At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of engineers delivering responsive repairs and installations across West Kent.
- Company: Kent-based Housing Association focused on community and service improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent position, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in housing maintenance while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in repairs management and proven leadership skills required.
- Other info: Office base in Sevenoaks with travel across West Kent; flexible working hours.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 64000 £ per year.
We are working with a Kent based Housing Association who are seeking an experienced Repairs Manager to lead a team of engineers delivering responsive repairs and installations across West Kent and surrounding areas.
This is a key operational role, responsible for driving performance, compliance, customer satisfaction and continuous service improvement. You will manage a field-based workforce, oversee day-to-day delivery, and deputise for the Operations Manager when required.
Responsibilities
- Line manage a team of engineers, including performance reviews, training and absence management
- Lead delivery of responsive repairs and installations, ensuring work is completed on time, within budget and to quality standards
- Oversee planned replacement and upgrade of heating and hot water systems
- Manage workforce capacity and scheduling to maximise productivity
- Improve first-time fix rates through van stock control, coaching and root cause analysis
- Carry out quality checks and safety audits to ensure full compliance with H&S, gas safety and industry regulations
- Work closely with planners, schedulers and subcontractors to resolve issues
- Support engineers with toolbox talks and ongoing skills development
- Respond to resident feedback and complaints, including face-to-face meetings where required
- Maintain accurate compliance records, cost controls and reporting
- Prepare service reports and contribute to service development and innovation
Requirements
- Strong experience in responsive repairs / housing maintenance
- Proven management experience of field-based teams
- Contract and KPI management experience
- Up-to-date knowledge of gas safety, asbestos and H&S legislation
- Relevant trade qualification (NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience)
- IOSH Managing Safely (or similar)
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable:
- Gas Safe / NICEIC (or equivalent)
- Formal management qualification (ILM / CMI)
- Knowledge of housing legislation and Decent Homes Standards
- Experience using housing or repairs scheduling systems
Additional information
- Permanent position
- Office base: Sevenoaks, Kent (with travel across West Kent)
- 42 hours per week (Mon–Thu 8am–5.30pm, Fri 8am–5pm)
- On-call rota and occasional evening/weekend working
- DBS required (paid for by employer)
Contact: James at Service Care Solutions
Repairs Manager in Kent employer: Service Care Solutions
Contact Detail:
Service Care Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Repairs Manager in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the housing sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a Repairs Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of gas safety, H&S legislation, and the latest in housing maintenance. We want you to be the go-to expert in the room, so practice answering questions about your experience managing field teams and improving service delivery.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in managing engineers and driving performance. Share specific examples of how you've improved first-time fix rates or handled resident feedback.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals like you to join our team and make a difference in the housing sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Repairs Manager in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Repairs Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing field-based teams and any relevant qualifications you have. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've improved performance or customer satisfaction in previous roles. This helps us see the impact you've made.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Avoid jargon and make sure your points are easy to understand. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the point!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of responsive repairs and housing maintenance. Be ready to discuss your experience managing field-based teams and how you've handled performance reviews and training in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your management experience, especially in driving performance and compliance. Think about times when you've improved customer satisfaction or resolved issues with your team, as these will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Regulations
Familiarise yourself with gas safety, H&S legislation, and any relevant industry standards. Being able to discuss how you ensure compliance and carry out safety audits will demonstrate your commitment to quality and safety.
✨Engage with the Role's Challenges
Be ready to talk about how you would tackle common challenges in the role, such as improving first-time fix rates or managing workforce capacity. Showing that you can think critically about these issues will set you apart from other candidates.