At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep our estates clean and welcoming while working independently and as part of a team.
- Company: Join SettleParadigm, the largest housing group in the region with a social purpose.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, health cash plan, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Access to training, volunteering days, and mental health support available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Good cleaning knowledge, friendly attitude, and a full clean UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 30005 - 30005 £ per year.
Salary: £30,005 plus excellent benefits
Office location: Chesham or High Wycombe
Working area: Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
Contract: 12-month fixed term contract
Hours: 37 hours per week.
Are you looking to join a growing, values‑led organisation with a clear social purpose? At SettleParadigm, we’re proud to be the largest housing group in the region, managing over 30,000 homes across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire. Everything we do is about delivering excellent services, high quality homes, neighbourhoods we can be proud of and maximising the number of new affordable homes we build. Through our merger we’ve brought together shared values, skills and ambition, so we can build more affordable homes and make an even bigger difference in the communities we serve. If you're ready to grow your career in a supportive, inclusive environment while helping to shape stronger communities, we’d love to welcome you on our journey. Together, we’re building a better future.
About The Role
As an Estates Caretaker/Cleaner, you will work across our estates in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, delivering a proactive and responsive cleaning service. You will work both independently and as part of a wider team, carrying out a range of cleaning and caretaking tasks to keep our estates in excellent condition. You will be a visible presence in our communities, helping to create safe, clean and welcoming environments for residents and visitors.
Key Responsibilities
- Clean communal areas across SettleParadigm properties
- Carry out tasks such as vacuuming, wiping surfaces, removing rubbish, cleaning toilets and restocking supplies
- Clean and sanitise bin rooms, ensure bins are accessible and assist refuse services when needed
- Remove litter, leaves, dog foul and waste from outdoor areas
- Clear gutters and gullies to prevent blockages
- Sweep hard surfaces and support with snow clearance and gritting during winter
- Clean lift interiors and keep panels and door runners clear
- Identify and report the need for deep or specialist cleans
- Maintain high health and safety standards at all times
- Report tenancy issues or concerns
- Keep accurate records of work using the required technology
- Order and safely store cleaning products and equipment
- Maintain cleanliness of bin stores and report collection issues
- Respond to emergencies when required
- Drive service vehicles safely and keep them clean and well maintained
- Provide basic advice to residents when on site
- Carry out any other reasonable duties as required
Must Haves
- Good understanding of cleaning techniques and best practice
- Knowledge of health and safety relating to cleaning materials and equipment
- Friendly, tactful and confident when dealing with the public
- Ability to handle confidential information appropriately
- Full clean UK driving licence
- Willingness to work flexibly and cover other sites when needed
- Ability to keep inventories and report repairs
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work well as part of a team
Nice To Haves
- Pride in your work and a commitment to delivering a great service
- Strong customer service skills
Benefits
- Annual salary: £30,005 per annum
- 25 days holiday, increasing with service, plus Christmas closure and buy options
- Generous pension scheme – up to 9.5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice
- Family-friendly leave: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
- Health cash plan – claim up to £1,800 for everyday health costs (plus free kids’ cover)
- Life cover and income protection
- Flexible working – hybrid options, modern offices, free parking & EV charging
Additional Perks
- Mental Health First Aiders available to support
- Car leasing via salary sacrifice (for permanent colleagues subject to conditions)
- Funded training, qualifications & apprenticeships
- 3 paid volunteering days in the local communities
- Peer-recognition rewards platform
- Paid professional subscription (one per year)
Working Hours
37 hours per week
08:00 - 16:30 Monday - Thursday
08:00 - 16:00 Friday
Our Commitment
We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce, by reflecting and representing the diversity of the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disadvantaged socio‑economic backgrounds; people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from underrepresented groups.
Accessibility and Adjustments
We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in advance of any suitable arrangements required.
Due to the nature of some of our roles involving work with vulnerable members of society, this post may be subject to a basic or enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be carried out when a conditional offer is made.
Estates Caretaker (12m FTC) employer: Paradigm Housing Group
SettleParadigm is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact in their communities. With competitive benefits such as a generous pension scheme, health cash plan, and opportunities for professional development, we prioritise the well-being and growth of our team members. Join us in Chesham or High Wycombe to be part of a values-led organisation dedicated to building affordable homes and creating safe, welcoming neighbourhoods.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estates Caretaker (12m FTC)
✨Tap into Local Networks
For temporary roles in janitorial and cleaning services, it's super effective to connect with local property managers, event venues, and schools. These places often need temporary staff for events or seasonal cleaning, so don’t hesitate to reach out directly and see if they’re hiring!
✨Check Out Community Job Boards
Don’t overlook community job boards and local Facebook groups focused on gig work. Many times, businesses post short-term openings there. Join those groups, keep an eye out for postings, and be ready to jump on opportunities when they come up!
✨Show Up in Person
For temporary jobs like these, sometimes showing up in person can make a big difference. If you spot a business in your area that looks like they might need cleaning help, pop in and ask if they’re looking for short-term workers. A friendly face goes a long way!
✨Post Your Availability Online
Create a quick profile on platforms popular in the cleaning services sector, like Gumtree or local job sites, and list your availability. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience. This can help businesses find you quickly for temporary work opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Estates Caretaker (12m FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in janitorial and cleaning services, make sure to showcase any previous cleaning or maintenance jobs you've held. We want to see your skills in action, so mention specific tasks you've completed, like floor care or waste management, and any equipment you're familiar with!
Certifications Matter!:If you've got any certifications that relate to health and safety, or specific cleaning techniques, flaunt them in your application. These can really set you apart from the crowd, showing that you know the importance of maintaining a clean and safe environment.
Tailor Your Availability:Since this is a temporary position, it’s super important to be clear about your availability in your cover letter. Let us know when you can start and how flexible you can be with hours. The more straightforward you are, the easier it is for us to see if you’re the right fit for our needs at Paradigm Housing Group.
Keep It Straightforward:For a temporary role, we aren’t looking for a lengthy novel in your CV or cover letter. Stick to the essentials — your experience, skills, and a brief personal touch about why you want to work with us at Paradigm Housing Group. Short and sweet is the way to go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Paradigm Housing Group
✨Know Your Cleaning Techniques
In a janitorial role, it's key to showcase your knowledge of different cleaning methods and products. Be ready to discuss your experience with various tidying techniques, whether it's deep cleaning, waste management or floor care. They might even ask you about how you handle specific cleaning challenges, so having a couple of examples up your sleeve will help us shine!
✨Safety First!
Understanding safety protocols is crucial in cleaning services. Make sure you're familiar with health and safety regulations relevant to the industry, like using personal protective equipment (PPE) and handling chemicals safely. Prepare to share how you ensure a safe working environment, as this will definitely resonate with your interviewers at Paradigm Housing Group.
✨Flexibility Over Everything
Since you're applying for a temporary role, emphasise your availability and adaptability. Be prepared to discuss how you can adjust to different cleaning environments, shifting schedules, and varying tasks. Highlighting your willingness to jump into any assignment will make you stand out and show us you're the right fit for Paradigm Housing Group.
✨Show Off Your Past Experience
If you’ve done janitorial work before, bring along your references or any previous feedback you've received. Temporary roles often rely heavily on past performance, so having tangible examples or even a brief portfolio of your work can help us demonstrate your ability to meet and exceed expectations at Paradigm Housing Group.
