality repairs and maintenance to housing properties.
- Company: Mears Group, a leader in social housing services.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, staff perks, and volunteering opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in repairs and maintenance, good communication skills, and a full UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 29426 - 29426 £ per year.
Annual salary: up to £29,426.25
Location: Newcastle, Sunderland & Gateshead
Salary: £29,426.25 per annum plus commercial vehicle and fuel card
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time, 42.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
About the Role:
We are seeking a reliable and motivated General Operative to join our local team, delivering high-quality repairs, planned maintenance, and refurbishment work to housing properties. This will be a combination of occupied and void properties. The role requires a focus on excellent customer service, strict adherence to health and safety standards, and the efficient completion of tasks within agreed timelines and budgets. You will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of workmanship while maintaining a professional appearance, using company equipment responsibly, and supporting a positive experience for all service users.
Key Responsibilities:
- Carrying out property inspections
- Complete general repairs, maintenance, and refurbishment works to a high standard and on schedule. To include but not limited to: Changing light bulbs, popping blinds, silicone, recurring doors
- Check smoke alarms as part of property inspections
- Meeting landlords onsite to give access
- Take ownership of tasks, aiming for first-time completion within budget and time constraints.
- Deliver exceptional customer service, maintaining professionalism in all interactions and ensuring a positive customer experience.
- Accurately record all work electronically using a handheld device (PDA), including worksheets, timesheets, photographs, stock management, risk assessments, and method statements.
- Maintain company assets, including vehicles and equipment, reporting any damage promptly.
- Manage materials and stock in line with standard operating procedures.
- Attend required meetings and training sessions.
- Participate in emergency call-out cover when necessary to support contract compliance and service user satisfaction.
Key Criteria:
- Experience in a similar role
- Experience working in social housing and planned works
- Ability to complete general repairs and maintenance on properties
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Full UK driving license
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
- 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.
As part of the recruitment process for this role, we will carry out a Background, Identity, Security clearance & BPSS check. For these checks to be completed, we will require from you the relevant identification, including Proof of Address, References, a valid passport and proof that you have lived in the UK for the last 5 years.
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.
General Operative in Gateshead employer: Mears Group
Mears Group is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and compliance in the field. With generous benefits such as a company van, fuel card, and 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, employees are encouraged to maintain a healthy work-life balance while growing their skills in a dynamic environment across Northeast England.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Operative in Gateshead
✨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 General Operative in Gateshead
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 Mears Group'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 Mears Group. 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 Mears Group
✨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 Mears Group.
